Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Santa Maria - Santa Maria, RS
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Orto Botanico ed Erbario

4.2
·309 reviews·Ferrara, Italy

A compact 18th-century botanical garden featuring diverse plant species and a delightful population of active turtles.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Spring/Early Summer

Peak bloom and active wildlife

CrowdMedium
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Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Santa Maria - Santa Maria, RS

Orto Botanico ed Erbario

Best Time

Late Spring/Early Summer

Peak bloom and active wildlife

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A compact 18th-century botanical garden featuring diverse plant species and a delightful population of active turtles.

4.2
(309 reviews)

"Small but surprisingly nice botanical garden if you have time you should visit this great place."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐢 Turtle Spotting Fun

The turtles are a highlight! Keep an eye out for them basking or swimming in the water features. 🐢

🦟 Mosquito Repellent is Key

Don't forget bug spray, especially during warmer months. Mosquitos can be quite active here. :smilingfacewith_tear:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 309 reviews

Type

Botanical Garden

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Active Turtles

Active Turtles

Scattered throughout the garden

Spot numerous active turtles basking and swimming – a delightful surprise for many visitors.

Diverse Plant Collection

Diverse Plant Collection

Throughout the grounds and greenhouses

Discover around 700 species of plants, including unusual varieties and a notable orchid collection.

Tranquil Benches

Tranquil Benches

Various scenic spots

Numerous benches invite you to sit, relax, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere and garden views.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Pace

Don't rush through this charming botanical garden. While it's compact, take time to relax on the benches and truly appreciate the diverse plant species and the active turtles. It's designed for quiet enjoyment, not a quick walkthrough.

Beat the Bugs & Heat

Mosquitos can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. Consider bringing repellent. The gardens offer welcome shade, making it a refreshing escape from the sun, but plan accordingly for comfort.

Best Times

When
Late Spring/Early Summer
Why
Peak bloom and active wildlife
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dr. Vic Toria is here to share the fruits of his truly mad labor, with his most monstrous Victoria amazonica leaf of the summer ready to flex its muscles. How much weight will we manage to hold this year, and will we come out on top against our competitors around the world? A little weird science should certainly help our chances!   Shoutout to @Denver Botanic Gardens for gathering the botanical ...
@nybg
12.2K likes • 46.5K views

🐢 Turtle Spotting Fun

The turtles are a highlight! Keep an eye out for them basking or swimming in the water features. 🐢

🦟 Mosquito Repellent is Key

Don't forget bug spray, especially during warmer months. Mosquitos can be quite active here. :smilingfacewith_tear:

😌 Relax and Unwind

This garden is small; embrace its size by finding a bench and enjoying the peaceful ambiance. :relaxed:

🌸 Greenhouse Wonders

Explore the greenhouses for a wider variety of plants, including orchids, even if not all are in bloom. :evergreen_tree:

Tips

from all over the internet

🐢 Turtle Spotting Fun

The turtles are a highlight! Keep an eye out for them basking or swimming in the water features. 🐢

🦟 Mosquito Repellent is Key

Don't forget bug spray, especially during warmer months. Mosquitos can be quite active here. :smilingfacewith_tear:

😌 Relax and Unwind

This garden is small; embrace its size by finding a bench and enjoying the peaceful ambiance. :relaxed:

🌸 Greenhouse Wonders

Explore the greenhouses for a wider variety of plants, including orchids, even if not all are in bloom. :evergreen_tree:

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Stroll

Allow about 20-30 minutes for a slow walk to truly appreciate the flora and fauna. 🚶

What Travellers Say

4.2
(309 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Orto Botanico ed Erbario to be a charming, albeit small, botanical garden. The highlight for many is the abundance of active turtles, adding a unique appeal. While some note it's under maintenance or a bit unkempt, others praise its well-kept nature and the peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.

"Firstly, the gardens are quite small but unlike some have said I found them well looked after.

While it may take only about 20 minutes to walk around, this somewhat misses the point. There are a good number of chairs and benches scattered around the garden, allowing the visitor to sit and relax and enjoy the view with varying species of plants at different locations.

So don't rush round just reading about the various plant life, immerse yourself and relax.

I enjoyed it on that basis :+)"

Lorenzo

"It's small and under maintenance, so this limited what we had access to during our visit. However, admission is free and we were still able to enjoy beautiful flowers, sweet turtles, and the refreshing shade as a wonderful escape from the heat of the sun. Visit the art gallery and cafe just around the corner to make this a full-day itinerary."

Arbor of the Vine

"Established in the 18th century, this now contains around 700 species of plants in the grounds of the Palazzo Turchi di Bagno. Sadly there were lots of damned mosquitos too but we spent about an hour wandering up and down through the grounds and enjoying some of the unusual varieties as well as the turtles. The greenhouses have lots more plants including a large collection of orchids although very few were still in flower this late in the year."

Marcus Hurley

What People Like

Active turtles
Free admission
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Small size
Mosquitos
Maintenance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Orto Botanico ed Erbario is located within the grounds of the Palazzo Turchi di Bagno. Public transport options in the city will likely be the most convenient way to reach the area. Check local transit maps for specific bus or tram routes.

Parking availability can vary in city centers. It's advisable to check for nearby public parking garages or street parking regulations before your visit. Relying on public transport might be easier.

Yes, it is generally accessible by public transport. Consult local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and stops near Palazzo Turchi di Bagno.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Orto Botanico ed Erbario is free, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all visitors. 🎟️

Opening hours can vary, and parts of the garden may be under maintenance. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most current operating times before your visit.

Since admission is free, advance booking is not required. You can typically visit at your leisure during their operating hours.

The garden may have specific operating hours and could be subject to closures for maintenance or special events. Always verify current hours before planning your trip.

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that about 20-30 minutes is sufficient for a leisurely stroll through the gardens. However, you can extend your visit by relaxing on the benches and enjoying the atmosphere.

While the garden itself is focused on plants and turtles, nearby attractions like art galleries and cafes can complement your visit, offering amenities and dining options.

The main attractions include the diverse collection of around 700 plant species, the active turtles, and the peaceful ambiance enhanced by numerous benches for relaxation.

Yes, children often enjoy spotting the turtles and exploring the different plants. The manageable size makes it easy for them to navigate.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Given the potential for mosquitos, consider wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during warmer months. :athletic_shoe:

📸 📸 Photography

Look for picturesque scenes with the turtles, interesting plant textures, and the interplay of light and shadow on the foliage. The greenhouses can also offer unique photographic opportunities.

Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the plants or wildlife.

Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the garden staff or their official guidelines to ensure compliance, especially during busy periods.

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