A Day At The Maria Luisa ParkĀ In Seville
We arrived in Seville well after midnight. So the start to our 4 days in Seville was slow. We planned to wander the Maria Luisa Park in Seville and just take it easy. Little did we know that this large green space held so much to see! We walked for over 10,000 steps on our āeasyā day!
Our hotel provided directions for our walk and off we went. The directions included a comment that the walk had lots of shade. We saw the sign that said that the temperature was 36ā (97ā). And we understood why finding shelter from the sun was so important as we walked. We moved from shade to shade when we arrived to wander the Maria Luisa Park.
Stopping At The Pabellon Mudejay
We started to wander the Maria Luisa Park at the gate by the Pabellon Mudejay. This was on my list of things to see. The building was built in the early 1900ās in an architectural movement that drew from periods of the past. It was the first but not the last we saw of Mudejar architecture as we toured Seville and Spain. We wandered around this interesting building and caught views from various sides.
We heard the clop clop of horses as we stopped to admire this first stop. Horse and carriage rides were offered through the park. This should have been our first clue as to how big this park really was!
Fun At the Pigeon Park
When our hotel concierge circled spots on our map, he marked the pigeon park. That was the next place we stopped.
As we approached we heard the squeals. There was a small stand to buy pigeon food. When we sprinkled only a small amount of food we immediately were surrounded by a large flock of pigeons. This was a popular spot for families to stop But we were not sure if everyone really liked the feeling of being surrounded by hungry birds!
Once the birds had their fill, they picked a spot close by to sun themselves. Their next meal was not long to come.
Wander The Maria Luisa Park
When we looked at a map of Seville, we found a lot of green space. The Maria Luisa Park was the largest park at about 100 acres. It ran along the Guadalquivir River. Wandering around the Maria Luisa Park we found walkways, gardens, fountains and lush greenery. A wide range of flowers were in bloom. We saw trees filled with ripe oranges.
Trellised benches were littered with books. And fountains offered colourful and artistic displays. A pond and gazebo in the park offered a respite from the heat. Ducks and other water fowl waddled the paths and played in the water.
At one point we walked over to the Guadalquivir River. We saw the tour boats as they went up and down the river.
Heading back towards the main part of Maria Luisa Park we stopped to look at statues posed in the greenery. Of course, we had a little fun with the statues!
We Finished Up At The Plaza de Espana
When you wander the Maria Luisa Park, you can exit the greenery at the Plaza de Espana. This building was originally built to showcase Spain’s industry and technology exhibits. Today the building housed government offices.
This building too was built very much in Mudejar architectural style. We saw much more when we visited the Real AlcĆ”zar palace in Seville. Ā The building was a huge semi-circular design with a moat. The South and North Towers stood at each end. The bridges over the moat represented the four ancient kingdoms of Spain.
As we walked along the building, we saw many tiled alcoves that represented different areas of Spain.
The Vicente Traver fountain was at the centre. Most people used this as a posing spot. But many people also used this fountain to cool down. Ā Some people removed their shoes and walked through the fountain.
This large plaza was one of the spots that the horse and carriages stopped for pictures.
Don’t Miss the Plaza de Espana AtĀ The Maria Luisa ParkĀ In SevilleĀ
Our plan to wander the Maria Luisa Park may not have been the relaxing short day we planned for. But it was a great way to start our visit to Seville. The park was massive. But there were lots of spots to sit and enjoy the flowers and greenery. The buildings in the park were works of art. And the Plaza de Espana was the crown jewel!
We were excited as we continued our exploration of Seville. The next day we headed to the Santa Cruz neighbourhood and saw the Seville Cathedral and the Alcazar of Seville.
Have you had a chance to wander the Maria Luisa Park in Seville? Did you enjoy the green space and the amazing architecture?
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This sounds like something suitable for my mum, warm/hot weather, greenery involving no slopes and flat ground throughout? Thanks for the post.
Annie, The Maria Luisa Park was a great way to relax in Seville. It was really hot even in May, so we needed lots of stops in green space. Linda
I have heard about the Maria Luisa Park on my research of Sevilla and it looks beautiful. This is one city which has escaped me on the Spanish mainland. I wouldnt want to be here in the summer months, I have been warned I would fry in the heat. Looking at the plaza and its design is probably one of the things which represents Spain in terms of landmarks etc and right now, I am wonderlusting for a return to this beautiful country….but in the winter š
Danik, It was May when we visited and I could not believe how hot Seville was. I think a winter visit would be great! Linda
Wow, I would love to put down a picnic blanket and lay in the sun at Maria Luisa Park. What a perfect place to spend some outdoors time while also getting in some beautiful views. And exciting for all ages!
Chloe, We were glad we took the time to enjoy a walk through Maria Louisa Park. Definitely a fun spot to get away from the heat and people. Linda
It’s so funny how fresh and pleasant Seville looks in your pictures. I’ve visited twice – both times in Summer and I think it has been the hottest place I’ve ever visited. We spent hours at the Corte Ingles just for the air condition. Maybe we should have rather gone to the park and let the fountains refresh us š
Renata, It was still very hot when we visited in May. The fountains and green spaces sure helped cool us down. Linda
I haven’t been to Spain to begin with, so this is the first time I heard about Maria Luisa Park. I’m impressed with the plaza. It’s huge and beautiful. I wonder if Mudejar architecture style got influence from the Ottoman Empire.
Umiko, All of Seville was stunning from an architecture perspective. This was our first taste but much more to come. Much of this part of Spain has Moorish influences in design and traditions. Linda
Lovely post! I had a very short time in Seville, and never managed to visit the park, but how gorgeous and colourful it looks. Would love to go back to Seville anytime and Andalucian region too, to explore a lot more!!
Anuradha, We are glad we had a few days in Seville to explore. This was our first stop and we just wanted more. A great part of Spain to explore. Hope you get back. Linda
Some great photos here! Seville always sparks history in my mind, the architecutre and lucious gardens here radiate that ever more so. Love the post.
Charlie, We were surprised with this first great stop in Seville. Sure kept us exploring more! Linda
Looks like a lovely park. Love those playful sculptures (and the one with the sunglasses obvs haha).
Stefan, We were glad to find a cool oasis when we visited Seville. Linda
We visited Plaza Espana but didn’t know about this Maria Luisa Park. Very pretty indeed!
Carol, The park was a great spot for some green space and to cool down. Linda
Yes!! My friend is having a destination wedding in Spain this summer so this post could NOT have come at a better time. I’ve already done the major cities and islands in Spain, I wanted to find a new place to explore, but there are simply too many options to make a decision. Seville was an option, and the photos in this post helped me decide. I love the architecture and nature in this park.
Jacqueline, I will have several other Seville posts and some from Cordoba coming up. I hope these help you to have an amazing time in Spain. Linda
Delhi has a restaurant named Seviila. And after reading this and seeing the pictures, I know exactly where the architecture is coming from. I love parks and I hope I get to experience this someday soon. This is such a perfect outing.
Ambica, I hope you do get to visit and see the architecture of Seville. Simply stunning. Linda
Wow Seville looks very charming, I love Spanish architecture and can’t believe I’ve not been here yet. Definitely on my bucket list now.
Nicole, We were definitely wowed on this first stop in Seville. But then we found so much more. An amazing start to this visit. Linda
I have never been to Spain before but would love to go there one day. I definitely have Seville on my list when I plan Spain. Spending a day at The Maria Luisa Park on a beautiful day sounds so amazing. The pictures are stunning and just spending that time at the pigeon park is something I would love.
Raksha, I hope you get to Spain and Seville. Definitely a spot we will return to. Linda
I am becoming quite a bird lover and love the idea of buying food to feed pigeons! Even better in the middle of a beautiful park after a carriage ride.
Jamie, It was a beautiful park in Seville with a little something for everyone. Linda
I would have definitely given that pigeon park a miss! No my idea of fun at all. However, the park looks wonderful and I love the architecture. I really enjoy walking to explore cities, but I think I might have been tempted to take one of those horse drawn carriages just for the romance of it in such a beautiful setting!
Jane, I too wish we had taken a horse and carriage ride. But it was nice to just wander at will. Linda
What a beautiful Park and very interesting buildings. I will keep it in mind when I visit Spain one day.
Mimmie, I hope you do get to visit Seville one day. It was a great surprise. Linda
We love Spain because it’s the closest thing we can find in Europe to the Philippines (due to the heavy Spanish influences in the Philippines!). Seville looks every bit of a dream. The horses, the palm trees, and the amazing historical architecture. Maria Luisa Park also looks beautiful, we can imagine walking around here and immersing the vibe. We’re sure we’d love it and are planning to discover more of Spain this summer!
Marielle, I hope you do get to visit Spain in the summer and hope that Seville is on your itinerary. The Maria Louisa Park was just the first stop in an amazing city. Linda
The Maria Luisa Park looks absolutely beautiful! Definitely looks like somewhere I could spend an entire day!
Sue, We were glad we found the park early in our visit. A great relaxing spot. Linda
The Maria Luisa Park is so beautiful! As are many other sites in Seville. We visited in 2012 and really loved it! Like you, we also stayed for 4 days only, but explored the city slowly as it was in the middle of July, which means scorching hot! Ever since that trip, we’ve told ourselves that we need to go back someday. Hopefully next year!
Mei and Kerstin, I hope you do get back to Seville. We will go back but definitely not in the middle of the summer! Linda
The place is indeed huge. I did not realize that there is so much to see and do. Such a lovely park and we would love to visit in the future. Looking forward to reading more of your experience in Seville.
Clarice, We did not expect to see as much when we headed to the Maria Louisa Park. But sure glad we did. Linda
Oh what wonderful memories you brought back for me! I studied abroad in Sevilla and spent many days in this glorious park. Really loved your detail shots–the magnificent architecture and manicured grounds deserve that attention!
Anne, I am glad I brought back good memories of Seville. We certainly loved our visit and are happy to now share those. Linda
Beautiful photos. I especially love the painted tiles decorating the outside of the building. They remind me of the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City in Tampa. It used to be a Cuban cigar factory. I guess the Spanish influence is obvious.
Donna, This first glimpse of Seville certainly prepared us for what we found later in the visit. Stunning architecture. Linda
Your post revived my Seville trip and I to had wonderful time in Maria Luisa park. The buggy ride and even we took four wheeler bike which we all 4 tried to drive all around. I love the vibrant vibes of this park with backdrop of famous architecture. Plaza de Espana is really wonderful, especially the unique tiles work. Thanks for reviving good travel times.
Yukti, I am glad to bring back great memories. Next time we should try the buggy ride. Linda
Lovely post. My daughter spent three months in Seville as an Erasmus student. It is a beautiful city.
Anne, I am glad this post took you back to happy times. We sure did love this first stop in Seville. Linda
The place looks beautiful and has a medieval feel to it. The statues, buggy ride, fountains all make it a day well spent. I would book mark this article for future reference.
Ramya, I would definitely recommend a visit to Maria Louisa Park if you get to Seville. Linda
I have never actually been to Seville but it’s certainly on my European bucket list. Maria Luisa Park looks like a great escape to get away for some quiet time and just relax and take in the scenery.
Lisa, I hope you do get to visit Seville. The Maria Louisa Park was a great start to our visit. Linda
I’ve definitely had that experience of thinking a park will be a quick stop and then spending all afternoon there too! The heat sounds intense but at least there was a lot of shade! Also, the Mudejar architecture is really interesting! I could be wrong but it seems to have a lot of Islamic influence to me.
Kevin, The park certainly was an oasis from the heat. But we sure did spend more time that we expected when we found all the architectural treats. Love the architecture in this part of Spain with that Moorish influence. Linda
I love Maria Luisa Park in Seville. It’s one of my favorites spots in the city. I visit it often because my friend lives in Seville.
Agnes, How great to have a friend in Seville. We loved this first stop but found so much more to love as well. Linda
Plenty here to inspire my trip to Seville. Iāll be avoiding those 36 degree days though. Too hot for the Irish. Beautiful photos throughout Linda and adding the MĆ”ria Luisa Park to my future plans.
John, The Maria Louisa Park was definitely a great first stop in Seville. It helped us to cool down but I never would have imagined it would be that hot in May! Hope you get to visit. Linda
Oh my gosh. I’ve been here! And it is just beautiful. I loved everything about Seville. I sure hope to get back there soon.
Laureen, This was our first stop in Seville and it sure set the scene for what we found in this beautiful city. Linda
Sigh. I loved Sevilla. This just reminded me how beautiful it is there.
This was our first stop in Seville and it just got better from here.
Maria Luisa Park is beautiful! I can see myself spending quite some time strolling around there. I love to visit gardens in other places. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.
The Maria Louise Park was indeed a treat on our visit to Seville.
This park looks so beautiful. I hope to get there one day. I’ve not been to Seville but I’ve heard good things about it.
Alison
This was our first stop in Seville and it charmed us for sure. Definitely made us want to keep exploring.
What a beautiful park to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon while visiting the beautiful city. I often seek out parks when travelling to do just that. Itās a nice way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. This one is a great mix of architecture and gardens. Just my kind of place.
The Maria Luisa Park was indeed an oasis in the city. And so glad we got a few interesting sights to see as well.