Take some time to relax in the extensive grounds of Maria Luisa Park and explore the gardens, pools, monuments and historic buildings. Formerly the garden of a royal palace, the 85-acre (34-hectare) green space was donated to the city by the Infanta María Luisa Fernanda upon her death in the late 19th century.
Walk or jog along avenues lined with palm, pine and orange trees and dotted with fountains and gazebos. Alternatively, ride a horse-drawn carriage through part of the park. Sit by a pond to watch ducks and swans glide across the water, or look for green parrots. Observe some of the park’s monuments, including the Fountain of the Lions.
The park’s centerpiece is the Plaza de España, a vast brick building created for the Spanish-American Exhibition of 1929. The façade of the curved structure is a mix of Renaissance and Moorish styles. You might recognise the plaza as a location from several movies, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
Cross over a footbridge to stroll along the colonnade of the Plaza de España. Visit the numerous tiled alcoves, each with ceramic benches. The alcoves represent different provinces of Spain. Rent a boat to row along the 1,640-foot (500-metre) canal in front of the building.
Visit some of the park’s other buildings, such as the Archeological Museum. Check out the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs to see collections of flamenco dresses and traditional costumes. The museums are in the Plaza de America at the southern end of the park. This square is also known as the Parque de las Palomas, or Dove Park, for the many doves that live here.
Maria Luisa Park is open every day and admission is free however, horse-drawn carriage rides and museum visits may incur a fee. Situated just south of Seville’s old quarter, the park is easy to get to by metro, bus and tram. There is metered parking in nearby streets.
