PADUA BOTANICAL GARDEN - ITALY


The Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico) of Padua was founded in 1545 for the growth and study of medicinal plants, called "Horto medicinale", as plants were in that time the most used resource for medical treatment of diseases. It is regarded as the first university botanical garden in the world. 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.

Link:
Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua