Plaza de América

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The square was designed by Aníbal González, the primary architect of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

2. 2

   The three surrounding buildings represent three different architectural styles: Neo-Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance.

3. 3

   It has historically served as a filming location for international cinema, including scenes for Lawrence of Arabia.

4. 4

   The square contains a statue of the famous Spanish poet Serafín Álvarez Quintero.

5. 5

   The irrigation system for the surrounding gardens utilizes historic water channels integrated into the park design.

Overview

Plaza de América is the centerpiece of Maria Luisa Park, constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. It is surrounded by three distinct architectural buildings: the Mudéjar Pavilion, the Royal Pavilion, and the Museum of Fine Arts (Fine Arts Pavilion). The square is famously known as the 'Parque de las Palomas' (Park of the Pigeons) due to the large population of pigeons fed by locals. The layout features intricate ceramic tiling, reflecting fountains, and rose gardens designed by landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier. It serves as an open-air transition between the formal 1929 exhibition architecture and the surrounding botanical gardens.

Insider tips

• Bring a bag of birdseed if you wish to participate in the local tradition of feeding the pigeons.

• Combine your visit with the nearby Archaeological Museum located within the square's perimeter.

• Walk toward the edge of the park to find shaded benches shielded by dense vegetation.