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Botanic Garden and Museum

Located just a few steps from Piazza del Duomo, the University of Pisa's Botanic Garden and Museum—the first university botanic garden ever founded—spans approximately two hectares. It houses plants from five continents, succulents from African and American deserts, aromatic plants from the Mediterranean scrub, species from Tuscan marshes, numerous centuries-old trees, and many other botanical species. Inside is the Botanic Museum, also known as the “Palazzo delle Conchiglie” (Seashell Palace) due to the unique decoration of its facade.

SAN MATTEO NATIONAL MUSEUM

Founded in 1543 by the naturalist, physician, and botanist Luca Ghini (1490-1556), it is the first and oldest university botanic garden in the world. Originally established on the banks of the Arno River, it was moved to its current location in 1591 and progressively expanded to its present size of about two hectares. It hosts a wide variety of plants from five continents: succulents from African and American deserts, aromatic plants from the Mediterranean scrub, species from Tuscan marshes, and numerous centuries-old trees. The Botanic Museum, housed in the premises of the ancient foundry—also known as the “Palazzo delle Conchiglie” for its unique facade decoration—preserves portraits of illustrious botanists collected since 1591 in the gallery, which at the time served as the entrance to the Botanic Garden. Also on display are objects related to the teaching of botany from the late 18th century, some of which, such as the wax and plaster botanical models and the watercolor teaching plates, are true works of art. Thanks to two multimedia stations, it is possible to take a virtual tour of the historic plant collections of the Herbarium, kept in the building at the center of the Botanic Garden, which is accessible only to scholars and by appointment.