Created between 1830 and 1854 on a project by architect Pasquale Poccianti, it was one of the first green areas born with the function of public garden. It was originally known as Parterre or Garden of the Aqueducts, as it was located near the big water reservoir. During the first half of the 20th century, it was transformed into zoological gardens, despite the fact it did not possess the proper structures. The first animals introduced were two wild boars donated to the city of Livorno by the mayor of Sassari, which were later joined by many other species. Due to difficulties caused by the large number of specimens, in 1940 the animals were transferred to the zoo of Salsomaggiore. In 1950, the Parterre regained its original function and was successively enlarged with the incorporation of the area of the ex Pirelli factory.