Contemporary gardens and parks. The most unusual gardens and parks in the world
Largest cities of the world create and develop parks and gardens in order to become, if possible, more comfortable environment habitat for its inhabitants. The main task of any city park is to be an island of calm and leisure in a noisy metropolis. In addition, parks are designed to surprise, entertain, show something unusual. In most cases, parks reflect the spirit of the city in which they are created, so they usually become a mandatory item on the excursion program.
This article contains the most beautiful and unusual city parks located in the center of large cities in different parts of the world:
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Australia. Meet the dawn
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It was established in 1846, and today more than 12,000 plant species from all over the world grow there. Plants were selected based on scientific, aesthetic and agricultural considerations. Within the garden is the National Herbarium of Queen Victoria.
There are very comfortable walking paths in the garden, allowing you to see a unique landscape behind each new turn. In the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can meet an unforgettable sunrise on the lake and take a break from the midday heat.
Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan. Admire the cherry blossoms
Ueno Park is located in the center of Tokyo and is an extension of Kan'eiji Temple. The park has several major museums: National Museum Tokyo, National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo City Art Museum and National Science Museum. The Ueno Park complex also includes a zoo, the first zoo in Japan.
However, Ueno Park is known not only for its cultural and historical value. This is one of Japan's most popular parks, especially in the spring when over 1,000 cherry trees are in bloom. Cherry blossoms usually occur at the end of March - beginning of April, and at this time the park becomes one of the most popular places for hanami - the traditional Japanese admiration of flowering trees.
A park Guell, Barcelona, Spain. Take a photo with Gaudí's dragon
Park Güell is probably the most unusual park. It leaves a surprisingly holistic impression due to the harmonious combination of architecture and landscape. The park was designed at the beginning of the 20th century. Initially, it was supposed to be a small garden city, privately owned. However, out of the planned 60 houses, only 2 were built, in one of them the famous architect Antonio Gaudi lived from 1906 to 1926. Subsequently, this house became the Gaudí Museum.
The unique appearance of the park is given by the very characteristic architecture of Gaudí, colonnades, traditional Catalan tiles, "organic" forms that repeat the natural ones and therefore blend so well with it. According to legend, the workers collected from all adjacent streets pieces of tiles and bottle glass for majolica - decorations of facades, columns, benches and sculptures. One of the brightest and most famous sculptures in the park is the dragon, which is considered a holy duty for every tourist to take a picture with.
In 1984, Parc Güell was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Central Park, NY, USA. The largest and most famous
This is one of the world's largest urban parks, with an area of almost 3.5 million m2. Central Park is an exemplary park, a very successful project that serves as a starting point in the work of urban planners in many parts of the world. The landscape architect, Frederick Lo Omstad, who won the competition for the design of the park, wanted to create a space for relaxation and meditation, a place where everyone would be happy to come, regardless of their social status. In the mid-60s, Central Park experienced a period of decline, when gangs of hooligans and writers forced ordinary residents out of the park. Central Park was revived only thanks to the initiative of the townspeople, who developed the concept of park renewal and followed its implementation, and a few years later it again became a popular place for walking and recreation.
Important events of modern culture are unfolding on the territory of Central Park: it often serves as a platform for filming movies, a landscape in literary works, and a concert venue. And many, without hesitation, rank it among the historical monuments.
Ibirapuera Park,Sao Paulo, Brazil. vital
The city of São Paulo, with its population of over 20 million, nice park just vital. The park is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, a conference centre, pavilions for a contemporary art biennale and a planetarium. Brazilian music concerts are held every weekend in the park. The park is famous for its specially equipped tracks for skaters.
In the evenings, children from all over the city gather to admire the illuminated fountains.
Beihai Park, Beijing, China. Tradition
Beihai Park is located in the central part of Beijing. Historically, these were the imperial gardens (until 1925 the park was a private property of the imperial court), located along the perimeter Forbidden City. This is one of the oldest parks in China, over 1000 years old.
Beihai Park is built according to the ancient Chinese legend. Legend has it that in the east of China there were once three magical mountains - Penglai, Yinzhou and Fangzhang. In these mountains lived the gods who owned the knowledge of medicinal herbs that bestowed immortality. Many emperors, in their quest for immortality, constantly searched for these mountains, or at least tried to recreate them. So, Beihai Park is located on three islands, symbolizing these three magical mountains.
Beihai Park is a great opportunity to get away from the hectic pace of modern Beijing. Tourists can find a huge number of cultural and historical values in the park, mainly related to the era of the Ming Dynasty.
Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France. Center of government and source of inspiration
The Luxembourg Garden was the first of the French gardens and parks to be influenced by the Italian Baroque. The construction of the palace and the design of the garden began in 1612. Princess Marie de Medici (1573-1642), who later became Queen of France, lived in the palace. Now the Senate sits in the Luxembourg Palace.
Despite the classic layout, the Luxembourg Gardens are quite comfortable for relaxation: there are tennis courts and children's playgrounds. There are more than a hundred sculptures in the garden, including statues of Stendhal, Chopin, Montesquieu, Baudelaire, Delacroix.
The Luxembourg Gardens is not only the center of political life and recreation for citizens, it has served as a source of inspiration for famous artists. We can see the Luxembourg Gardens on the canvases of Matisse, Renoir, Tissot and other artists.
(Text and photos based on: http://www.shootgardening.co.uk/, http://www.singlestravel-agent.com/, www.johngrimshawsgardendiary.blogspot.com, http://www.japan-guide.com, http://www.melbourne.com.au, http://sciencedefied.co.uk, http://worldneighborhoods.com/, http://www.gardenvisit.com, http://gy psyscholarship.blogspot.com/ http://www.travelpod.com http://traveljapanblog.com http://www.japan-i.jp pot.com, www.macaulay.cuny.edu, www.http://www.sunipix.com, www.activerain.com, www.centralpark-newyorkcity.com, http://www.aviewoncities.com, www.theodora.com, www.planetaselvagem.com.br, www.eco4planet.uol.com.br, www.treknature.com, www.world66.com, www.oglobo.globo. com, http://www.visitsp.com, www.planetware.com, www.china-tour.cn, www.visitourchina.com, www.tropicalisland.de, www.newalker.com, www.pbase.com, www.welcometochina.com.au, www.tripwow.tripadvisor.com, www.babyccinokids.com, www.tomsguidetoparis.com, www.rance-monaco-rentals. com, www.amateurgourmet.com, www.pariscapes.com, www.adifferentstep.wordpress.com, http://www.gardenvisit.com)
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand and one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, reflecting the magnificent beauty of nature.
Longwood Gardens - this is the name of the world-famous gardens of Pierre Dupont (Du Pont Gardens), located in Philadelphia. Longwood's longstanding tradition and landscaping has evolved over many decades to provide tourists with a true wonder, a place full of charm and harmony with nature.
The beauty and grandeur of the Bahai Gardens in Haifa, combined with the painstaking work of gardeners, create a unique atmosphere. Like all great works of art, these extraordinary landscapes are the tangible manifestation of the human spirit, so it's no surprise that this is one of the most popular destinations in Israel and the Middle East.
Located in the heart of Shanghai's Old City, Yuyuan Garden is an oasis of peace and harmony, with an area of about two hectares, the magnificent classical Chinese garden Yuyuan Garden. It was specially designed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) by the wealthy official Pan Yunduan for his parents to enjoy a peaceful and happy pastime in their old age.
Not far from Berlin in the eastern part of Germany, on the banks of the River Havel, is the capital of Brandeburg - the picturesque town of Potsdam, which is known throughout the world for its historical sights, the work of the most prominent architects, builders, scientists and artists.
Mainau Island, which is also called the Island of Flowers, can be safely called one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. This picturesque paradise full of flowers and butterflies should be a must on the list of every tourist who is a connoisseur of nature and great garden design.
Salzburg is located in the north-west of Austria at the foot of the Alps. Old City is the birthplace of Mozart and is known throughout the world for its attractions, the main of which is the magnificent Mirabell Gardens.
The Claude Monet Gardens, located on the right bank of the Seine in the small picturesque town of Giverny in Normandy, are known throughout the world thanks to the paintings of the great artist, who lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Over the years, he drew inspiration from nature and added to his garden a new palette of colors and shades, which are reflected in his paintings.
Over a century ago, Jenny Butchart began creating what is now a floral show and one of the world's masterpieces of landscape design. The Butchart Gardens is Canada's National Historic Site of world renown and has been open to the public since 1904.
This amazing place appeared in Scotland in the town of Dumfries in 1989. Instead of exotic flowers and an abundance of shrubs, there are aluminum flower beds, instead of fountains spouting upwards - black holes, and the landscape will simply fascinate you with its unusual shapes and mysteries.
This is a unique garden of its kind, walking through which it will seem to you that it was created not by a person, but by an extraterrestrial civilization.
The era of the Italian Renaissance gave birth not only to works of fabulous art and architecture, but also to unique park landscape design. Green spaces, symmetrical and adorned with fountains of sparks, sculptures and grottoes, came into vogue during the 15th century.
The landscape design of the Versailles park is defined by a classical geometric form borrowed from Roman architecture. The traditional French style was developed between the 17th and 18th centuries and was a reflection of wealth and power.
Not far from the Vietnamese city of Da Nang, there is a stunning place - the Ba Na mountain resort, the path to which runs along the world's highest cable car. We rested in Vietnam not for the first time and have already managed to visit many interesting sights, but I can say that the impressions of the trip to Mount Ba Na are one of the strongest. Although before visiting Ba Na Hills we read a lot of negative and neutral reviews from tourists. Perhaps this place is "for an amateur." But personally, I highly recommend visiting it!
What is BaNa Hills?
Since 1920 BaNa Hills has been French resort Some of the buildings have survived to this day. Then during the war it was abandoned. But in last years created here huge park new complex, built new hotels, thereby providing an endless flow of tourists. To climb Mount BaNa, you need to climb the world's highest cable car. At the top there is a huge amusement park Fantasy Park, 3 hotels, several restaurants, pagodas, flower gardens with fountains and statues, wine Vault, locks, Catholic cathedral, spa, putting greens and my favorite Vietnamese "sled".
The girls at the reception advised to go as early as possible, as there are a lot of people in BaNa Hills interesting places and entertainment. In addition, early in the morning the queue for entry should be smaller.
So, at 8 am we went on a tour. The driver took us 30 minutes to the place. On the way we admired the beauty of the surrounding nature. When we saw a huge queue at the entrance to cable car, a little upset. We have already imagined how we will stand here for three hours. The line started on the street, but there were even more people inside the building.
There were almost no Europeans in this huge queue, and we didn't even see Russians. Mostly Chinese and Vietnamese, who looked at our company with great interest.
Royal Tulip Park Keukenhof, Holland
Keukenhof, or the "Garden of Europe", is a fabulous park and flower kingdom, spread over an area of 32 hectares in the vicinity of the town of Lisse, between Amsterdam and The Hague. Despite the fact that Keukenhof is open to the public for only two months a year, from about March 20 to May 20, more than a million people visit it every year.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Thailand
Nong Nooch is 240 hectares of botanical gardens and local attractions located at Km 163 of Sukhumvit Road in Chonburi Province. The park has its own Stonehenge and gardens of orchids, bonsai trees and ferns.
Royal botanical gardens Kew, London
Kew Gardens originated in 1670 in Kew Park, created by Lord Henry Capel on the site of an apothecary's garden. More than 2 million tourists visit them every year, but the gardens are not just for them. Kew Gardens is a leading center for botanical research and the training of professional horticulturists. Scientific research is carried out here, and plants are also used as a source for other beautiful parks in England.
The most famous attractions in the Royal Botanic Gardens are Kew Palace, Minka, Grand Pagoda, Davis Alpine House, Japanese Gate, Rizotron Multimedia Gallery, Queen Charlotte's Cottage, Marianne North Gallery, Shirley Sherwood Gallery, Treetop Walkway Bridge and Water Lily House.
Tropical Palm Park, Florida, USA
The park has a unique collection of rare tropical plants, including palm trees, flowering trees and vineyards.
Yu Yuan Garden, Shanghai
The first owner of the Yu-Yuan garden in Shanghai, Pan Yunduan, who was the provincial treasurer in the Ming era, decided to build a garden that resembled imperial garden in Beijing to please parents in their old age. Since the 16th century, the park has been rebuilt several times.
The whole park was built according to all the rules of feng shui. The garden is divided into 6 parts, which are connected by intricate passages, visually isolated from each other. The name Yu Yuan means "Garden of Joy", or "Garden of Leisurely Rest".
Space Reflection Garden, Scotland
This amazing place appeared in Scotland in the town of Dumfries in 1989. Instead of exotic flowers and an abundance of shrubs, there are aluminum flower beds, instead of fountains spouting upwards, there are black holes, and the landscape fascinates with unusual shapes.
Versailles Gardens, France
The famous Versailles Gardens were laid out under Louis XIII and were perfected by the famous court landscape architect André Le Nôtre under Louis XIV. In addition to carefully trimmed lawns and lawns, sculptures and flower stalls, luxurious fountains are located throughout the gardens.
Versailles Park is a "garden of the mind" with mathematically adjusted proportions and well-planned alleys. The "Sun King" did not want to see withered flowers, so two million potted fresh flowers were always ready to replace the withered ones, and the garden shone magnificently all year round.
Have a nice virtual walk with the scents of Spring..)
When you travel through different countries, surely your travel program includes not only visits to museums, but walks around the city with sightseeing natural beauties city or area. Many cities are ready to show off the most beautiful parks and gardens, which are definitely worth a visit. If you can do it in good weather, you will get a lot of positive impressions and, of course, a lot of bright photos that will remain as a memory of an unforgettable trip.
So, which gardens and parks in the world are worth adding to your travel list?
Photos taken from Instagram accounts.
1. Keukenhof Park in the Netherlands
Keukenhof Park (photo: @haniwandert)Keukenhof is a flower park located in the small town of Lisse in the south of the Netherlands. With its area of 32 hectares, it is the largest flower park in the world. The park is open every year from mid-March to mid-May, with over 7 million flowers and wonderful colorful decor that will serve as a wonderful backdrop for your photos. Tulips become the real stars of Keukenhof in the spring.
2. Alhambra Gardens in Spain
Alhambra Gardens (photo: @piiagrekula) In arid Andalusia, the gardens of the Alhambra palace complex in Granada are a saving oasis of greenery and freshness. Must-sees are the Partal Gardens and the Nasrid Palace Gardens. Don't miss out on the views of the Albaicín hills.
3. Gardens of Villa Borghese in Italy
Gardens of Villa Borghese (photo: @ns.lidija021) The extensive gardens of Villa Borghese cover an area of 80 hectares and are the most spectacular in Rome. These gardens, illustrating the love of the Romans for Renaissance city palaces and fountains, are now open to the public.
4. Bodnant Garden in Wales
Boudnant Garden (photo: @mrpaulclancy) Bodnant is one of the most beautiful gardens in Wales. It is located in the southeast of Terraced Park and overlooks the Conwy River. The garden is especially beautiful in spring, at the time of flowering of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias.
5. Gardens of Villandry Castle in France
Villandry Castle Gardens (photo: @beatelouw) The opulent Renaissance gardens of Villandry Castle are halfway between Tours and Azay-le-Rideau. They were restored at the beginning of the 20th century by Dr. Joaquim Carvallo. The territory is divided into four main gardens: decorative, water, a garden with many different herbs and a vegetable garden with geometric motifs.
6. Suzhou Gardens in China
Suzhou Gardens (photo: @haoyiliu) Classic Suzhou gardens called one of the most beautiful in all of China, because they are real masterpieces of Chinese landscape art from the 11th to the 19th century. Nine of these gardens are included in the list World Heritage UNESCO.
7. Butchart Gardens in Canada
Butchart Gardens (photo: @so_0216) Butchart Flower Gardens are located in Brentwood Bay ( British Columbia), near the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island. This is a very famous attraction, which is visited by more than a million tourists every year.
8. Majorelle Garden in Morocco
Majorelle Garden (photo: @ahindbrown) The Majorelle Subtropical Garden in Marrakesh was founded in 1923 by the French artist Jacques Majorelle. And although the garden was subsequently abandoned for decades, in 1960 it was saved by the famous couturier Yves Saint Laurent. Thanks to him, tourists who come to this pearl of the Middle East have the opportunity to stroll through this beautiful garden, where palm trees, cacti, bougainvillea, banana and laurel trees coexist.
9. Rikugien Garden in Japan
Rikugien Garden (photo: @beautiful_tokyo_walk) Rikugien is a traditional Japanese park that is one of Tokyo's top attractions. It is considered one of the most beautiful gardens of the Edo period and represents an important aspect of Japanese art, where a small pond in the center surrounds many beautiful islands, trees, hills.
10. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Africa
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden (photo: @emsmout) Kirstenbosch is located on the eastern slope of Table Mountain in the suburbs of Cape Town. It was founded in 1913 and today covers an area of 528 hectares. Kirstenbosch is one of the most famous gardens in the world due to its collection and its unique location.
11. Claude Monet's garden in France
Claude Monet's garden (photo: @murat_gurbuz) Claude Monet's garden in Giverny (Normandy) received the official status of Outstanding, it represents the revived universe of his painting "Nymphaeum". Arches of land plants surround a dazzling massive "water garden" in the shade of weeping willows. Connoisseurs of the legendary impressionist will be happy to visit this literally picturesque garden.
12. Peterhof park complex in Russia
Peterhof park complex (photo: website) The 102 hectares of Peterhof Park near St. Petersburg include the French-style Upper Garden with three large fountains and the English-style Lower Garden, which includes the famous Grand Cascade at Peterhof. In sunny weather, the parks of Peterhof are truly dazzling - just like the statues of the Grand Cascade, covered with gold, are dazzling.
13. Inverue Garden in Scotland
Inverue Garden (photo: @nationaltrustforscotland) Inverue is a real subtropical paradise, located deep in the mountains, very popular with tourists in rainy Scotland. Blue poppies, Californian erythrons and countless plants from South America, as well as eucalyptus trees from Tasmania and Australia.
14. Eirignac Gardens in France
Eirignac Gardens (photo: @ju.laval) Eirignac Gardens, located in the heart of historical area Perigord, include vegetation in the form of geometric figures, originally designed back in the 18th century. These gardens consist of trees with dazzling green crowns: cypress, yew, boxwood. In 2004, the French Ministry of Culture awarded these gardens the status of Outstanding (Jardin Remarquable).
15. Gardens of Villa Lante in Italy
Gardens of Villa Lante (photo: @sailor.xbi) In northern Lazio is the Villa Lante with gardens in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The peculiarity of these gardens, classified only as Grandi Giardini Italiani (Great Italian Gardens), are its waterfalls, fountains and cascades.
16. Nong Nooch Park in Thailand
Nong Nooch Park (photo: @asifiwerealex) Nong Nooch is located near Pattaya and is famous for its tropical gardens, replete with different varieties of orchids, ferns and other exotic flowers. There are also many animals that deserve the attention of a foreign tourist.
17. Courance Castle Park in France
Courance Castle Park (photo: @mickasuperspeed) Courance Castle, built in the Renaissance style, is located 50 km south of Paris. This castle is surrounded by a park that can be called one of the most beautiful water parks of the 16th century.
18. Het Loo Palace Park in the Netherlands
Het Loo Palace Park (photo: @oscardeboer) The park, located in Apeldoorn, in the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands, was designed by Claude Dego, a renowned French gardener and nephew and protégé of renowned landscape architect André Le Nôtre. The park is preserved to this day in the form in which it was created at the time of its foundation in the 18th century.