Secrets of María Luisa Park and Plaza de España

The María Luisa Park is Seville’s first urban park and one of the city’s major green spaces, as well as one of its most photogenic and visually striking natural areas.

Originally, it formed part of the private gardens of the Infanta María Luisa Fernanda, Duchess of Montpensier, who donated it to the city of Seville in 1914; it is also linked to King Alfonso XII.

A few years later, it was designated a Site of Cultural Interest in the category of Historic Garden following the advice of a French landscape architect. Within the park lies the Plaza de España, built by Aníbal González for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. It was designed as the largest site built for the event and symbolises an embrace of the former American territories.

During our tour, we will venture into the María Luisa Park to enjoy the lush gardens, appreciate their meticulous details and be amazed by the design of its fountains and ceramics. Walking along its paths is like visiting the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

The official Naturanda guide will explain the natural and architectural significance of the various spaces and reveal the secrets and curiosities that pass unnoticed by passers-by; visiting Plaza de España is a user experience not to be missed, as it is culturally very enriching, and don’t miss the connection with Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.

We will take a detailed tour of Plaza de España and Plaza de América, seeking to understand the works designed by Forestier and Aníbal González, where we will take a historical look at the lives of some of Seville’s most illustrious figures and the 20th-century history of the city of Seville.