Jardines Escultor Baltasar Lobo

Jardines Escultor Baltasar Lobo is a city garden in Zamora, spread along the slope beneath the castle, renamed in 2021 to honor the region's own sculptor Baltasar Lobo. Formerly known as the Jardines del Castillo (Castle Gardens), the space now works as a small open-air museum, where monumental sculptures by one of twentieth-century Spain's most significant artists stand among the pathways and greenery.

How do you get there?

The gardens sit right next to Zamora's castle, in the heart of the old town, so walking from the historic center is by far the easiest option — it's a short stroll from the cathedral or Plaza Mayor. The site forms part of a wider walking route dedicated to Lobo's work across the city, so it's worth treating the visit as one stop on a longer walk rather than a separate trip.

What will you see in the gardens?

The main draw is Baltasar Lobo's sculpture collection set among the plants — large, smoothly modeled forms exploring the female body from different angles: torsos, full-length figures, and compositions built around flowing, almost fluid shapes. Works on display include pieces titled "Stella," "Impulso," "Cara al viento," and "Al aire libre" — titles that reflect the sculptor's style, rooted in movement, lightness, and simplified, near-organic form.

The garden itself, laid out on a slope against the castle walls, also opens onto views of the surrounding rooftops and the green ravine below, so a walk between the sculptures combines art with landscape. It's quieter and less crowded than Zamora's main squares, making it a pleasant spot for an unhurried walk with a camera.

Who was Baltasar Lobo, and why do the gardens carry his name?

Baltasar Lobo (1910–1993) was born in Cerecinos de Campos, close to Zamora. After the Spanish Civil War he went into exile and spent most of his life in Paris, working within the city's avant-garde sculpture circles. Despite the distance, he never broke his ties to his home region and to Zamora, a city he always wanted to return to. In recognition of that bond, the city renamed the former Castle Gardens in his honor in 2021 and installed a permanent display of his work there.

The gardens are now part of a broader city route dedicated to the artist, which also includes Plaza Zorrilla and Parque León Felipe — other spots where his sculptures stand in public space.

When is the best time to visit?

The gardens are open year-round, free of charge, since it's a public outdoor space. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to walk through, when temperatures in Castilla y León are milder and the greenery is at its fullest. In summer, an early morning or evening visit is worth planning to avoid the heat typical of this part of Spain.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the gardens free? Yes, Jardines Escultor Baltasar Lobo is an open public space, and entry is free at any time of day.

How long does a visit take? Walking through the gardens and viewing the sculptures usually takes 20–30 minutes, though it's worth combining with a stop at the nearby castle and cathedral.

Is this the only place in Zamora with Baltasar Lobo's sculptures? No — his work can also be seen at Plaza Zorrilla and in Parque León Felipe, which together with these gardens form a route dedicated to the artist.

Are the gardens suitable for children and older visitors? Yes, the area is easily walkable, though visitors should expect the mild changes in elevation typical of the slope running along the castle walls.