World Heritage Identification Number: 824
World Heritage since: 1997
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇮🇹 Italy
Continent: Europe
UNESCO World Region: Europe and North America
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The Orto Botanico di Padova: A Historical Journey into the World's First Academic Botanical Garden
The Orto Botanico di Padova, located in the heart of the city of Padua, Italy, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of scientific exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. Established in June 1545, this botanical garden holds the distinction of being the world's oldest academic botanical garden still in its original location.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The world's first botanical garden was created in Padua in 1545. It still preserves its original layout – a circular central plot, symbolizing the world, surrounded by a ring of water. Other elements were added later, some architectural (ornamental entrances and balustrades) and some practical (pumping installations and greenhouses). It continues to serve its original purpose as a centre for scientific research.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
The Committee decided to inscribe this property on the basis of criteria (ii) and (iii), considering that the Botanical Garden of Padua is the original of all botanical gardens throughout the world, and represents the birth of science, of scientific exchanges, and understanding of the relationship between nature and culture. It has made a profound contribution to the development of many modern scientific disciplines, notably botany, medicine, chemistry, ecology, and pharmacy.
Encyclopedia Record: Orto botanico di Padova
The Orto Botanico di Padova is a botanical garden in Padua, in the northeastern part of Italy. Founded in June 1545 by the Venetian Republic, it is the world's oldest academic botanical garden that is still in its original location. The garden – operated by the University of Padua and owned by the Italian government – encompasses roughly 22,000 square meters (240,000 sq ft), and is known for its special collections and historical design.Additional Site Details
Area: 2.2 hectares
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
Coordinates: 45.39911111 , 11.88066667
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