Maria Luisa Park

You are now walking through part of Maria Luisa Park, heading towards the Plaza de España. These gardens once belonged to the San Telmo Palace and were gifted to the city by Princess Maria Luisa, who gave the park its name. In 1911, ahead of the upcoming Ibero-American Exposition, the royal gardens were transformed into a public park by landscape architect Jean-Claude Forestier. Rather than imposing traditional French classicism, he drew inspiration from the gardens of the Alhambra and the Alcázar. The result is a tranquil, shaded oasis beneath the orange trees—a favourite escape for locals and a perfect spot for a picnic or a bike ride. Feel free to explore deeper into this stunning park, filled with Mediterranean trees and fragrant blooms. At the far end, you’ll find the beautiful Mudéjar Pavilion and the splendid Plaza de América, home to the pavilions of Brazil and Mexico.