Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden), Catania

The Botanical Garden of the University of Catania (Orto Botanico dell'Università di Catania) is a prominent botanical garden covering an area of 16,000 square meters. It is managed by the University of Catania's botany department and holds membership in the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).

The garden’s origins trace back to 1847 when an initial attempt to establish it was disrupted by the revolutions of 1848. It was successfully founded in 1858 by Francis Roccaforte Tornabene, a Benedictine monk and botanist. The first plantings, in 1862, featured specimens sourced from botanical gardens in Sweden, France, Naples, and Palermo. In 1865, thanks to a generous donation from Mario Coltraro, the garden expanded to include an area dedicated to indigenous Sicilian flora. In the early 1900s, the garden was further enriched by the creation of the Giardino Botanico "Nuova Gussonea" on Mount Etna, focusing on native mountain plants.

The Botanical Garden, revitalized after World War II damage and the 1958 loss of its Tepidario greenhouse, now spans two sections. The 13,000 square meters Hortus Generalis hosts exotic plants in limestone-bordered squares, with greenhouses for succulents, tropical species, and aquatic tanks. The 3,000 square meters Hortus Siculus focuses on Sicilian species, featuring lava-stone-bordered beds arranged by the botanical family.

The garden also boasts a striking neoclassical departmental building, adding architectural charm to this scientific and cultural landmark. The Orto Botanico stands as a testament to botanical heritage and research, offering visitors a unique glimpse into both exotic and native Sicilian plant species.