Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, Madrid

Nestled in the heart of Spain's vibrant capital, the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid offers a serene escape from the bustling city streets. This verdant oasis, situated adjacent to the Prado Museum, is a botanical wonderland that spans eight hectares and is home to over 5,000 species of living plants.

Founded in 1755 by King Ferdinand VI, and later moved to its current location at the Paseo del Prado in 1781 under the reign of King Charles III, the garden was designed not only as a place of beauty and relaxation but also for the study and classification of plant species. The garden's layout, attributed to the architect Francesco Sabatini, is a testament to the Enlightenment's pursuit of knowledge and order.

Visitors to the Real Jardín Botánico can explore its three terraced levels, each with a distinct character and collection. The lower terrace, known as the Terraza de los Cuadros, boasts geometric flowerbeds and medicinal plants. The Terraza de las Escuelas Botánicas, the middle terrace, is an educational display of plant taxonomy. The upper terrace, the Terraza del Plano de la Flor, features a romantic-style garden with a variety of trees and the serene Villanueva Pavilion.

The Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid is also renowned for its herbarium, with over a million specimens, its library, and an archive encompassing 5,000 drawings, making it a significant center for botanical research in Europe. The garden hosts seasonal exhibitions and educational programs, making it an ever-evolving space that intertwines nature with culture.

Open year-round, the garden provides a panoramic view of Madrid's changing seasons. In spring, the blossoming of myriad flowers paints the garden in vivid hues, while autumn brings a mosaic of reds and golds. Visitors can enjoy guided tours or stroll leisurely along its pathways, finding tranquility amidst the rustling leaves and the scent of jasmine.