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Amsterdam's Hortus Botanicus

22nd August 2006

The Hortus Botanicus is located on the edge of the bustling city of Amsterdam and is one of the oldest examples of botanical gardens in the world.

Open year round, visitors can enjoy over 6,000 varieties of plants and 4,000 different species in the gardens as well as seven impressive climate controlled greenhouses. The gardens offer a great respite for visitors from the bustle of downtown Amsterdam.

Hortus Botanicus' heritage lies in its roots as a medicinal herb garden, which was set up by the Amsterdam City Council in 1638. It was originally used as a training centre for doctors and pharmacists who trained in herbal remedies in the wake of Europe's epidemic of bubonic plague.

Gardening enthusiasts will experience a resplendent collection of plants at the venue – many of which were brought over to Amsterdam along with herbs and spices by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th and 18th centuries. A plant that proves particularly popular among visitors is the garden's prized 300-year-old Eastern Cape giant cycad.

Visitors can catch a number of trams from the city centre to reach the Hortus Botanicus while the Metro Waterlooplein stop is also close by. There is 200-year-old Orangery in the centre of the gardens, which has an attractive outdoor café serving a range of tasty food and refreshing drinks.

© Adfero Ltd

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