Orto botanico di Valmadrera

Orto botanico di Valmadrera, officially the "Riccardo Villa" Botanical Garden, sits in the town of Valmadrera, about 3 km west of Lecco in Lombardy. It occupies grounds inside the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre and is listed as a natural-science site in the Lecco Province Museum System.

What is the history of the garden?

It started life as a monastic herb plot. The friars who ran a hospice and a pharmacy workshop here grew medicinal plants. The municipality bought the Fatebenefratelli complex in 1979 and restored it; it now holds a library, an auditorium, exhibition rooms and spaces for local associations. The garden was recreated on the old convent land and keeps the original division of the ground into four large plots. Planting followed advice from Professor Fornaciari, head of the botanical garden in Bormio. In 2022 it was named after Riccardo Villa, one of the people who pushed for its revival.

What will you see?

More than 900 species grow here: officinal and medicinal herbs, aromatic plants, fibre and dye plants, species of wetlands and water, and native wild flora of the area. The garden also supports Lombard biodiversity, including plants at risk of extinction. It suits a relaxed visit of about an hour, especially if you like herbs and traditional plant lore.

How do you get there?

Valmadrera lies on the shore of Lake Lecco, a few kilometres from central Lecco. The garden is in the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre in the middle of town. From Lecco you can drive or take a local bus, and the visit combines easily with a stroll along the lakefront.

When should you visit?

According to leccotourism.it, the garden opens from early March to the end of October on Saturdays, 2 pm to 6 pm, with free entry. No official confirmation of these hours turned up, so check the Valmadrera municipal website or leccotourism.it before you go. Spring and early summer are the best seasons, when most plants are in flower.

What else is nearby?

The town sits at the foot of Monte Barro. Its nature park (regional park since 1983, nature park since 2002) offers trails and the Piani di Barra archaeological site. Lecco itself is a short drive away.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? Yes, according to leccotourism.it.

How many plant species are in the garden? Over 900, from medicinal herbs to aquatic plants and local wild flora.

Why is it called "Riccardo Villa"? It was named in 2022 after one of the promoters of its restoration.

Is the garden open all year? No. The listed season runs March to October, so confirm hours before visiting.