A treasure of biodiversity in the heart of the city, it is the scientific and research garden of the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences – Unict.
It covers an area of approximately 16,000 m² and it is a very silent residence where all kinds of plants like different varieties of succulents, a rich collection of palm trees and spontaneous Sicilian plants live. It is the scientific and research garden of the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania and a precious green space for study and enjoyment for the city and for those who visit it.
The Botanical Garden of Catania is one of the museums of the University Museum System (SiMuA) that Officine Culturali manages within a special public-private partnership with the University of Catania. It is a place of research, study and training: today it hosts one of the headquarters of the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences.
We organize services for the fruition and education of environmental heritage aimed at conveying the importance of plants and different natural species. Thanks to trees, flowers and seeds from all over the world we talk about biodiversity, also as a tool for contact, dialogue and comparison between nature and communities.
Founded in 1858 by the monk, professor of botany and librarian Francesco Tornabene, it covers an area of approximately 16,000 m². The project is from the architect Mario Di Stefano who also built the neoclassical main building. Different collections live in the silence of its walkways: the main ones are succulents, palms and spontaneous Sicilian plants. Of particular interest are the collections in the “Sicilian Garden” and the Tepidarium which houses over 160 species.
With its collection of plants, it represents an oasis of protection and conservation of rare and endangered species: as in the case of Zelkova sicula which we find in the section dedicated to our island’s spontaneous species.
Visit the Botanical Garden of Catania independently or with the guided tours organized by Officine Culturali to take a journey to discover seeds, trees and flowers from all over the world and to discover more about the plants of Sicily.
Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm (last entry at 6pm) and Saturday from 9am to 2pm (last entry at 1pm). Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
It is possible to freely visit the Botanical Garden of Catania during opening hours or book a guided tour to learn more about the different species of the scientific garden of the University of Catania. The guided tours also take place during dedicated events and initiatives.
Free entry. Full ticket for guided tours €7,50 with different reductions.
Accessible to people with motor disabilities