Parque de Molinuevo

Parque de Molinuevo is a municipal park in Vitoria-Gasteiz, also known locally as Parque del Norte, set in the Zaramaga neighborhood next to Plaza Martín de Salinas. It's a green pocket of the city where quiet strolling meets sports activity, and its story goes back to the early 20th century.

Where does the park's name come from?

The name isn't arbitrary — it traces back to Fundación Molinuevo, a foundation established through the will of benefactress Ángela Molinuevo. The funds she left behind financed a hospital and shelter for children; the foundation stone for that building was laid on August 8, 1921, on what was then Calle Francia (today Calle San Ignacio de Loyola). The institution she funded still exists, now operating under the name Egibide. The park itself was created later, on part of the foundation's former sports grounds and on land that had previously belonged to the orchards of the Hermanitas de los Pobres (Poor Sisters).

What is there to do in the park?

Molinuevo was laid out with several types of visitors in mind. It has a frontón court, a sizeable pond, and a children's play area with fountains. Sports fans will find outdoor pitches for football and futsal, used both by neighborhood residents and local school teams. The park covers roughly 4.7 hectares (11.7 acres), making it one of the larger green spaces in this part of the city.

Who is this park suited for?

Between the walking paths, benches shaded by trees, sports zone, and playground, the park works equally well for a calm walk or an active family outing. Because it sits among residential blocks, it draws a steady stream of Zaramaga locals throughout the day, offering a genuine slice of everyday life in Vitoria-Gasteiz away from the usual sightseeing routes downtown.

How do you get there?

The park is located in Zaramaga, north of Vitoria-Gasteiz's historic center. City buses are the easiest way in — stops near Plaza Martín de Salinas connect the neighborhood with the center. On foot from the old town, the walk usually takes about fifteen to twenty minutes, making the park a realistic add-on after exploring the center.

When is the best time to visit?

The park is open year-round, but spring and summer are the most rewarding, when the greenery is fullest and the playground and pitches fill up with local families. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, when school football and futsal matches often take place.

Frequently asked questions

Is Parque de Molinuevo the same place as Parque del Norte? Yes — both names refer to the same park in the Zaramaga neighborhood, and locals use them interchangeably.

Where does the park's name come from? From Fundación Molinuevo, a foundation set up by Ángela Molinuevo, who financed a children's hospital in Vitoria in the early 1920s.

Is there anything for children at the park? Yes, there's a play area with fountains designed for younger visitors.

Can you play sports there? Yes — the park has a frontón court plus outdoor football and futsal pitches, used among others by local schools.