Desert City: Transforming an Industrial Site into Europe’s Largest Cactus Garden

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:06:00 +0200

On the outskirts of Madrid, a striking transformation has taken place where an industrial wasteland has been turned into Desert City, Europe's largest cactus garden. Designed by the Madrid-based studio Jacobo García-Germán, this unique space showcases thousands of cacti and drought-tolerant plants stretching across the landscape. At its heart lies a massive greenhouse where visitors can purchase plants to take home, making the experience both immersive and interactive. The garden combines innovative design with environmental consciousness, highlighting how arid-adapted flora can thrive in urban and semi-urban settings. Desert City is not only a botanical marvel but also a cultural and educational destination, demonstrating the aesthetic and ecological value of plants typically associated with deserts. It is a rare sight in Europe, where cacti are not native, yet the garden brings the desert spirit to the region in a vibrant, lively way. The project stands as a testament to creative urb