Parque de María Luisa in Seville – Seville's green oasis

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Parque de María Luisa is Seville's most famous park and one of the city's top attractions. Orange trees, fountains, peacocks, historic buildings and the impressive Plaza de España await you here. We visited the park during our trip to Seville and share our experiences and tips.

Parque de María Luisa – a park with a long history

The park has a long history, and was originally part of the private gardens belonging to the palace. San Telmo Palace. In 1893, the enormous area was donated to Seville by María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón, who gave the park its name.

In preparation for the 1929 World's Fair, French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier was commissioned to redesign the park into a public city park. He created the park we see today – a romantic city park inspired by Moorish gardens, filled with fountains, shady walkways and exotic plants.

We were lucky and were given a tour of the park by our blog friend Annika, who lives in Seville with her husband Jesús and their little daughter Disa. Annika writes interestingly about things like everyday life, cultural differences and Spanish food on her lovely blog. Casa Annika.

Plaza de Espana

The most striking structure in the park is the Plaza de España, an enormous palatial building next to a square and a canal. This architectural masterpiece was built as the main pavilion for the 1929 World's Fair.

The enormous, semicircular square is surrounded by a magnificent palace building with two tall towers at the ends. In front of the building runs a 500-meter-long canal, crossed by four beautiful bridges that symbolize the four historical kingdoms of Spain.

Along the walls of the palace you can see 48 tiled alcoves with benches, each niche representing a Spanish province. Here you can see historical motifs on beautifully painted tiles, known as azulejos.

The fabulous setting has made Plaza de España a filming location for several international films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and The Dictator.

Stroll among fountains and orange trees

It's not just the Plaza de España that impresses. The park also offers a variety of hidden treasures and leafy oases.

At the southern end is Plaza de America, where you will also find two museums: the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Folk Art and Traditions.

In the middle of the park lies the small artificial hill Monte Gurugu, with a waterfall, caves and lookout points. If you want to watch swans or peacocks, you can instead settle down at Isleta de los Patos (Duck gender).

There are also several small leafy squares around the park – so-called to be glorified – which are dedicated to famous Spanish artists and writers, filled with sculptures and fountains.

As we strolled through Parque de María Luisa, it was almost hard to believe we were in the middle of a big city. Birdsong, trickling fountains, and the scent of orange trees created a peaceful contrast to Seville's bustling streets.

Walk along the Guadalquivir

There is of course much more to see and experience in Seville. For us, it was a walk along the canal, before we took a bus to our friends' house, where we were spoiled with delicious Spanish food in the form of mussels (coquinas) and arroz de marisco (rice with seafood).

Motorhome parking in Seville

For those traveling by campervan, there are several accommodation options in Seville. We chose Areas Autocaravanas, which is relatively close to the city center and serves as a good base for sightseeing. There is water, the possibility of emptying tanks, garbage disposal and electricity (for a few cars).

We had a great time at this campsite, and since Peter had chafed his shoes, there were no further walks in the city, but instead Peter played "the barber of Seville" - and I got a new haircut.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Of course, there is more to see and do near Seville. Here you will find more tips.

• Tarifa – Europe's southernmost point
• The Port of Santa Maria
• Alhambra in Granada
• Things to do in Spain – 25 tips