Description of the attraction
Rare residents of the city know about the existence of the botanical garden. Moreover, visitors and tourists do not know about it. Meanwhile, this is a great place where you can not only relax, but also see rare plant species, get acquainted with the flora of the region. Here you can also see more exotic plants grown in greenhouses and greenhouses.
The garden was founded in 1781 at the Vilnius University. Over the years of its existence, it has been transported from place to place several times. It was originally located in a small courtyard along Zamkowa Street. Since that time, the botanical garden has grown greatly. Currently, the garden owns a plot in the Vingis park and a large territory in the eastern side of Vilnius, in the Kairėnai region.
Today it is the largest botanical garden in Lithuania, and even in the entire Baltic region. The garden is spread over an area of two hundred hectares. The variety of species is also impressive: about ten thousand species of plants grow here. If we talk about the genera of plants, then the widest is the collection of rhododendrons, these are bulbous plants, peonies, lilacs, dahlia and vines. It contains one of the richest currant collection in Europe. It includes about 150 species.
Both parts of the garden are not only of scientific interest, but also objects of the cultural heritage of Lithuania. On their territory there were estates dating back to the 14th-19th centuries. In the old park in Kairėnai, part of the manor complex with ponds and ruins has been preserved. This noble estate has been known since 1545. She belonged to the influential Sapegas and Tizengauz families. From the middle of the 18th century to 1870, the estate belonged to the Lopatsinsky family. In addition to the ruins of the old estate, a section of the park and the foundation of the palace, made in the English style, have been preserved. The mill and stables, built in the first half of the 19th century, have been completely restored. At present, the administration of the botanical garden is located in the former building of the stable, and an exposition center has been opened.
In the summer of 2008, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out in the garden. For this, large investments were attracted. A paradise-like Japanese garden was created. A special aquarium salon was built. Here, visitors can see the most bizarre and rare species of marine life, marine fauna. There is also a museum of Lithuanian nature in the garden.
There are many information signs, explanatory and information stands installed throughout the botanical garden. All garden paths have been repaired and put in order. This was also necessary because, due to the large area of the garden, visitors who did not know the area could get lost. Now, thanks to a well-built system of signs, any tourist can admire the beauty of nature without hindrance, without the risk of getting lost in the intricate intricate paths. Guides are provided in the garden for the convenience of visitors. Those who prefer to walk alone can use a special illustrated map.
Samogitian horses are kept at the botanical garden. Thrill seekers can even ride these horses.
Night walks are one of the original innovations of the garden administration. For this, a lighting design was specially developed on the territory. The effect of this design is that at night, when illuminated from a certain angle, plants and trees take on a completely new, unusual and whimsical look.
Concerts and various exhibitions are often held here. Those interested can use the spacious, modern conference room.
In general, the botanical garden of the university is a place where you can see the remains of the former splendor of noble estates of past centuries, a wonderful natural landscape.
