Italy: Orto Botanico di Napoli

Introduction to Orto Botanico di Napoli

Centrally located and adjacent to the medieval part of the city, this botanical garden revealed itself to be an autonomous sanctuary of nature and peace amid the loud chaotic city. At its front and entrance is a 3 story wall where the garden was built up to create a more or level less  space on a gradually rising hillside.  There is no entrance fee (the Orto Botanico is not even listed as a tourist destination!).

I spent a few hours exploring the different sections and only came across one other visitor. He was from Germany and he told me about Goethe’s interest in botany. There was a brief thunder storm during my visit which only added to the ‘magical atmosphere’ of the place.