Parque de Lamuza, Llodio

Parque de Lamuza is a municipal park in the center of Laudio/Llodio, in the Álava province of the Basque Country. Spread over more than 94,000 m², it pairs an extensive landscaped garden with historic buildings that once belonged to one of Spain's wealthiest families.

Where does this park come from?

The story starts in the 18th century, when a Baroque-style palace was first built on the site. In 1876, the estate was bought by Estanislao de Urquijo y Landaluce, first Marquis of Urquijo, who wanted a summer retreat away from political life in Madrid. Over the following decades the palace was expanded in an eclectic, regionalist style, with work carried out by architects Francisco de Cubas y González-Montes and Francisco de Mendoza y Cubas, and later, in the 20th century, by Luis de Landecho Jordán de Urríes. Today the palace building serves as the town's Casa de Cultura (House of Culture), and the surrounding grounds have long been open to the public as a municipal park.

What is there to see?

The main draw is the tree collection itself — an unusually rich and varied one for a park this size, including cedars, cypresses, araucarias, linden trees, magnolias, firs, yews, and sequoias. Besides the palace, the grounds also hold the Casino building and the House of Music, while a pond and ashlar stone architectural features complete the picture, giving the whole ensemble the feel of an old aristocratic estate. Right next to the park are the Fuente del Cisne (Swan Fountain) and the Lamuza haur parkea playground, which makes the area a convenient stop for families with children too.

How do you get there?

The park sits right in the center of Laudio/Llodio, on Lamuza kalea (Calle Lamuza), so it's within easy walking distance from anywhere in town. Its central location makes it a natural reference point when exploring the town and an easy addition to a wider walk around Laudio/Llodio's other sights.

What is happening with the park now?

The park has long belonged to the Diputación Foral de Álava, but local and regional authorities have recently been working to change that. A special revitalization plan for the site was presented in 2024, and in May 2026 the Diputación Foral de Álava approved an agreement to transfer free use of Parque de Lamuza to the municipality of Laudio/Llodio. The aim is to guarantee ongoing public management and conservation once restoration work is complete — a sign that the park is meant to stay open to visitors for years to come.

When is the best time to visit?

As a municipal park built around a large and varied tree collection, Parque de Lamuza changes character with the seasons — spring and autumn bring out the diversity of the trees most clearly, though the calm, shaded grounds make for a pleasant break from sightseeing at any time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Parque de Lamuza located? In the center of Laudio/Llodio, in the Álava province, on Lamuza kalea (Calle Lamuza).

What is on the grounds besides the greenery? A historic palace (now the Casa de Cultura), the Casino building, the House of Music, a pond, and stone garden architecture.

Is the park open to visitors? Yes. The former private estate of the Marquis of Urquijo has long functioned as a public municipal park, open to both residents and visitors.

What makes this park stand out compared to other municipal parks in the region? Its unusually rich and varied tree collection — from cedars and cypresses to araucarias, magnolias, and sequoias — combined with the historic architecture of a 19th- and 20th-century aristocratic residence.