Orangery

Moscow Kuskovo Park asv2018-08 img3

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County Cork - Fota House-Orangery - 20180910130154

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Orangerieschloss (Potsdam) August 2010

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Royal Greenhouse of Laken

Château de Versailles orangerie

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Orangerie Meuselwitz

Orangery is a room or a dedicated building on the grounds of fashionable residences from the 17th to the 19th centuries where orange trees were protected during the winter, as a very large form of greenhouse or conservatory. The orangery was a symbol of prestige and wealth and a feature of the gardens of the most prestigious residences. Besides oranges, many other types of fruit trees and exotic plants were protected in the orangery during the winter.

History

The concept of the orangery began in the Renaissance gardens of Italy, when glass-making technology enabled sufficient areas of clear glass to be produced. This innovation allowed the construction of buildings where plants from warmer climates could be kept alive through the winter. The first orangeries were practical and not as ornamental as they later became in the 17th and 18th centuries. By the 17th century, the orangery became a feature of royal residences throughout Europe, from the Versailles Palace in France to the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.

Design

Orangeries were often built facing south to take advantage of the maximum possible light, and were constructed using brick or stone bases, large windows, and a glass roof, sometimes with a cupola. The architecture was often in keeping with the style of the house, making the orangery a seamless addition to the estate. Inside, the plants were placed in containers so they could be moved outside during the summer months and back inside for winter protection.

Function and Use

Originally, orangeries were built to protect orange and other fruit trees during the harsh winter months. However, over time, they became a status symbol among the wealthy and were used for growing a variety of exotic plants and fruits that were rare and expensive during the period. They also served as luxurious spaces for entertaining guests. In the 19th century, as the technology of glass and heating systems improved, the distinction between orangeries and greenhouses became blurred.

Legacy

Today, many orangeries have been repurposed for various uses, such as restaurants, cafes, and event spaces. Some have been attached to public botanical gardens, serving as both historical exhibits and functional greenhouses. The concept of the orangery has also influenced modern greenhouse and conservatory designs.

See Also

• Greenhouse
• Conservatory (greenhouse)
• Botanical garden
• History of gardening