Parque de María Luisa

Parque de María Luisa is the largest and most famous urban park in Seville, Spain. Originally the private gardens of the Palace of San Telmo, the park was donated to the city in 1893 by Infanta María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón and opened to the public in 1914. Designed by French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, the park spans 34 hectares and features a romantic landscape with Mediterranean trees, fountains, and shady paths.

The park served as the central venue for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition, which introduced key landmarks such as the Plaza de España and the Plaza de América. The Plaza de América houses three buildings from the exhibition: the Provincial Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, and the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs. These structures showcase prehistoric artifacts, Roman relics, and traditional Andalusian crafts.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the park’s extensive grounds, visiting attractions like the Garden of the Lions, the Frog Fountain, and the Glorieta de los Lotos. The park is also home to the Monument to Bécquer and the Teatro Lope de Vega. It is a popular spot for picnics, walking, and cycling. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with free entry. Located adjacent to the Plaza de España and bordering the Guadalquivir River, it is easily accessible via public transport. The park offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s heat and bustle, providing a green space for both residents and tourists to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Seville.