Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden), Leiden (must see)

The Botanical Garden is one of the oldest gardens in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. It is located in the southwestern part of the historical center of Leiden, by the old Observatory. The Garden was authorized for the University of Leiden in 1587. It was intended for the benefit of medical students. Famous Botanist Carolus Clusius was appointed Prefect.

The original Garden, set up by Clusius, held more than one thousand species of plants. There were many new plants brought by the Dutch East India Company. Today there are more than 10,000 species from around the world thriving in different beds. There is a flesh-eating collection and collections of ancient cycads.

The University works with the Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity in the research and cultivation of endangered species of plants. Botanical Garden dates from 1744. Tropical greenhouses are from 1938 and a Winter Garden from 2000.

The Japanese Garden, which opened in 1990, reflects the exchange of plants and knowledge among cultures. The jewel in the crown of the Botanical Garden, the Amazon Water Lily, may be worshiped in the Victoria Greenhouse. A reconstruction of Clusius' original garden, based on a plant list dating from the end of the 16th century, was opened in 2009.

Once only open to students and serious researchers, the Botanical Garden is now open to the public. Admire the gardens and greenhouses and visit the cafe terrace for lunch. The Botanical Garden is also available for wedding ceremonies.