The Santa Catalina Botanical Garden, located in the municipality of Iruña de Oca in Araba, is a unique fusion of natural beauty and history. Situated within the ruins of a medieval monastery and palace, this botanical garden offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to explore a rich variety of plant species while immersing themselves in a setting steeped in history.

The site dates back to the 13th century, when a tower house was built by the married couple Andrés Martínez de Iruña and Mari Sánchez. In 1407 the Martínez de Iruña family abandoned the place and donated the property to the Jerónimos, so that they could build a convent there. They remained there until 1472. Later the Augustinian monks, built the church, the cloister and the chapter house. In 1835, the monks were forced to abandon the site due to the confiscations, and in 1836 it was burned down during the First Carlist War, remaining in a state of abandonment until it was acquired in 1999 by the City Council of Iruña de Oca.

Since 1999, restoration efforts transformed the site into a botanical garden, blending the remains of the medieval architecture with carefully curated plant collections.

Today, the garden, with an area of 32.500 m2, is home to an extensive variety of plant species, including Mediterranean, Atlantic, and exotic varieties, creating a diverse ecosystem that thrives in harmony with its historical surroundings. The layout features thematic sections, including a medicinal plant garden, highlighting the traditional uses of plants for healing, and an aromatic garden, which showcases fragrant herbs and flowers. Over 1,200 species are displayed, with notable examples such as ginkgo trees, cypresses, and a variety of succulents and roses.

More information: https://jardinbotanicosantacatalina.com/