Murillo Gardens

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park was named in honor of the 17th-century Sevillian painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo in 1920.

2. 2

   The monument to Christopher Columbus was inaugurated in 1921 to commemorate the fourth centenary of his expedition.

3. 3

   The garden layout features 'arriates', which are sunken flower beds edged with low walls, a traditional element of Andalusian garden design.

4. 4

   Before 1911, this area was known as the 'Huerta del Retiro', serving as the vegetable gardens for the Alcázar palace.

5. 5

   Many of the benches are decorated with 'azulejos', traditional hand-painted ceramic tiles reflecting the local Mudéjar style.

Overview

Murillo Gardens is a public park located directly adjacent to the southern walls of the Real Alcázar in Seville. The gardens were once part of the Alcázar’s palace grounds before being donated to the city in 1911. Designed by architect Juan Talavera y Heredia, the space features a network of paths lined with jasmine, hibiscus, and orange trees. The park is characterized by its tile-covered benches, brick columns, and elaborate fountains. A prominent monument to Christopher Columbus, featuring a caravel and lion, stands within the park boundaries. The gardens serve as a transition zone between the historic Barrio de Santa Cruz and the city's main public thoroughfares.

Insider tips

• Use the ceramic-tiled benches for shaded seating during the heat of the afternoon.

• Combine a walk through the gardens with a visit to the adjacent Santa Cruz neighborhood.

• Keep an eye out for the local parakeet population often found in the tall palm trees.