🌿 María Luisa Park and the Legacy of Expo ’29

Some parts of Seville tell their stories in quiet ways. Parque de María Luisa is one of those places. It’s not a monument. It’s not a single building. It’s a living space—full of history, architecture, shade, and sound.

At its heart lies the story of Expo 1929, the Ibero-American Exposition that transformed Seville’s landscape and helped define its modern identity.

👑 From Palace Gardens to a People’s  Park

María Luisa Park was once part of the private gardens of the Palacio de San Telmo, a lavish estate in Seville. In 1893, the Infanta María Luisa Fernanda, Duchess of Montpensier, gifted the gardens to the city.

Thanks to a visionary French landscape designer (Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier), the park was reimagined with wide promenades, exotic trees, Moorish fountains, and hidden corners that feel almost enchanted. The result? A green heart beating softly in the center of the city.

🌎 The 1929 Ibero-American Exposition: Seville on the World Stage

The park’s modern identity was forever shaped by the Exposición Iberoamericana—a world’s fair held in Seville in 1929 to celebrate cultural ties between Spain, Latin America, and other former Spanish colonies.

Dozens of pavilions were built, each representing a different country. Many still stand today, each with its own flair and architectural language.

Some highlights:

• Plaza de España – Spain’s grand, semi-circular tribute in tiles and water. A must-see.

• Plaza de América – A peaceful square home to the Archaeological Museum and Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.

• Pabellón de Perú, Colombia, Mexico – Still visible today, many used by consulates or institutions.

Walking through the park is like drifting between continents and centuries—all in a few shady steps.

🐦 What You’ll Find in the Park Today

It’s not just history—it’s a living park full of daily life:

• Locals cycling or jogging before the heat hits

• Children chasing bubbles or feeding the ducks

• Couples reading on a bench tiled with poetry

• Peacocks showing off by the fountain

It’s a place where the rhythm of Seville slows to match the rustle of trees and the splash of a fountain.

🌳 Parque de María Luisa — A Golden Walk Under the Trees

This is Seville’s green heart, and in the late afternoon, it’s soaked in honey-colored light. The wide boulevards, tiled fountains, and horse-drawn carriages create a kind of quiet magic.

Stroll slowly, stop when the light hits a palm just right, and let the day wind down without hurry. Sunset here feels more like a whisper than a show.

📸 Don’t Miss These Local Favorites

If you go, keep your eyes open for:

• The Frog Fountain (Fuente de las Ranas) – A charming photo spot

• Glorieta de Bécquer – A romantic monument under laurel trees

• Tiled benches with provincial crests – Each one tells a story of Spain’s regions

• The Lion Fountain (Fuente de los Leones) – Serene and stately

And of course—watch for the parrots. You’ll hear them before you see them.

🧭 Gunvor’s Local Tip

Start early or late, especially in the warmer months. Bring a bottle of water, a small notebook, or nothing at all—and just walk slowly. The magic of María Luisa isn’t always in the landmarks. It’s in how the park makes you feel.ws Down with the Sun

💬 Want to See It Through a Local’s Eyes?

You can visit María Luisa Park on your own, and it’s lovely that way. But if you’re curious about its hidden stories—from architectural details to expo-era secrets—I’d be glad to walk it with you, or help you plan a route with meaning.

Seville has many beautiful corners. This one just happens to speak with the calmest voice.