The Botanical Garden of Jena has emerged as an experimental platform under the University of Jena in the XVI century. Medicinal plants were mostly grown in it at that time. The garden owes its heyday to the great writer Goethe. During his visits to Jena the classic writer of the German literature stayed in the house of the caretaker of the university garden.
Here the poet conceived the idea to combine the university garden with the neighbouring former Royal garden. The result was a huge botanical garden! There are more than 12 thousand plants in it. The garden is a favorite vacation spot of the townspeople. It is open all year round. The house where Goethe stayed has been preserved. It is the poet’s museum.