Parque Amate

Parque Amate is one of Seville's largest urban parks, stretching across the eastern side of the city in the Cerro-Amate district. It borders the neighborhoods of Santa Aurelia, Rochelambert, Juan XXIII and Amate, offering tens of hectares of green space, walking paths and sports facilities.

Where exactly is the park located?

The park sits well outside the historic center, in a densely populated residential area east of Seville. Rather than a classic sightseeing stop, Parque Amate works as a green lung for the surrounding neighborhoods. For travelers staying in Seville longer than a couple of days, it's a good place to see everyday local life away from the crowds around the cathedral and the Alcázar.

How did this park come to be?

The park's origins go back to Seville's 1962 urban development plan, which set aside this land for green space. Turning the plan into reality proved difficult. It wasn't until 1974 that the city allocated a budget for the first construction phase. Part of the site had been occupied by an illegally built greyhound racing track and unauthorized housing, traces of which still linger today. The city also had to buy out plots that were being used as vegetable gardens and clear an area that had served as an informal waste dump, both of which drove up costs considerably. The park's perimeter fencing was completed between 1979 and 1980, and the first trees and plants weren't put in the ground until 1981.

What can you actually see and do here?

The park mixes recreation with organized sport. Expect football pitches, the Amate sports complex with a gym and baseball fields, and a go-kart track. In 1983, the Sevilla-Amate bullfighting school began operating on the grounds, complete with a wooden bullring that stood until it was dismantled in December 2012. A distinctive landscape feature is a pair of monumental fountains designed by architect Manuel Salado in 1988. In 2013 the park also gained a large dog park, which is popular with local pet owners.

Who is this park a good fit for?

Parque Amate suits visitors looking for a quiet walk away from the tourist center, families making use of the sports facilities, and joggers or cyclists after open space to cover ground. It's also worth a stop for anyone curious about how Seville expanded and planned public space during the second half of the 20th century — the park is a case study in how the city dealt with informal housing pressure while trying to build out its peripheral districts.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the park's large open lawns and relatively few shaded avenues, mornings or evenings are the most comfortable times to walk here, especially in summer when Seville's heat climbs sharply. In spring and autumn, the park is pleasant to explore for most of the day.

Frequently asked questions

Is Parque Amate close to central Seville? No, it sits on the eastern outskirts of the city in the Cerro-Amate district, so getting there from the historic center takes noticeably longer than reaching parks closer to the cathedral.

How big is the park? Parque Amate is one of Seville's largest urban parks, covering tens of hectares of green space and sports infrastructure.

What can you do here besides walk around? The park has football pitches, a sports complex with a gym, baseball fields, a go-kart circuit and a dog park that opened in 2013.

Are there any landmarks or notable features inside the park? Yes — two monumental fountains from 1988 designed by Manuel Salado stand out, and for decades the park was also home to a bullfighting school with its own wooden bullring, which was dismantled in 2012.