The botanical gardens of the university of Pavia, built at the end of the 18th century for the purpose of study and research, have stayed intact despite the troubled years of World War II and its aftermath.

The gardens cover 5 acres and contain such a rich variety of flora that they attract experts and casual visitors in equal measure.

It’s hard to describe the feeling one gets exploring this beautiful garden, and even harder to list all the attractions but here a few highlights: the orchid conservatory, which currently houses plants from America and Asia; the tropical conservatory built in 1974 under the direction of famous botanist Ruggero Tomaselli, where the rarest and most extraordinary plants are housed, making it an explosion of colour and smells.

And, of course, a visit would not be complete without a stop at the majestic plane tree which was planted over 250 years ago when the botanical gardens were founded.

Open: all year
Opening times: variable
Admission: free