Parque de San Lázaro

Parque de San Lázaro is the most central park in Ourense, capital of the Galician province of the same name. Laid out on a square plot split across two levels, criss-crossed by tree-lined paths and dotted with benches, it sits right in the heart of the city's shopping district — which is exactly why locals treat it as their favourite spot to pause between errands.

Where does the park's name come from?

The name goes back to the Middle Ages, when this site was home to a hospital for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago — a shelter that cared for the sick and travelers under the patronage of Saint Lazarus, traditionally associated with lepers and pilgrim hospices. A chapel dedicated to the same saint stood here until 1923, when it was demolished; the grounds were then gradually turned into the public gardens visitors see today.

What is there to see in the park?

The park's current layout follows the English garden style — looser and more naturalistic than a formal French design, with winding paths and freely spreading greenery. Its centrepiece is a Baroque fountain moved here from the Monastery of Oseira, one of Galicia's most important Cistercian abbeys, making it an interesting example of a historic religious element repurposed inside a city park.

The second landmark is a large monument carved by Francisco Asorey, one of the most celebrated Galician sculptors of the 20th century. Completed in 1951, it commemorates the victims of the Spanish Civil War and now serves as a natural meeting point right at the centre of the park.

When is the best time to visit?

Parque de San Lázaro is worth a visit year-round: the tree canopy offers shade in summer, while the open, sunlit layout works just as well in spring and autumn. A particularly good moment to come is the Sunday before Palm Sunday, when the city celebrates the Fiesta de San Lázaro, a local festival tied directly to the site's history as a pilgrim hospital. It's a good chance to combine a walk through the gardens with a genuine local tradition.

Thanks to its central location, the park makes an ideal base for exploring Ourense's old town — the main shopping streets and the historic centre are only a short walk away, making it a convenient resting point during a day of sightseeing.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, Parque de San Lázaro is a public city park, open year-round with no admission fee.

Where did the fountain in the park come from? The Baroque fountain was brought to the park from the Monastery of Oseira, one of Galicia's most important Cistercian abbeys.

What does the monument in the centre of the park commemorate? The sculpture by Francisco Asorey, completed in 1951, commemorates the victims of the Spanish Civil War.

What is the history behind the park's name? The name recalls the medieval hospital for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago that once stood here, alongside a chapel dedicated to Saint Lazarus that was demolished in 1923.