Jardín de la Seda

Jardín de la Seda ("Silk Garden") is a public park in Murcia, Spain, built on the former site of a historic silk factory in the San Antón neighborhood. Opened in 1990, it spans roughly 33,670 m² and blends green space with a tangible reminder of the city's industrial past.

Why is it called the Silk Garden?

The name is a direct nod to what stood here before. Until the mid-20th century, this plot held a silk factory founded in 1770 — one of the most significant in Spain at the time. Since electricity did not yet exist when the factory was built, its machinery ran on water power drawn from the Acequia Mayor de La Aljufia irrigation channel. When the factory was eventually demolished, a park rose in its place, keeping the silk-making heritage alive through its name.

How did silk production reach Murcia?

Silk cultivation took root in the region back in the al-Andalus era, when an irrigation canal network built from the 10th century onward transformed the surrounding farmland into fertile ground suited to growing mulberry trees, the plant silkworms depend on. The industry thrived for centuries until the mid-1800s, when pébrina, a disease affecting silkworms, swept through Europe in the 1850s and devastated production continent-wide — setting off a slow decline for Murcia's silk trade that eventually led to the factory's closure.

What can visitors see in the park today?

Two artificial lakes connected by a stream, crossed by several small bridges, form the heart of the garden. At the eastern lake, the old factory's chimney still stands — the only physical trace of the site's industrial past, clearly visible from the wooden platforms and lounge chairs arranged along the shore as viewing spots.

At the center of the park sits a covered amphitheater that shields spectators from the sun, featuring a wide esplanade, a stage, and benches decorated with colorful tiles beneath a canopy of climbing plants. Large pergolas throughout the grounds provide extra shade on hot days.

What else does Jardín de la Seda offer?

The park includes fountains, exercise areas for adults and seniors, and children's play zones — one of which features a small zip line. Picnic spots and modern park furniture round out the amenities, making it a popular destination for families and residents looking for a quiet green escape close to the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Jardín de la Seda located? The park sits in the San Antón neighborhood, in Murcia's northern district, on the site of a former silk factory.

How large is the garden? It covers about 33,670 m², with two lakes linked by a stream and several small bridges.

Are there any remains of the old factory? Yes — the chimney of the silk factory, founded in 1770, still stands beside the eastern lake.

What makes it a good spot for families? Playgrounds, a small zip line, picnic areas, and a covered amphitheater that hosts cultural events all draw families with children.