Botanical gardens have a long history. In Europe, they date back to ancient Greece. In Americas, the Aztecs, whose empire was established in what is now Mexico in about 1100A.D., created botanical gardens that served as centers of research and learning about native flora and plants from elsewhere. The value of studying plants was so important that the conquered tribes had to provide plants of their region among other goods and treasures to be naturalized and grown in Aztec botanical gardens.
Jardín Botánico, the Botanical Garden of Medellín, proudly continues a tradition of research, study and classification that roots in arboretums of the Aztec Empire.
The tale of Jardín Botánico goes back to the 19th century, when the land, where it is now located, was used for recreational family activities. In 1913, the area was transformed into El Bosque – the huge park (literally, the forest), which served the dual purpose of collecting and preserving local botanical specimens and providing entertainment for Medellin’s inhabitants. It had the racetrack, the lake with rowing boats, tennis courts, playgrounds, a restaurant with the dance floor… For 50 years, El Bosque was thriving. However, nothing lasts forever. The nearby area experienced a downturn combined with the emergence of red-light district, and El Bosque went into decline. Luckily for the ailing venue, Medellin was elected to the 7th World Orchid Conference in 1972. It became the milestone in the city history and the turning point in El Bosque fortune transforming it into the Botanical Garden as it is known today.
Jardín Botánico Joaquín Antonio Uribe was officially opened on April 19th, 1972. It is named after one of Antioquia’s most respected naturalists, Joaquín Antonio Uribe, and better known as simply Jardín Botánico.
The garden is, by far, not just a mere beautiful park, but a respected scientific facility focused on research, conservation, education and sustainability.
If you are still alive after browsing Orchideorama, the science building, butterfly and cactus gardens, watching iguanas and turtles, or, perhaps, biking, rowing or horseback riding, you simply have to have lunch at In Situ restaurant.
Calle 73 N 51D-14 Medellin, Colombia
Tel: (574) 444 5500
Metro Station: UNIVERSIDAD