Kazimierz the Great University Botanical Garden in Bydgoszcz

The Botanical Garden of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz is a site of significant scientific, educational, and recreational importance, located in the central part of the city. Its history dates back to 1930, when the Municipal Botanical Garden, designed by engineer Marian Güntzel, was opened. The garden, once devastated during World War II, was transformed into a scientific research institution in 1946, which enabled the development of research and the accumulation of a rich plant collection. Over the years, its area expanded, and by 1999, it came under the management of Kazimierz Wielki University. Today, the garden covers an area of 2.5 hectares, where approximately 600 species of trees and shrubs and 700 species of herbaceous plants are gathered. From an architectural perspective, the garden is characterized by various forms of small architecture, such as pergolas, a pond, stone arches, and sculptures by renowned artists, including a cycle depicting the four seasons by Bronisław Kłobucki. Culturally, the garden is a venue for annual events, such as the Bydgoszcz Science Festival, and its activities promote ecological education. Furthermore, in 2010, the Arboretum Gallery was opened, where artistic and photographic works are displayed. Among the interesting features are rare plant species, such as the ginkgo biloba, which is a living fossil, and the garden's structure, which was modernized as part of a revitalization program. Currently, the garden is also becoming a space adapted for people with disabilities, making it more accessible to the local community. Its rich flora and fauna, including numerous bird species, make it a unique place that combines scientific, educational, and recreational functions.