La preservation and enhancement of historic gardens It is at the center of cultural and environmental news both in Spain and abroad. From the inclusion of prominent green spaces on European routes to the completion of ambitious restorations and the response to climate challenges, These scenarios are not only a legacy of past eras, but also laboratories where solutions for the future are tested.
In recent months, various initiatives have promoted the recognition and protection of gardens with special historical and scenic value, as well as the updating of their infrastructure and adaptation to changes affecting the natural and human environment.
Pazo do Faramello and the reinforcement of Galician heritage
One of the most relevant announcements has been the incorporation of the gardens of Pazo do Faramello al European Cultural Route of Historic GardensThis proposal, made by Turismo de Galicia and supported by the Xunta (regional government) at the annual meeting held in Brussels, consolidates Galicia as one of the regions with the greatest representation on this route. Currently, a total of ten Galician gardens are part of the itinerary, including landmarks such as the Pazo de Mariñán, the Alameda de Santiago de Compostela, and the Pazo de Oca gardens, among others. These spaces meet requirements such as age, conservation of botanical species, public accessibility, and a range of cultural activities and services for visitors. If you'd like to delve deeper into the history of historic gardens, we recommend reading our article on brief history of gardens.
The known camellia route, driven by the community, passes through many of these enclaves, especially during the flowering stage, turning them into points of interest for both tourism and botanical and heritage knowledge.
International initiatives: resilience to climate change
La Conservation of historic gardens is not only about preserving their original appearance, but rather to prepare them to face new threats, especially those arising from climate change. World Monuments Fund (WMF) has recently selected five new cultural landscapes for its program Cultivating ResilienceThis initiative is aimed at provide technical support and promote the exchange of traditional knowledge among heritage professionals, with the aim of addressing phenomena such as severe droughts, floods, loss of biodiversity or erosion of ecosystems.
The selected gardens cover different cultures and contexts: the chinampas of Xochimilco (Mexico), the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Forest (Nigeria), the Waru Waru fields (Peru), the Central Park (United States) and the moat of the Tower of London (United Kingdom). Each site will receive targeted support, climate risk assessments, and tools to develop adaptation plans to ensure their continued and community relevance. To learn more about how these spaces can be adapted, see our article on Monforte Gardens and their history.
Investing in historic gardens is key to environmental adaptation, as these spaces contribute to thermal regulation, rainwater and carbon absorption, and promote biodiversity. The selection of sites was based on their cultural significance, vulnerability, and potential to become replicable models on an international scale.
Comprehensive restoration of Villa La Magia in Quarrata
In Italy, the Villa Medicea The Magic of Quarrata, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has completed a thorough restoration that has restored its gardens to their former splendor. The work, which lasted almost two years, ranged from restoring the original vegetation—with the planting of species typical of historic Tuscan villas—to modernizing the plumbing, irrigation, and lighting systems. The intervention included both the romantic gardens and the flowerbeds, sculptures, fountains and architectural components, following principles of sustainability and respect for historic design. If you'd like to learn about plants commonly found in historic gardens, we invite you to visit our page about Phoenix reclines.
The restoration, largely financed with European funds, underscores the importance of collaboration between local, state, and cultural authorities for the protection and contemporary reuse of these sites. Authorities emphasize that restoring these spaces can revive heritage and benefit the entire community.
El Retiro: ninety years as an artistic garden in Madrid
El Parque del Retiro in Madrid celebrates its 90th anniversary as Artistic Garden and thus strengthens its management and protection. An exhibition has been organized to show its evolution, from its creation as a palace garden in the 17th century to its current status as a green lung and international landmark, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you want to learn more about how to conserve these unique spaces, we recommend visiting our analysis on Luxembourg Gardens and their historical importance.
With more than 112 hectares and nearly 20.000 trees of 190 different species, El Retiro Park stands out for its scenic value and ecological significance. Among its most notable features are the areas used for sporting events, exhibitions, and social activities, as well as the sculptures and tools that reflect its history.
The different initiatives at national and international level that seek to provide historical tool gardens facing the future They reflect their universal value. They are places where history, biodiversity, and culture converge, and where conservation and innovation work together to ensure their preservation and vitality for future generations.
