University of Wrocław Botanical Garden

Wrocław, Poland, Poland

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The University of Wrocław Botanical Garden, established in 1811, is the second oldest botanical garden in Poland and located in Ostrów Tumski, near the Gothic Wrocław Cathedral.

It was founded primarily for the university’s medical students and initially covered about 5 hectares, including part of an old fortified site and a former branch of the River Oder, which now forms a large lily pond. The garden was developed by notable early directors such as Heinrich Friedrich Link and Franz Heyde, expanding its collections to include around 7,500 species of plants today, with a special arboretum showcasing notable trees like bald cypress, giant sequoia, and dawn redwoods, some of which are protected as natural monuments.

The garden suffered damage during World War II but was restored and expanded over the following decades, including the addition of a geological Alpine garden and a satellite arboretum in Wojsławice, renowned for rhododendrons and rare conifers.

It functions as both a scientific research center and a public space combining rich biodiversity with historical and architectural heritage, offering visitors a chance to explore varied plant collections and enjoy peaceful green spaces within the historic city center.