Sardinian Garden

During the 18th and 19th centuries in particular, exhibitions of creatures from other countries were a popular feature in palace gardens, as a way for the rulers to display their wealth. Ludwigsburg also boasted aviaries and animal enclosures. The large aviary, which opened at Blühendes Barock (Baroque in Bloom) in 1977, ties in with this historical tradition. When walking through the 150-metre-long and 30-metre-wide aviary, visitors can experience most creatures face to face. The birds are free to fly around the aviary, which is up to 15 metres high. The birds are selected to ensure that individual species have an optimum habitat and can breed.

The free-flight aviary also has another attraction: a Sardinian landscape with typical Mediterranean plants, rocks and architecture.

This also pays homage to Ludwigsburg's history. Duke Eberhard Ludwig had several hundred trees transported from Sardinia to Ludwigsburg in the early 18th century to give the gardens a southern flair. The variety of species presented to visitors today is just as impressive as it was in the past. The Mediterranean flair of the Upper East Garden is continued harmoniously along the sunny slopes of the Sardinian Garden. But this area is particularly special. The southern character is even more intricate and detailed, displaying a rich blend of flora, fauna and rocks. The path leads through a neolithic gateway, past dry-stone walls with characteristic moss and lichens to a small fountain. It then continues up a small hill with a typical Sardinian shepherds' hut, surrounded by olive trees, cork oaks and carob trees.