Hanbury Gardens: Botany as a Way of Life

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Articolo del September 20, 2026. Pubblicato in Museums and what to visit

Overlooking the sea between Ventimiglia and Menton, the Hanbury Botanical Gardens are one of the most extraordinary places on the Riviera dei Fiori. They are not simply a park, but the result of a passion that transformed a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean into one of Europe's most important botanical gardens. Walking along paths, panoramic terraces and among thousands of plant species from every continent, it becomes clear that, for the Hanbury family, botany was much more than a scientific interest: it was a true way of life.

The Vision of Sir Thomas Hanbury

The story of the gardens began in 1867, when the English merchant Sir Thomas Hanbury purchased the former Villa Orengo and the surrounding land at Capo Mortola. Fascinated by the mild climate of the Ligurian Riviera, he imagined a place where plants from all over the world could be collected and acclimatised. With the help of his brother Daniel and the renowned botanist Ludwig Winter, he soon transformed the estate into an international botanical laboratory. Over the following decades, species arrived from Australia, Asia, Africa, South America and North America. The particular microclimate of Mortola, protected by the mountains and overlooking the sea, allows many of these plants to thrive even today.

A Journey Across Five Continents

Visiting the Hanbury Gardens means taking a true botanical journey. Along the paths you will encounter monumental palms, giant cacti, aloes, agaves, bamboo, eucalyptus, tropical plants, historic citrus trees and an extraordinary collection of Mediterranean species. Each season brings different colours and fragrances, from spectacular spring blooms and the scent of citrus trees to the flowering of succulents during summer. With more than 5,000 plant species, the Hanbury Gardens are today considered one of Europe's most important acclimatisation gardens.

The Mediterranean Always in View

One of the elements that makes the visit unique is the constant dialogue between botany and the landscape. Every path offers views of the sea, while panoramic terraces and pergolas allow visitors to admire the Mediterranean from constantly changing perspectives. On clear days, the view stretches along the Ligurian coast towards Menton and the Principality of Monaco, creating a perfect combination of nature and scenery. It is no coincidence that many photographers consider this one of the most photogenic places on the Riviera dei Fiori.

Villa Hanbury

At the heart of the gardens stands Villa Hanbury, an elegant 19th-century residence overlooking the promontory. It tells the story of the family behind this extraordinary project and remains the symbolic heart of the complex. Over the years, the botanical heritage has been expanded and protected and eventually became part of the University of Genoa, which continues to oversee the conservation, scientific research and development of the gardens.

A Curiosity: An Open-Air Botanical Laboratory

From the very beginning, the Hanbury Gardens were not conceived simply as an ornamental garden. Many species were studied to understand their ability to adapt to the Mediterranean climate, and some were introduced to Europe for the first time thanks to experiments carried out at Mortola. Even today, researchers, botanists and students from around the world visit the gardens for research, study and biodiversity conservation activities.

When to Visit the Hanbury Gardens

Each season offers a different experience, although spring is probably the most spectacular period, with numerous species in bloom and ideal temperatures for walking. Autumn is also particularly enjoyable, thanks to the intense light and the peaceful atmosphere that returns after summer. A visit usually takes around two to three hours and follows paths descending through ancient trees, botanical collections and panoramic terraces.

A Perfect Stop for Exploring the Surrounding Area

The Hanbury Gardens are ideally located for exploring the far western part of Liguria. Within a few minutes you can reach the Balzi Rossi, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Liguria, the historic centre of Ventimiglia Alta, the medieval village of Dolceacqua or nearby Menton, just across the French border. For lovers of slow travel, the Hanbury Gardens are an essential stop on an itinerary combining nature, history and culture.

A Passion Continuing for More Than 150 Years

More than simply a botanical garden, the Hanbury Gardens tell an extraordinary story of curiosity, research and a passion for nature. Sir Thomas Hanbury succeeded in transforming a hillside overlooking the sea into a place that continues to amaze thousands of visitors from around the world. Walking along these paths means discovering how botany can become a universal language capable of connecting people, cultures and continents. For anyone visiting the Riviera dei Fiori, the Hanbury Gardens are not only one of the area's most important attractions, but an experience that invites you to slow down, observe and be amazed by the extraordinary richness of nature.