The Arboretum in Arco
The Arboretum in Arco dates back to the end of the 19th century. Archduke Albrecht von Habsburg had the plant collection and the associated park landscaped around his villa in Arco. The mild climate has created lush vegetation of Mediterranean and evergreen plants from all over the world.
The former park of the Archduke and the Arboretum continues to flourish today. The living botanical museum is home to over 200 different trees and shrubs, including North American conifers, plants from Southeast Asia and Mediterranean plants. During a walk through the park, you can admire some of Europe's oldest sequoias, California cypresses, holm oaks, agaves, prickly pears, acacias and yucca.
The arboretum and the approximately one-hectare historic park are a popular destination, especially for nature lovers and school classes. However, even those who are looking for a quiet and cool spot in the summer heat, feel comfortable in the shade of the time-honoured trees.
The municipality of Arco manages the picturesque park in collaboration with the province and the Museum of Science in Trento (MUSE). The tasks of the arboretum focus on environmental education and the observation of the developmental phases of plants concerning the climate.
Information and opening hours
The arboretum has signs that provide the visitor with all the information about each plant. Also, small natural landscapes have been recreated to show the habitat of some subtropical and Asian plants. You can also admire typical Limonaie (orangeries), ponds and slopes, which are overgrown with green and colourful flowering genista.
You can visit the arboretum of Arco between April and September from 8 am to 7 pm and between October and March from 9 am to 4 pm. The unique plant collection and the park are in Arco, between Via Lomego and Via Fossa Grande, at the beginning of the road that leads to the village of Laghel.