It often happens that we do not take enough into consideration the wonders that we have close to us. One of these is the Botanical Garden of the University of Padua, a true naturalistic oasis in the heart of the city. From the main entrance it is difficult to imagine how much can be found inside. For those who travel by public transport and on foot, the distance from the train station is about half an hour at a fast pace. Being little signposted, I suggest you follow the signs for the Basilica del Santo: our earthly paradise is located a few meters ahead. I had visited it many years ago, perhaps in the least auspicious season, and the impression had been disappointing. I returned yesterday, on a torrid afternoon, and I must say that it pleasantly surprised me. I knew of its historical importance, in fact it is the oldest university botanical garden in the world.

Founded in 1545, with the aim of studying and growing plants with healing properties, in the central part it preserves a geometric arrangement suitable for the grouping of the various essences. The flower beds are divided between poisonous, medicinal, alpine, rare and endangered species, in addition to those that, in past centuries, were introduced from here to Italy and Europe. At various points in the garden one is fascinated by the collections. In particular, I noticed many succulent and unusual Pelargonium with fragrant leaves. Still in the ancient part, some trees that have accompanied the history of this place do not go unnoticed, not even to the most distracted visitors. A huge eastern plane tree, from 1680, with a particular cavity formed by the base of the stem; a Magnolia grandiflora which appears to be among the oldest existing in Europe; the very famous Goethe palm (Chamaerops humilis) from 1585, which has a dedicated greenhouse.

Already these specimens are worth the visit. But perhaps the most surprising part is the biodiversity garden. A large modern structure, completed in 2014, overlooks meadows and water geometries. The building houses large communicating greenhouses, divided by climatic zones: tropical, sub-humid, temperate, Mediterranean, arid. Each space is an immersion in a different environment, from the forest to the desert. In the particularly hot climate we are enveloped by a thousand shades of green, lush shrubs, beautiful flowers and unusual scents for us. Needless to say, the visitor's code forbids touching the plants ... the temptation is great and, honestly, I have not been able to resist. Careful not to cause the slightest damage, I stroked bark and leaves, approached flowers to discover their aroma.

The visit could have continued for a long time, there was still more to see. But there comes a time when it is better to stay with the desire to return, rather than to get tired. I conclude by saying that the ticket money, 10 euros unless reductions, are really well spent. And it's nice to know that the place just explored has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1997, accompanied by a motivation that helps to reconcile with the world.

Daniela Grassato - 20 July 2016