Hortus Botanicus Lovaniensis, Leuven, Belgium

The Hortus Botanicus Lovaniensis is the oldest botanical garden of Belgium, dating from 1738. The botanical garden has always been linked with the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. It first aim was to provide herbs for medical use. Later, the gardens became used for study purposes and they hosted an extensive collection of ornamental plants, cultivated plants that could possibly be used for economic purposes and rare plants. Despite the differentiating in use, in popular language the garden is still called the Dutch equivalent for 'herbgarden' (Kruidtuin).

Nowadays the Botanical Garden is maintained by the municipality of Leuven. In contrast with many other botanical gardens, this garden has free access and is used extensively by tourists and citizens alike. The garden functions sometimes as a place of exhibition for contemporary art.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Vladislav Vlasov (28 days ago)
After living in Leuven for the past two years, I finally managed to make it to the local botanical garden. And now I feel quite bitter for not paying a visit earlier! Though the grounds themselves are not larger, the garden is beatifully arranged and maintained.

Jaydude007 (6 months ago)
Amazing landscaping with many varieties of plants and trees. Giant maple trees and a huge greenhouse with plants that wouldn't survive the winter. If you like plants, you will love this place. Bravo to the gardeners that care for this place.

Ngân Hà (Mil) (7 months ago)
It is a large garden with a wide range of plants and it is divided into many areas both indoors and outdoors. In spring, most of plants here are blooming and full of colors. We can explore plants in different living conditions. I can find plants from my country, a tropical country, though it is far away from home now. It is totally free and there are many chairs to sit and enjoy the atmosphere here.

Alex Melnytskyy (9 months ago)
My favourite place in Leuven, big and green. You can come any season and find bloom flowers and green fields. Entrance is free, very clean, good place to come with family or friends

Simone (10 months ago)
Magical. A great experience (for free) in a botanic gardens which is very rich in species, bees, and well-taken care of. A must-see when in Leuven. A nice open-air experience in every season of the year. Very charming even in winter. Open also on Sundays.

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