Top 5 most beautiful parks and gardens in Seville

Seville, the Andalusian capital, with its sunshine and the joyful bustle of its streets, is a city that vibrates intensely. Yet, at the heart of this effervescence, it holds verdant treasures offering a respite of freshness and serenity.

Far from being mere green spaces, these parks and gardens are true historical and architectural masterpieces, testaments to the city's rich past. Prepare for an enchanting stroll through Seville's most beautiful gardens, where history, art, and nature converge to delight all the senses.

The must-see parks and gardens of Seville

1. The Gardens of the Real Alcázar

The Gardens of the Real Alcázar are undoubtedly Seville's green jewel. Don't expect to admire a park, but rather a series of verdant scenes that tell the story of the city. The various rulers who succeeded one another left their mark, creating a harmonious blend of styles. Geometric patterns and the refreshing Moorish fountains mingle with perfectly aligned Renaissance gardens. Later Romanticism also adds a touch of whimsy.

Every step is a discovery. The famous Patio de las Doncellas, in the heart of the palace, captivates with its pools and galleries that reflect the sky. Wandering through the gardens, you'll discover a labyrinth of paths lined with orange trees, palms, and myrtles, whose intoxicating fragrances fill the air. Fountains gently murmur, like the majestic Fountain of Mercury, offering welcome respite.

Despite the crowds visiting the palace, the atmosphere of these gardens remains peaceful and tranquil. It's here that one understands why the sovereigns cherished them so much. Don't forget to explore every nook and cranny, each offering a touch of mystery and shadow. These gardens are not merely beautiful to behold; they are an invitation to contemplation and escape.

2. María Luisa Park

Who hasn't heard of Maria Luisa Park, the beating heart of Seville life?

The largest and undoubtedly the most famous park in the city, it is a must-see for strolling and relaxation, where locals love to cool off in the shade of its majestic trees. Created for the historic Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, Seville's park has managed to retain the charm and elegance of that golden age.

The park is a true delight for the senses. Its paths are lined with refreshing fountains, such as the Frog Fountain, as well as ponds and statues. The vegetation is lush, with palm trees, orange trees, and fragrant rose bushes. Oleanders, in particular, create verdant tunnels. As for wildlife, the park is a haven for numerous birds : ducks and swans swim on the ponds, while parrots and peacocks roam freely. This delightful mix adds a touch of color and exoticism to this green escape in the heart of the city.

On one side, you'll find the spectacular Plaza de España, which stands as an architectural marvel. This iconic place fascinates with its semi-circular shape, its canal where you can navigate by boat, and especially its superb benches adorned with azulejos, each representing one of the Spanish provinces.

A little further on, the peaceful Plaza de América, nicknamed the "Plaza of Doves", is appreciated for its pavilions, including the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, and the joyful activity of the pigeons that gather there by the hundreds.

3. The Gardens of Murillo

Just outside the Alcázar gardens, on the edge of the picturesque Santa Cruz district, lies another verdant marvel: the Murillo Gardens. This place, which pays homage to the famous Sevillian painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, is a true haven of peace, a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

Their architecture is particularly charming. Long brick pergolas and delicate wrought-iron trellises create arched walkways, forming verdant corridors that invite leisurely strolls. These structures, draped in climbing plants, provide dense and welcome shade. It's the perfect place for a break after exploring the sun-drenched streets of Seville.

The atmosphere here is one of absolute serenity. The contrast is striking between the calm and coolness of these gardens and the noisy bustle of the adjacent neighborhood. Looking for tranquility ? The Murillo Gardens are perfect for sitting, reading a book, or walking your four-legged friend before plunging back into the vibrant energy of Seville.

4. The Buhaira Gardens

While the Alcázar Gardens showcase the Almoravid era, the Buhaira Gardens represent its roots. This setting is often overlooked by visitors, as it lies quite far from Seville's tourist center. Yet, it offers a true immersion into the history of Muslim Seville. Originally, these gardens were part of a large orchard and summer palace built in the 12th century by the Almoravid ruler Abu Ya'qub Yusuf. Buhaira, in fact, means "little la c" in Arabic, referring to the large central basin that served both as a place of pleasure and as an irrigation reservoir.

Today, these gardens have been restored to evoke their former splendor. Discover the typical layout of Islamic gardens with straight paths, water features, and well-ordered vegetation. It is a simple and peaceful place, where the shade of the trees offers an idyllic refuge from the heat.

5. Alamillo Park

To get even further off the beaten track, Alamillo Park is an excellent alternative. This park is located on Cartuja Island, on the other side of the Guadalquivir River. Less touristy than other parks in the city, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is a favorite spot for Sevillians seeking open spaces.

Alamillo is one of the city's largest parks. Its more natural design contrasts with the architectural rigor of the city center's gardens. It features large lakes, vast expanses of grass, playgrounds, and numerous bike paths, making it the perfect place for sports or a simple family stroll.

Access to the park is a spectacle in itself, thanks to the Puente del Alamillo. This striking bridge, designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, is a modern work of art that symbolizes Seville's openness to the future.

The adventure continues: patios, squares and the river

Seville is a city that lives at a frenetic pace, but it's also a city that breathes. With its shaded walkways, fountains, and lush greenery, the parks and gardens of this Spanish city are havens of serenity and beauty, offering a welcome respite. Each place tells a story and provides a unique sense of peace.

During your next visit to Seville, be sure to lose yourself in these green oases. However, the green adventure doesn't end with the large parks! Seville is full of other treasures that reveal themselves as you stroll through the city:

• Seville's secret patios: the city's green soul hides behind its facades. Each neighborhood, especially the picturesque Santa Cruz, is home to countless flower-filled patios —those typical inner courtyards. Private sanctuaries, adorned with geraniums, jasmine, and colorful tiles, they offer touches of freshness and poetry. Listen closely or keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of these wonders, often open to the public during festivals or simply seen through the gates.
• The shady squares: the small squares (or plazas) of the city, often lined with fragrant orange trees and furnished with azulejo benches, are other little havens where it's pleasant to stop. They are places of life and encounters where you can observe local life and recharge under a bright blue sky.

Whether you choose a royal garden, an iconic park, or a hidden patio, these treasures promise a sensory and comforting experience. Far from the hustle and bustle of the streets, you'll discover another side of the city, a more intimate and refreshing Seville, where the beauty of nature and the richness of history meet. Why not explore this mosaic of greenery?

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