The Botanic Garden “Lama degli Ulivi” rises in the South of Italy, in the lovely Apulia countryside surrounded by aged olives trees. The great range of species present in the garden is just one of the main reasons to visit it. Gorgeous views appear throughout this historical and botanical way grown along a “dry-river”.

Thanks to the original design of the garden, visitors are attracted by the natural integration of plants coming from every part of the world. All the plants share the same conditions here: no rivers, rare rains, hot temperatures, wind, calcareous soils, salty water.

The ruins, the caves, the rocky churches witness the existence of old civilizations by recalling unique feelings.

The garden belongs to the nurseries of Mr. Capitanio Stefano. Here he improves his passion to the gardening by restyling the garden all the time. You can expect to see unusual and rare species that for sure you will hear about them in future. The plants are tested in the garden by Mr. Capitanio before their cultivation in the nursery.

The garden is no profit, but needs to collect money in order to restore the two rocky churches of the 1.000 A.C. that you will visit during your tour. Inside the garden it is possible to visit two rocky churches riches in Christian images. The works were realized and dated from 1000 to 1200 after Christ by monks escaped from the Ottoman empire during the Christian persecution. When the monks came in these areas, they used the old caves as places of cult and spreading of the Christianity. It is also possible to visit the rocky monastery where this religious community lived. The aim of the garden is also to protect and to spread these historical and cultural testimonies. For further informations on history, place and plants you can contact Mr. Francesco Intini: he will be at your full disposal to guide you throughout the garden.

Booking admissions only. The garden is open from Monday to Friday. Closed on Saturday, Sunday and banking holidays.

Ticket: 4 Euro

How to get there:

From North by car: A14 Speedway – Exit “Bari Nord” – S.S. 16 direction Brindisi – Exit “Monopoli – S. Francesco da Paola”, follow Vivai Capitanio signs.

From South by car: S.S. 16 direction Bari –Exit “Monopoli – S. Francesco da Paola”, follow Vivai Capitanio Stefano signs.

By Train: FF.SS. Bari-Brindisi-Lecce, Monopoli station.

By Plane: Bari and Brindisi Airports.

To view all the photos of the garden, click here.

For further informations visit www.lamadegliulivi.it