The sprawling and verdant Istana domain in the heart of the city has always fascinated visiting dignitaries and the thousands of Singaporeans who thronged its gates during Istana Open House days. A legacy of our colonial history, the Istana grounds is today a green jewel of an oasis in the heart of a bustling metropolis. But more than just beautiful greenery to lend ambiance and stateliness to the Istana, it stands as an icon of Singapore’s determination to create a tropical Garden City.