Orto Botanico di Lucca
A serene urban oasis founded in 1820, featuring diverse plant collections, an arboretum, and a tranquil pond.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming flowers, pleasant temps
Orto Botanico di Lucca
Best Time
Blooming flowers, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis founded in 1820, featuring diverse plant collections, an arboretum, and a tranquil pond.
"A lovely little botanical garden tucked away in beautiful Lucca, with interesting plants to discover."
Check Greenhouse Status
Confirm if greenhouses are open before your visit, as they can be closed without notice. :informationdeskperson:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on paths, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Arboretum
Central area
Wander among mature trees, a testament to the garden's history and a peaceful green sanctuary.
Pond and Bog Garden
Southern section
Discover aquatic plants and unique flora adapted to wet environments, a fascinating micro-ecosystem.
Greenhouses
Various locations
Explore diverse tropical and exotic plants, though check accessibility as they can sometimes be closed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Tickets & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Greenhouse Status
Confirm if greenhouses are open before your visit, as they can be closed without notice. :informationdeskperson:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on paths, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with City Walls
The garden is near the city walls; consider a walk on the walls for great views. :world_map:
Allow an Hour
It's a lovely, well-maintained garden, perfect for a relaxing hour-long stroll. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Greenhouse Status
Confirm if greenhouses are open before your visit, as they can be closed without notice. :informationdeskperson:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on paths, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with City Walls
The garden is near the city walls; consider a walk on the walls for great views. :world_map:
Allow an Hour
It's a lovely, well-maintained garden, perfect for a relaxing hour-long stroll. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Orto Botanico di Lucca to be a clean, well-maintained, and pleasant garden offering a good variety of plants. It's a peaceful escape within the city walls, perfect for a relaxing hour-long visit. However, some guests have been disappointed by closed greenhouses without prior notice and find the €6 entrance fee slightly high given these limitations.
"The Botanical Garden of Lucca is a well-maintained and clean space, offering an interesting variety of plants and trees. Although the garden is relatively small, it provides a pleasant experience, and we spent about an hour exploring it. Unfortunately, all the greenhouses were closed during our visit, and no prior information about this was provided at the entrance. Visitors should note that the entrance is located on the southern side, accessible from the city wall; other gates were closed. The admission fee is €6, which feels somewhat high given that parts of the garden, such as the greenhouses, were not accessible."
Albert Kircher
"Quite a nice botanical garden! I almost didn’t go after being disappointed by the one in Pisa. But I’m glad I went! Big variety, well-kept, composting present, you can tell the garden staff enjoy their job. Well marked and good signage. Exceeded my expectations"
Kelly Maher
"Small, well maintained, diverse plant collection. If you have never visited a botanical garden, this is for you. World class."
Ate Berga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Orto Botanico is located within the historic center of Lucca, just below the city walls. The main entrance is on the southern side, accessible from the wall path. It's easily reachable on foot from most points within the city. 
Parking within Lucca's historic center is limited and often restricted. It's best to park in one of the designated parking lots outside the city walls and walk or cycle in.
Lucca is well-served by regional buses and trains. Once you arrive in Lucca, the botanical garden is a pleasant walk from the main bus and train stations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is €6 per person. Some visitors have mentioned it feels a bit high, especially if certain sections like the greenhouses are closed.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website or contact the garden directly for the most up-to-date information, as some areas like greenhouses may have different access times or be closed.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival at the garden's entrance.
Some visitors have noted combined ticket options that might include other Lucca attractions, such as towers. It's worth inquiring at the ticket office or checking local tourist information.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The garden features a diverse collection including an arboretum, a pond with aquatic plants, a bog garden, and various themed plant collections. You can also find tropical plants in the greenhouses. +1
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the garden. It's a well-maintained and pleasant space for a leisurely stroll.
Yes, children can enjoy the garden's open spaces and diverse plant life. It's a calm environment for families to explore nature.
Restroom facilities are typically available within the garden. There isn't a cafe on-site, but Lucca has many dining options nearby.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged. It's a beautiful spot for nature photography.
📸 📸 Photography
The arboretum with its mature trees, the colorful pond area, and the diverse flora in the greenhouses offer excellent photo opportunities. The garden's tranquil atmosphere also lends itself to beautiful shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in botanical gardens and public spaces to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and the environment. It's best to assume it's not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most flattering conditions for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack some snacks and water, as there are no cafes inside. The garden is easily accessible and manageable for strollers. Consider it a peaceful interlude during your Lucca adventure, offering a chance for discovery without overwhelming little ones.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
+1Combine your visit with a walk along the Lucca city walls for a well-rounded experience. The garden offers a beautiful backdrop for photography and a chance to appreciate botanical diversity. It's a small but charming gem that provides a refreshing change of scenery.
+1🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers
While the greenhouses can sometimes be a point of contention if closed, the outdoor collections are robust and well-maintained. It's a chance to see plants that might be unfamiliar, and the garden's history adds another layer of interest. It's a world-class botanical garden in a charming setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Legacy: History of the Orto Botanico
Over the years, the garden has been meticulously maintained and expanded, showcasing a diverse range of flora. It features distinct sections like an arboretum, a pond with aquatic plants, and greenhouses dedicated to tropical species. This careful curation allows visitors to experience a variety of plant ecosystems in a relatively compact space, making it a valuable resource for both botanists and casual visitors alike.
The garden continues to play a role in plant conservation and education, offering a peaceful retreat and a place to learn about the natural world. Its integration into the fabric of Lucca provides a serene counterpoint to the city's bustling historical sites, inviting a moment of quiet contemplation amidst nature's wonders.
Navigating the Garden: Layout and Key Features
+1Further exploration leads to specialized areas such as the pond and bog garden, where unique aquatic and semi-aquatic plants thrive. These sections highlight the adaptations of flora to specific water conditions. The garden also boasts greenhouses that house a variety of tropical and exotic species, though it's important to note that these can sometimes be closed for maintenance or due to weather conditions.
Signage throughout the garden provides information on plant names and origins, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit. Benches are strategically placed, inviting visitors to pause and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. The garden's relatively small size makes it easily navigable within an hour, yet rich enough to offer a fulfilling experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit