Las Delicias Gardens

Jardines de las Delicias is one of the oldest green spaces in Seville, stretching along the bank of the Guadalquivir just south of the historic center.

Where did these gardens come from?

The story begins between 1825 and 1835, when José Manuel de Arjona y Cubas held the post of Asistente, effectively the city's chief magistrate. On his initiative, the gardens were laid out in 1830 on land running between Prado de San Sebastián and the riverbank. Locals soon nicknamed the new promenade "Delicias de Arjona" after the man behind it, and the name stuck.

How did Delicias merge with Parque de María Luisa?

Decades later, in 1893, Infanta María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón, Duchess of Montpensier, donated part of the grounds surrounding the Palacio de San Telmo to the city. That gift became the neighboring Parque de María Luisa. Over time, the older Delicias gardens and the newer ducal park came to be treated as a single riverside green corridor. This combined stretch of land was chosen as the site for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, an event that reshaped this part of Seville and left behind pavilions, fountains, and tree-lined avenues that still define the area today.

What can visitors see there?

A walk through Delicias means shade from mature plane trees and palms, plus a riverside promenade popular with joggers and cyclists. The gardens function as a natural extension of Parque de María Luisa, so it's easy to cross from one to the other without a clear boundary, passing classical avenues and viewpoints over the Guadalquivir along the way.

How do you get there?

The gardens sit just south of Seville's historic center, within walking distance of Prado de San Sebastián and across the river from the Los Remedios district. The location works equally well on foot or by bike — a continuous riverside path connects this stretch to the rest of Seville's Guadalquivir promenades.

When is the best time to visit?

Thanks to the dense tree cover and riverside setting, the gardens stay shaded even during Seville's hot summer months, when temperatures climb sharply. Spring and early autumn remain the most comfortable seasons for a walk, without the summer heat and with the trees and avenues at their most attractive.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Jardines de las Delicias and Parque de María Luisa? Delicias is the older section, laid out in 1830 by José Manuel de Arjona, while Parque de María Luisa followed in 1893 as a donation from Infanta María Luisa Fernanda. Today the two areas sit side by side, forming one continuous riverside green belt.

Is there an entrance fee? No, it's a public municipal green space, open to residents and visitors at no cost.

Is it worth combining with other nearby attractions? Yes — the direct link to Parque de María Luisa and the proximity of Prado de San Sebastián make it easy to plan a longer walk covering several of Seville's green spaces in one route.

Can you reach it by bike? Yes, a continuous cycling path runs along the Guadalquivir, connecting the gardens well with other parts of the city on both riverbanks.