Alter Botanischer Garten Marburg

In the heart of Marburg, a charming town in Hesse, Germany, lies a verdant oasis brimming with history and beauty: the Alter Botanischer Garten Marburg. This 3.6-hectare botanical garden, known locally as Alter Botanischer Garten, offers a delightful retreat for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

The Historical Roots of Alter Botanischer Garten Marburg

The origins of Alter Botanischer Garten Marburg date back to 1786 when it was established as a French pleasure garden by the Deutschordenshaus. However, the story of botanical gardens in Marburg began even earlier. Between 1527 and 1533, Euricius Cordus, a humanist, poet, physician, and botanist, created a private botanical garden in the southeastern part of Marburg. Although little is known about this early garden, it set the stage for the development of botanical studies in the region.

The garden we see today owes much to Professor Conrad Moench, who began its development on the so-called Weinberg west of the Elisabethkirche. In 1810, under the guidance of Georg Wilhelm Franz Wenderoth, the garden expanded to its current location south of the Elisabethkirche. Wenderoth's contributions were so significant that he is often referred to as the Father of the Botanical Garden.

Exploring the Garden's Diverse Sections

The Alter Botanischer Garten Marburg is divided into several distinct sections, each offering a unique botanical experience. Despite its transformation over the years, the garden still retains elements of its historical design, blending scientific inquiry with the artistry of English garden design.

The Alpinum

The Alpinum, originally home to various alpine plants, underwent significant changes in 1977 when it was covered with soil. Today, it features diverse pine species and rhododendrons, while a new, larger Alpinum has been established on the Lahnbergen.

The Medicinal Plant Garden

Located in front of the Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, the Medicinal Plant Garden was created in the 1950s for educational purposes. Maintained by the Friends of the Alter Botanischer Garten association, this garden showcases a variety of herbaceous medicinal plants. Visitors can find species such as Veronica chamaedrys (germander speedwell), Aconitum napellus (monkshood), Potentilla erecta (tormentil), Ranunculus bulbosus (bulbous buttercup), Verbascum thapsus (great mullein), and Iris germanica (German iris).

The Arboretum

The Arboretum is perhaps the most captivating part of the garden, featuring trees that are over 200 years old. The tallest tree in the park and Marburg's city center is a tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) planted between 1811 and 1814, reaching an impressive height of approximately 38 meters. The largest tree in terms of girth is a plane tree (Platanus acerifolia) with a trunk circumference of 6 meters, a height of 34 meters, and a crown diameter of about 40 meters. Additionally, a silver willow (Salix alba) with a trunk circumference of around 7 meters, planted in 1860, stands as a testament to the garden's rich history.

The Garden's Modern Role

While the garden is still owned by the university, it primarily serves as a public green space for the residents of Marburg. The former Botanical Institute now houses the Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, and the half-timbered building has been converted into a guest house for the university. The garden also features a Musizierhaus (music house) and a Gesellschaftshaus (society house), adding to its charm and utility.

Preserving and Enhancing the Garden

In 1993, the Friends of the Alter Botanischer Garten association was formed to support the preservation and maintenance of the garden's unique and older trees. This organization plays a crucial role in ensuring that the garden remains a vibrant and beautiful space for future generations to enjoy.

A Living Monument to Botanical and Scientific Heritage

The Alter Botanischer Garten Marburg is not just a garden; it is a living monument that tells the story of botanical and scientific advancements from the times of Carl von Linné's descriptive natural history to the plant geography of Alexander von Humboldt and the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin and Ernst Haeckel. The garden's historical significance and its continued relevance in botanical research make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Marburg.

Whether you're a botany enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to relax, the Alter Botanischer Garten Marburg offers a rich and rewarding experience. Wander through its diverse sections, admire the ancient trees, and take in the serene beauty of this historical garden. It's a place where the past and present converge, creating a timeless sanctuary in the heart of Marburg.