Go for a walk, relax in a pavement café and see Roman temple ruins at one of the oldest public gardens in Europe, La Alameda. The vast, popular open space dates back to 1574 when a marshland area was drained and populated with trees and fountains.
The square and surrounding neighbourhood went into decline during the middle of the 20th century. Following the completion of a 2-year renovation project in 2008, however, La Alameda is once again a popular haunt of Sevillanos.
The first thing you’ll notice are the two Roman columns at the head of the promenade. They were once part of a temple in another part of Seville that was dedicated to the god Hercules. He is said to be the mythical founder of Seville. Look up at the statues of Julius Caesar and Hercules that crown the pillars. See La Alameda’s other historic structures, including the Casa de las Sirenas, which is a 19th-century French-style palace.
Stop by one of the bars or cafés lining the square for breakfast, lunch or evening tapas. Let the children climb and swing in the small playground. Cool off by walking through the small jets of water that shoot up from the ground. Come back to La Alameda for the Sunday morning flea market. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables or search for unusual items for the home, including Spanish dolls and antiques.
Revel in La Alameda’s popular nightlife scene. From tapas and cocktail bars to disco-pubs and restaurants with outdoor terraces, there are plenty of choices. Occasionally in the summer, bands will perform open-air concerts. At night, the area is popular with a young, bohemian crowd and the city’s gay community.
La Alameda is located in the historic centre of Seville, between the Guadalquivir River and the Macarena neighbourhood. Arrive by bus, car or train. Santa Justa train station is 1.2 miles (1.8 kilometres) away and metered parking lots are within a short walking distance.
