Parque de María Luisa (María Luisa Park), Seville

Parque de María Luisa (María Luisa Park), Seville (must see)

You shouldn't miss a visit to María Luisa Park before leaving Seville. It's a stunning location that stretches along the Guadalquivir River and serves as the city's main green space. Most of the park used to be the gardens of the Palace of San Telmo. In 1893, Infanta Luisa Fernanda, Duchess of Montpensier, generously donated these grounds to the city of Seville to create a public park. The gardens, as we see them today, were redesigned by Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, starting in 1911. Subsequently, the park played a crucial role in the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, contributing to its impressive architectural setting.

To prepare for the exhibition, the entire southern part of the city underwent redevelopment, transforming into an expansive area filled with gardens and grand boulevards. At its heart lies the Parque de María Luisa, designed in a "Moorish paradise style" and featuring a half-mile of tiled fountains, pavilions, walls, ponds, benches, and exedras. You'll find abundant plantings of palms, orange trees, Mediterranean pines, and carefully designed flower beds, some of which are hidden by vines.

María Luisa Park also serves as a botanical garden, showcasing a wide variety of plant species, both native and exotic, with informative panels to educate visitors. The park is home to numerous bird species, particularly doves (so much so that a part of Plaza de América is known as "Parque de las Palomas" or Dove Park). Additionally, you'll spot green parrots living in the park's center, as well as ducks and swans in the fountains and lakes.

Why You Should Visit:
The historic buildings, sculptures, and water features make this a unique work of garden landscaping and leafy beauty. There is always something new to explore or do!
At various points, you can join different experiences, such as feeding the birds (Plaza de America), riding a bike (including family cycles), or entertaining yourself taking photos of the incomparable Plaza de España.

Tip:
Make sure you visit during the "golden hour" when the light is the most beautiful in Sevilla (in July it would be around 8-9pm)!

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seville. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Parque de María Luisa (María Luisa Park) on Map

Sight Name: Parque de María Luisa (María Luisa Park)
Sight Location: Seville, Spain (See walking tours in Seville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Seville, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Seville

Create Your Own Walk in Seville

Creating your own self-guided walk in Seville is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Flamenco Walking Tour

Flamenco Walking Tour

They say if it's Flamenco – it's Andalusia, and if it's Andalusia – it's all about Seville. Indeed, with its roots deeply embedded in the Andalusian culture, Seville is a prime destination for experiencing the essence of Flamenco and is largely considered to be the home of this fiery dance.

Flamenco sites are found all over the city – in bars, theaters, or specialized...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Old Seville Walking Tour

Old Seville Walking Tour

Seville's varied history has left behind a great deal of heritage, much of which is seen in the Old Town, the largest in Europe. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the former Jewish quarter of Seville, and one of the famous districts here. From 1248 to 1492, it had been inhabited by the largest Jewish community in Spain – eventually driven out, leaving this beautiful neighborhood forlorn.

Today the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Seville Introduction Walking Tour

Seville Introduction Walking Tour

Seville is the largest city and provincial capital of Andalusia. It is in the southwest of Spain, on the banks of the Guadalquivir. Ancient tradition holds that Seville was founded by Hercules. It was called Hisbaal by Phoenician colonizers for the god Baal. The Romans latinized the name, calling it Hispalis.

In the year 711 CE the city was brought under Muslim rule and renamed Ishbiliyah. It...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


16 Uniquely Spanish Things to Buy in Seville

16 Uniquely Spanish Things to Buy in Seville

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