 The arboreta date back to 1869 at another location, or to 1884 in the current location, when 230 plants were transferred in a move of the Regio Istituto Superiore Forestale's headquarters within the Vallombrosa forest.New sections were added in 1885-1886, and in 1891 a botanical garden was created; unfortunately it was abandoned in 1914 and nothing remains today but a tub.In 1894 another section was added on the Masso del Diavolo to provide a suitable environment for Mediterranean species.