It's one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. More than 6,000
plants (about 4,000 species) are growing in the garden and greenhouses.
The Hortus Botanicus was founded in 1638 by the Amsterdam city Council
and used as a medicinal herb garden. Back then herbs were really
important, they were used as the basis of medicines. Thanks to the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische
Compagnie or VOC)
it expanded quickly in the 17th and 18th Centuries. In the middle of the museum there is a beautiful outdoor cafe called
The Orangery, it's also used for exclusive parties and meetings. The
Hortus Botanicus is a historic place
and truely unique, it's really
worth
a visit.