Garden of Floridablanca

Jardín de Floridablanca is a historic park in Murcia, sitting in the El Carmen district on the southern bank of the Segura river, directly across from the city's old town. It holds the distinction of being the oldest public garden in Spain, with roots stretching back to the 18th century.

Where does the name come from?

The garden takes its name from José Moñino y Redondo, Count of Floridablanca — a Murcian politician, jurist and economist who served on the Council of Castile and as Spain's ambassador to Rome. In 1786, as part of urban reforms he promoted, the city closed the old Alameda del Carmen promenade and laid out a garden with romantic-style landscaping in its place. During the 19th century the former road to Cartagena was renamed in his honor, and in 1849 a statue of the count was unveiled at the heart of the park.

What is there to see when walking through?

The layout still reflects the character of a 19th-century Mediterranean promenade: shaded avenues, mature trees, and the central statue of the garden's namesake. Walking through, visitors can trace several historical layers — the original romantic design, later 19th-century remodeling, and modern conservation work. In 1900 the park and its surroundings hosted the Agricultural, Industrial and Mining Exhibition, complete with a children's tram circling the grounds. Afterward the garden fell into a period of neglect, which prompted the founding in 1914 of the Society of Friends of the Tree of Murcia, dedicated to protecting and beautifying the Floridablanca gardens.

Why does it hold heritage status?

In 2017 Jardín de Floridablanca was declared a Site of Cultural Interest under the "historic garden" category. That recognition reflects the park's value not just as green space but as a living record of Murcia's urban history, stretching from Enlightenment-era reforms to the present day.

How do you get there and when is the best time to visit?

The garden sits in El Carmen, across the river from the cathedral and old town — a short walk of about fifteen minutes from the city center, crossing one of the bridges over the Segura. It suits a relaxed stroll at any time of year, though spring and autumn, when Murcia's temperatures are milder, are when the shade of its old trees and its avenues get the most use. Entry is free, and the garden remains open as a public urban space.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jardín de Floridablanca really the oldest park in Spain? Yes — according to local historical sources it was the first public garden opened in Spain, created in 1786 on the site of the former Alameda del Carmen promenade.

Who was the Count of Floridablanca the garden is named after? José Moñino y Redondo was a Murcian politician and jurist, a member of the Council of Castile and Spain's ambassador to Rome, who was granted the title Count of Floridablanca.

Is there an entrance fee? No, it is a free, publicly accessible urban park.

How do you reach the garden from central Murcia? Simply cross one of the bridges over the Segura river — the garden sits in the El Carmen district, opposite the cathedral and old town, roughly a fifteen-minute walk away.