Historische Tuin Schoonoord

Description

Historische Tuin Schoonoord is a quiet, hidden city garden in Rotterdam's Scheepvaartkwartier. Located close to Het Park, it contains a rich collection of flora and fauna. The official website describes Schoonoord as a unique part of Rotterdam's green heritage.

History

Its history goes back to the country estate Rust en Lust, laid out in 1706 in the Muizenpolder. In 1816 the estate received the name Schoonoord. The present garden design was largely created in 1860 in the English landscape style. In the early 1970s the heirs of the Mees family decided to open the family garden to the public; the official opening followed in 1973. Schoonoord became a protected national monument in 2000.

Nature & Design

Highlights include giant cedars of Lebanon, a copper beech from around 1860, a pond, old yew trees, Gunnera plants and an eighteenth-century entrance gate with a brick arch bridge.

Visitor Information

Open daily from 08:30 to 16:30. Admission is free. During major festivals in Het Park, the garden may be closed.

Good to Know

The garden is deliberately maintained as a quiet place; visitors are asked to stay on the paths and respect the peace.