Salón de Isabel II

Salón de Isabel II is a historic city park in Palencia, known locally simply as "El Salón" and considered the most popular green space in town.

Where does the park's name come from?

The grounds were laid out in 1830 on land that had once belonged to a Carmelite convent, just outside the old Market gate — at the time, still beyond the city limits. It was originally called Paseo del Carmen. In 1844 it was renamed Paseo del Salón de Isabel II to mark Queen Isabel II's coming of age, and the name has stuck ever since. The urbanization works, including public lighting, were finished in 1860, and the Canal de Castilla company had already helped plant the grounds back in 1840.

How is the park laid out?

The garden follows a Romantic-era design modeled on French garden promenades: straight gravel paths, neatly kept lawns and symmetrical flower beds. The greenery is organized around six main avenues, which still gives the park its orderly, formal feel today. It covers more than 30,000 square meters and, now sitting right in the center of Palencia between República Argentina and Modesto Lafuente avenues, has become a natural gathering spot for locals.

What will you see while walking through?

The tree collection is remarkably varied: shade-giving plane trees, white-flowering magnolias, weeping willows, yews, horse chestnuts and Japanese plum trees grow alongside pines, cedars and acacias brought in as exotic species. Successive renovations over the years have refreshed the ornamental details while keeping the original Romantic layout intact. An old cast-iron bandstand and a go-kart track have since given way to newer additions — today the park has a children's playground, an open-air auditorium and a café terrace where you can rest in the shade.

What else happens in the park besides walking?

Thanks to its size and central location, the park regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, markets and fairs, making it one of the liveliest meeting places in Palencia. Families use the playground, and the auditorium is often the venue for city-organized cultural events.

When is the best time to visit?

The park is open year-round, but spring and early summer are the most striking, when the magnolias bloom and the trees offer the most shade for a stroll. In autumn, the mix of species — especially the chestnuts and willows — turns the foliage into a rich display of color. Given its central location, the park is easy to combine with a visit to Palencia's cathedral and historic center in a single day.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Salón de Isabel II located? The park sits in the center of Palencia, between República Argentina and Modesto Lafuente avenues, on the site of the former Market gate.

Why is the park named after Isabel II? It was renamed in 1844 to mark Queen Isabel II's coming of age; before that it was known as Paseo del Carmen.

Is there somewhere to sit down and eat in the park? Yes, there is a café terrace on site, and the wide lawns and paths make it easy to settle in for a longer rest.

Are there events for locals and visitors in the park? Yes, the park regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, markets and fairs, and its open-air auditorium is used for cultural events.