Jardinillos de San Roque

Jardinillos de San Roque is a small historic city park in Segovia, sitting right along Paseo Ezequiel González near the town's central district. Opened to the public back in 1872, it counts among the oldest green spaces in the city and still works today as a quiet break from the busier sightseeing routes around the cathedral and aqueduct.

Where does the name come from?

The park takes its name from a former chapel dedicated to San Roque, traditionally venerated as a protector against plague. The garden was laid out on the very spot where that modest hermitage once stood. Locals never called it "jardines" (gardens) — the grander term used for Segovia's royal-style gardens — but rather "jardinillos," a diminutive meaning "little gardens," since the layout echoed those grand estates on a much smaller, more modest scale.

What can visitors actually see here?

The park's centerpiece is a monument to the sculptor Aniceto Marinas, installed during a major 1958 renovation. The piece itself was created by the noted Spanish sculptor Mariano Benlliure, making it one of the few public artworks in Segovia honoring a local artistic figure directly.

For most of the 20th century — save for an interruption during the Spanish Civil War — the children's section of the park held a carousel and a set of distinctive "flying boats" known locally as Baby Pilarín. The ride operated until 2016 and became something of a generational icon for Segovia's youngest residents. It has since been replaced by a refurbished, medieval-themed play area that nods to the historic character of the surrounding city.

When is the best time to visit?

The gardens are open year-round, all day, with free admission. Summer is a particularly good time to come: seasonal reading kiosks called Bibliotecas de Verano ("Summer Libraries") pop up in the park, encouraging outdoor reading. It's an easy way to pair a stop here with some shade and quiet, away from the crowds near the main monuments.

How do you get there?

Jardinillos de San Roque sits at Paseo Ezequiel González 35, in an easily reachable part of central Segovia. The park borders streets that lead directly toward the historic old town, so it fits naturally into a walking route between, say, the train station and the city center — no need for buses or taxis, walking is by far the simplest option.

Who is this park for?

Thanks to its play area and unhurried atmosphere, the park draws plenty of local families, but it also works well as a rest stop for any visitor who needs a break from Segovia's more monument-heavy attractions. It feels more local than touristic, offering a glimpse of the city's everyday rhythm rather than its postcard side.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Jardinillos de San Roque? No, admission is completely free and the park stays open throughout the day.

Where does the park's name come from? From a former chapel dedicated to San Roque, the saint traditionally invoked against plague, which once stood on this site.

What's available for children today? A refurbished, medieval-themed playground that replaced the older carousel and the "flying boats" known as Baby Pilarín, which ran until 2016.

Are there any regular events held in the park? Yes — during summer, seasonal outdoor reading kiosks called Bibliotecas de Verano are set up to promote reading in the open air.