Just to the north of the city
of Malaga is the stunning botanical garden of Finca La Concepcion.
La Concepcion is one of the
most beautiful and important tropical gardens in Spain and one
of the best in all of Europe.
The
garden has been established for over 150 years and was created
by Amalia Heredia Livermore, granddaughter of the British consul,
and her husband, the successful businessman, Jorge Loring Oyarzabal,
Marquis of Casa Loring, in 1850. These keen plant collectors travelled
the world, bringing back bamboos from China, eucalyptus from Australia,
and palms from South America and the Pacific. In all there are
over three thousand separate species represented in these gardens.
On the death of the Marquis
in 1911 it passed into the hands of another rich Malaga family,
but it was rarely used.
Jardin Botanico Finca La Concepcion
was declared a historical and artistic garden in 1943, but fell
into decline over the years until it was acquired by the Malaga
authorities in 1990 who introduced a programme of renovation,
the results of which can be seen today.
The garden has a luxurious
tropical forest feel, with wonders around each corner, and is
designed to have year-round interest: giant ficus, majestic araucarias
(a 45m specimen of which is the province's tallest tree), a huge
range of palms, cycads and groves of bamboos as well as a vast
range of flowers, from the humble to the exotic, all have their
place here.
One of the highlights is the
spring 'explosion' of the huge wisteria which clambers over the
lacy ironwork of the gardens' dining arbour.
The
ornamental pools are home to numerous water lillies as well as various
turtles, frogs and toads.
The shady walks are an ideal
break from the heat of summer and all trips to the garden are
accompanied by a guide, many of whom speak English, so that you
can get the full benefit of your visit.
Getting there
The botanic garden is situated
on the Carretera de las Pedrizas (CN 331) at km 166 which is on
the way out of Malaga headed for Antequera.
There is a bus service (No.
61) on weekends and holidays from the Alameda Principal in central
Malaga (Ciudad Jardin line).
Visiting hours
All visits are guided and
last approximately an hour and a half. The gardens open at 10.00
am and the start of the last visit is at:
April 1st - June 20th: 17:30
June 21st - September 10th: 19:30
September 11th -October 20th: 17:30
October 21st - December 10th: 16:30
December 11th - March 31st: 16:00
June 21st - September 10th: 19:30
September 11th -October 20th: 17:30
October 21st - December 10th: 16:30
December 11th - March 31st: 16:00
Entrance is €2.85 for
adults and €1.45 for children (6 to 16 years).
For more information: 0034
952 252 148 or 0034 952 250 745
