Giardino SottoVico
Botanical garden of the Chianti at Vico d’Elsa with greenhouses and a collection of over 3,000 succulent plants, a sensory trail and free admission.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Giardino SottoVico was born around 2002, when a group of succulent enthusiasts asked the Comune di Barberino Val d’Elsa for a space to build a greenhouse. The land assigned, at the entrance to the village of Vico d’Elsa, was an illegal dump covering about 6,000 square metres: thanks to the work of the association’s volunteers and the support of public bodies and private sponsors, it was cleared and turned into a botanical garden.
In 2008 the main greenhouse was installed, about 200 square metres in glass with winter heating, housing plants from all five continents. After the death of one of the founders, Andrea Rosselli, his collection of some 3,000 succulents was donated to the garden and found a place in a second greenhouse.
Today the garden includes, besides the greenhouses, the Percorso dei Sensi, designed to stimulate the five senses through plants, a pond with a phytodepuration system for educational purposes, a composting plant and the Bosco delle Emozioni. The association runs the site with botanical, social and educational activities for schools, groups and visitors, with a focus on inclusion and wellbeing.
Highlights
- Collection of over 3,000 succulent and cactus plants from the Americas and Africa
- Main greenhouse of about 200 square metres with plants from all five continents
- Percorso dei Sensi with a garden of aromatic plants
- Educational pond with a phytodepuration system
- Free admission and a panoramic position towards San Gimignano
- Operated by
- Associazione Giardino SottoVico APS
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The garden hosts educational and social activities and the Percorso dei Sensi, also suitable for schools and groups.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Greenhouse visits Monday to Friday by telephone booking; for school visits and event organisation, you can contact the association. |
