The Jardín Botánico de Córdoba (Royal Botanical Garden) covers 5.5 hectares on the banks of the Guadalquivir. The garden holds a Mediterranean arboretum, a rose garden, a tactile and olfactory garden for visually impaired visitors, and glasshouses with plants from the Canary Islands and the Americas. Two small museums — Ethnobotany and Palaeobotany — are on site. The garden runs educational workshops for children.
A Garden of Conservation and Research
Founded in 1980, the garden occupies a former olive mill beside the river. Its collections have grown to more than 1,500 plant species from five continents, organised by geography, ecology, and theme. The primary work of the garden is conservation of threatened Mediterranean plant species alongside environmental education — school programmes run during the week, family workshops at weekends.
Exploring the Botanical Collections
The Mediterranean arboretum has holm oaks, centuries-old olive trees, and stone pines. The rose garden peaks from March to June with more than 100 varieties. The tactile and olfactory garden uses aromatic and textured plants — lavender, thyme, rosemary — in a layout accessible to blind or low-vision visitors. The tropical glasshouses hold giant cacti, orchids, and other species from the Americas and Canary Islands. The museums cover plant fossils, medicinal uses, and ethnobotany. A garden shop sells plants and seeds at the exit.
Planning Your Visit
Allow 2 hours for a complete visit including the museums. The garden is at its best from March to June for the rose collection. In summer, mornings (10am–noon) are the more comfortable hours. Closed Mondays. Entry: €3 adults, €1.50 reduced (students, 65+). Free for children under 12.
Access and Combinations
In the Ribera quarter, accessible by bus L03 from the centre. After your visit, walk back via the Roman Bridge (15 minutes on foot) with views of the Mezquita-Catedral.
