Blog The Murillo Gardens

The Murillo Gardens are a natural area typical of Seville that enchants with its mysterious and relaxing atmosphere. It is located in the Old Town district of Seville, just at the southern end of the historical site that is part of the Santa Cruz district. In addition, it is bordered to the south by the Reales de Alcázares, to the east by the Paseo de Catalina de Ribera and has an average area of 8500 square meters. A must see place where both history and nature come to life in unimaginable ways.

Short history about Murillo Gardens

When we talk about the history of the Murillo Gardens, we must go back to the 20^th century. At that time, the place where the gardens of Murillo are now, was orchards from the Real Alcazar. In 1911 the King Alfonso XIII, because of the mayor Count of Halcón asked him, ceded this land to the city.

So, at that time, the architect Juan Talavera y Heredia began to create the whole series of structures for walks and roundabouts that lie within the gardens. For this reason, these gardens were also known as "Talavera Gardens".

It was in 1918 when the director of the newspaper “El Liberal”, José Laguillo, proposed change the name of these gardens. He proposed that this architectural and natural work must be dedicated to the distinguished painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and that is how this remote but beautiful place is conceived!

General characteristics of the Murillo gardens

The main feature is its 8,500 square metre area. At the same time, it should be mentioned that the streets of the gardens are delimited by five roundabouts. One of the most outstanding was created and dedicated in 1923 to the painter José García Ramos. It is also decorated with tiles by various authors and, for this reason, it deserves our most respectful attention.

Must be mentioned that, from Santa Cruz district you can access to the gardens, through Alfaro square and Los Refinadores square. As curiousty, this last square has a statue of Don Juan Tenorio.

Types of plants in the Murillo Gardens

Since this place was originally orchards, it is normal to find a great variety of plants inside. The flora of the Murillo Gardens is one of the most impressive features of this place, and you can find the following natural species

• Parthenocissus tricuspidata.
• Abelia.
• Bougainvillea
• Yellow Buddleja
• Buxus sempervirens
• Celtis australis
• Chimonanthus fragans
• Cocculus laurifolius
• Duranta
• Justicia carnea.
• Ligustrum japonicum
• Livistona chinensis
• magnolia grandiflora
• Mahonia.
• Althaea officinalis
• Euryops pectinatus
• Nandina.
• Washingtonia filifera
• Yucca.
• Taxus baccata
• Spiraea
• Thuja
• Styphnolobium japonicum
• Ruscus aculeatus
• Prunus salicina
• Phoenix canariensis
• Plumbago
• Philadelphus coronarius
• Nerium oleander
• Phoenix dactylifera
• Pittosporum tobira
• Cercis siliquastrum
• Cestrum nocturnum

The list continues but with these specimens the natural diversity of the Murillo gardens is more than exemplified.

Why you should visit Murillo Gardens

To spend a different time in contact with nature, there is nothing better than this splendid and charming garden. It’s history attracts the attention of many people because of its constructions and its immense amount of flora. It is a central point, which gives you access to everything that Seville and its Old Town have to offer. This is why you should visit the Murillo Gardens if you are in Seville, Spain.

Curiosities of Murillo Gardens

- When the gardens were private orchards, they were called "Jardines del retiro".

- The remodelling of the gardens made by Juan Talavera y Heredia, was also designed to revive Seville in view of the next opening of the Ibero-American Exhibition.

- Very close to “Puerta de la Carne” is “ Paseo de Catalina de Ribera”, which connects with an access where you can see some parts of the old city wall.

-Talavera also built and raised the well known “Casa del Guarda”, completed in 1916. It has a strong regionalist influence, typical of the architect's work.

There is nothing else to do excepting to visit this place in Seville that you will surely love.