Botanical Garden, Zagreb

The Botanical Garden in Zagreb is a carefully designed green space at the southern edge of the Lower Town, forming part of the city’s Green Horseshoe. It was founded in 1889 by Antun Heinz as part of the Faculty of Science at the University of Zagreb and officially opened in 1891. Covering around five hectares at an elevation of about 120 metres, the garden was established to support botanical research and teaching while remaining accessible to the public.

Today, it hosts more than 10,000 plant species, including around 1,800 exotic varieties. The layout is organized into themed sections that reflect both botanical classification and geographic origin. Visitors can explore native Croatian flora arranged to mirror natural habitats, including rock gardens, alongside collections of alpine, aquatic, and exotic plants. A systematic field is also included for educational use, particularly for university teaching.

The garden’s design incorporates a variety of landscape styles. Its arboretum follows the principles of English landscape gardening, with a wide range of trees and shrubs, while the western section near the glasshouses features a formal French-style flower parterre with geometric patterns. Fourteen greenhouses contain tropical and subtropical species, as well as plants used for research.

Man-made lakes and pools support marsh vegetation and attract birdlife, adding to the garden’s calm atmosphere.