A beautiful garden space
Bilbao 48001
Review © 2007, Wcities
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A beautiful garden space |
Iglesia de San Vincente Bilbao 48001 |
It is a beautiful gardened urban space, opened 24 hours, where a statue by Benlliure commemorating the writer, Antonio Trueba, stands out. It is surrounded by some of Bilbao's most significant buildings. The most impressive of all these buildings is perhaps the San Vicente church, a chapel in the late Gothic style built at the end of the 16th century. Nearby is a modern building that houses the headquarters of the Basque Nationalist Party (P.N.V.), constructed on the site where Sabino Arana, the founder of Basque nationalism, was born. Crossing the calle Ibáñez de Bilbao the majestic Palacio de Justicia de Bilbao rises up. Apart from being able to take a relaxing stroll through the gardens, there is also the opportunity of visiting one of Bilbao's most typical and popular cafés, Café Iruña, a pleasant place to relax in good company, day or night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: m58052 |
 Photo: Jorge Arana |
Sealife in a see-through building |
Moll d'Espanya, s/n Barcelona, Barcelona 08039 +34 93 221 7474 http://www.aquariumbcn.com/ info@aquariumbcn.com |
Built by the Terrades Muntañola brothers, this unique, transparent building houses the city's aquarium and has become a major tourist attraction on the waterfront. The tanks hold the widest possible variety of marine life from all the world's seas, but the big draws are the sharks, of course. There is a children's play room and a souvenir shop too. The ticket office closes one hour before the aquarium. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pedro Rebelo  |
 Photo: Ilkka Kivelä |
 Photo: W Milano |
 Photo: Mickyosan |
 Photo: Nick |
 Photo: lisacrooy |
 Photo: Michael Autry |
 Photo: Sergey Odintsov |
 Photo: Thomas Debelder |
 Photo: Andreas Hall |
 Photo: macayetana |
 Photo: J.Sanchez |
 Photo: Stefano Landi |
 Photo: Arno Koenigs |
 Photo: arutha |
 Photo: Gemma Amor |
 Photo: Geoff Bilbrough |
 Photo: Dobrovinski |
 Photo: Jeroen Reijn |
 Photo: Henry Carden |
Mediterranean flora |
Parc de Montjuïc Doctor Font i Quer, s/n Barcelona 08004 +34 93 426 4935 |
Barcelona's Town Hall had these botanical gardens built on a former garbage dump. It takes up 14 hectares of space in the middle of Migdia park on Montjuïc hill. You'll see examples from the main species of flora found in the five regions of the world that have a Mediterranean climate. All the plants and flowers are arranged according to their region and habitat of origin to give you a brief tour of the plant world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Garrett Rock |
 Photo: Mateja Perosa |
One of Europe's best |
Calle del Beato Gaspar Bono 6 Valencia 46008 +34 96 391 1665 |
Nature lovers should go for a stroll in Valencia´s Botanical Garden, considered one of the best in Europe. It can be found next to the old quarter in Oliverata neighborhood. The origins of this garden are not clear. Some theories say that it was created in 1633 while others say the date is 1567. Whichever theory is correct, both attest to the fact that it is the oldest botanical garden in Spain. Today the garden takes up 4 acres and includes over 3,000 species of plants from all around the world. A walk through the garden is especially recommended on a spring day when everything is in bloom. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vilma Bharatan |
 Photo: edengblair |
1800 hectares of parkland |
Calle del Campo Madrid, Madrid 28041 |
The capital's largest parkland area attracts thousands of madrileños during sunny weather. It's the nearest some of them get to a day out in the country and a great picnic spot. As for entertainment, there's the Zoo Aquarium, an amusement park, a boating lake and a cable car. You'll find some good restaurants here, and the trade centre usually has some sort of exhibition going on. To get to the park, head down Cuesta San Vicente from Plaza de España and cross Puente del Rey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: MyProfe |
 Photo: zarzaparrilla |
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 Photo: Flávio and Deisi |
 Photo: José Arellano |
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 Photo: Andrew Kirkby |
Journey to the future |
Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia, s/n Valencia 46013 +34 902 10 0031 http://www.cac.es |
The first of its kind in Spain, this totally white futuristic cityscape made up of enormous modern buildings is the work of famous local architect Santiago Calatrava. You'll find it in the Túria river bed. The complex spreads out over 350000m2 and consists of four different but related parts: the Arts Centre, Science Museum, planetarium and Ocean Park. The science museum and planetarium are open to the public while the other buildings are still under construction. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Elmar van Reijswoud |
 Photo: JOSE MANUEL MORCILLO |
 Photo: Sally |
 Photo: Pedro Vidigal |
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 Photo: Ariel Diacovetzky |
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Leisure & recreation area |
Avenida de Pinars Valencia |
This stretch of land, full of sand dunes and pine trees and located 10 kilometres south of the city, separates L'Albufera Lake from the Mediterranean Sea. It has long been a prime leisure and recreation area for Valencians, who enjoy the beaches, forests, athletic areas, and restaurants. Formerly, it was a livestock pasture and a royal hunting reserve. Here you'll find the Parador Nacional del Saler (part of the top-quality national hotel chain) with its magnificent golf course surrounded by sand dunes. There is also a five-star hotel, the Sidi Saler. In the middle of Dehesa Forest you'll find the Casa Forestal (Country Home), that once was the royal hunting pavilion and that boats beautiful remains of traditional Valencian tilework, as well as a viewing area where you can catch the famous sunsets over l'Albufera. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fran Gallego |
 Photo: Silvia Casanova |
 Photo: Fernando Cuenca |
Spain's largest flowing river |
Plaza del Pilar Zaragoza 50003 |
Behind Plaza Pilar the River Ebro, formerly known as the Iber, flows. It gives shape and personality to the city although Zaragoza has ignored its presence for quite a long time. The Ebro is the largest and longest river in Spain (though the Tagus is the largest in the Iberian Peninsula, as it flows into Portugal). It starts in the Cantabrian Mountains and flows into the Mediterranean Sea near Tortosa 900km later. It was navigable until the construction of reservoirs and had a harbour in the Roman city. Even the Normans went up it from Tortosa as far as Navarra. Five bridges cross this river in the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sergio Garcia |
 Photo: khuasi |
 Photo: paco.madrid |
 Photo: raquel perez alvarez |
 Photo: fernando espada |
 Photo: Adriaan Neervoort |
 Photo: Antonio Royo |
 Photo: thaís tabosa |
 Photo: Daniel Baeyens |
 Photo: Sergio Marzo |
17th-century farm and country house |
Calle de Enrique de Almonte Madrid, Madrid 28028 |
The royal family's water supply used to come from the well by the old country house in these romantic gardens. This attractive park is an oasis of peace and tranquilty sandwiched between the welter of traffic on the M-30 and the huge television station tower, Torrespaña (or el Pirulí as the locals call it). There's a pretty viewpoint and you'll see statues dedicated to Pushkin (Russian writer) and Bécquer (Spanish poet). The latter is located in the Water Garden alongside little lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Silvia Solabre Suáre |
Royal Palace's gardens |
Virgen del Puerto, s/n Madrid, Madrid 28005 +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
This park stands at the foot of what was once an Arab fortress, now the Royal Palace. It was where the Moorish troops set up their war camp and from where they fought furiously against the Christian army during the reconquest of Spain, hence the name— Campo del Moro (Moorish Camp). The simple green space was later converted into a romantic garden, and despite getting rid of many ancient trees to create the lawn, there are still many proud old pines, oaks, yews and a huge redwood. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lulu Dengler |
See the dolphin shows and other animals |
Casa de Campo Madrid, Madrid 28011 +34 91 512 3770 http://www.zoomadrid.com comzoo@zoomadrid.com |
"More than 2030 different species of mammals and birds live among the 20 hectares of parkland here. The zoo keeps more than 70 varieties of poisonous snakes, including vipers from Gabon and the black mambo (considered the most dangerous snake in the world). The Dolphinarium is probably the most popular area, as visitors love to watch these intelligent mammals show off their tricks. Dolphins, seals and sea lions give regular performances throughout the day. The aquarium holds two million litres of water and a spectacular tropical fish collection. There is a restaurant, bar, and snack bars. Admission: adults EUR12.75, children (3-7s) EUR10.30, under-3s: free." Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Baidal |
 Photo: Víctor Alós |
 Photo: DANIEL HERNANZ |
The lungs of Seville |
Avenida de la Borbolla Paseo de las Delicias, s/n Sevilla 41013 +34 95 422 1404 |
Sitting in the centre of the city is a huge expanse of parkland planted with a wide variety of trees from all over the world. This is the perfect place to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon. It has been carefully laid out with lots of space to wander among the exotic plants and numerous areas where you can sit and rest. You can rent bicycles and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride. It's named after Princess María Luisa who donated some of the land and plants from her palace gardens to start the public park. Inside, you'll find examples of all styles of architecture in the buildings erected as pavilions for Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Expo. Join one of the free guided tours given by students of the tourism school on weekends. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rachelle Redford |
 Photo: José Miguel |
 Photo: marioramosrios |
 Photo: Raquelle Workman |
 Photo: aerostat |
 Photo: Caitlin Coonan |
 Photo: Gloria Herrera Siles |
 Photo: travelinfool55 |
 Photo: Juan Ramón R. |
 Photo: David Bird |
 Photo: Celine Pettyjohn |
 Photo: Sredniak |
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Neoclassical central garden |
Plaza de la Legión Española, s/n Valencia 46010 +34 96 352 5478 |
The Monforte gardens were declared "Artistic Gardens" in 1941. They consist of a lush enclave located close to the top of Vicente Blasco Ibañez Avenue. Inside there is an abundancy of marble statues, small ponds and fountains, which together create a beautiful neoclassical landscape. The gardens are so named for the second owners. After the garden´s creator, the Marquis de San Juan, died, the gardens passed into the Monforte family's hands, and so it was christened. In order to enter the garden you have to enter through the small palace called the "Pabellón de Recreo" (Recreation Pavilion), which is notable for its architecture, matching the style of the garden. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paco Giner |
A hill with a history |
Montjuïc Barcelona, Barcelona 08004 |
Standing 173 metres high, this hill by the sea was not inhabited until after the Middle Ages, despite the fact that the Jewish quarter had extended to the nearby Miramar area. In 1607, the first path to the summit was opened and, in 1640, during the war of the Segadors, a fortress was built to resist Felipe IV's incursions. This later became Castell de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Castle). For the last three hundred years it has been a popular park for locals looking to pick wild herbs or to spend a little leisure time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Natalia Bezerra |
 Photo: Ian Gregory |
 Photo: Gaby Kaminsky |
 Photo: Alex Davis |
 Photo: Albert Sanfeliu |
 Photo: Sercan Ünal |
 Photo: John A |
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Park conceived as underwater city |
Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia, s/n Valencia 46013 +34 90 210 0031 http://www.cac.es/oceanografic |
The Parque Oceanografico is one of the four buildings that make up the "City of Arts and Sciences", an important part of the cultural development within the Valencian capital. This oceanographic park, the only one of its kind in Europe, has been designed by Felix Candela. The park is set up like a real underwater city where the visitors are introduced into the different marine habitats so that they can see many different species in their faithfully reproduced natural surroundings. The objectives of this large park can be summarized as a place to have fun in while teaching visitors about life under 75% of the earth's surface. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dawn Newton |
 Photo: lamu chan |
 Photo: mewt |
 Photo: darioquattro |
 Photo: rlurama |
 Photo: Emilio Prado |
 Photo: kate fisher |
 Photo: Lorenzo Sodi |
 Photo: Julie Lillejord |
 Photo: Jose Carlos |
 Photo: Maria Luciana Rincon Tamanini |
 Photo: BtotheK |
 Photo: Federico Savogin |
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 Photo: A glimpse into L&F |
 Photo: Phil Armstrong |
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Inspired the tragicomedy La Celestina |
Patio Chico, s/n Salamanca 37001 |
You'll find this famous orchard in the old town, close to the Catedral Vieja (Old Cathedral) and the defensive walls. It's an oasis of lush vegetation and tranquility in the midst of the city and is probably the place that inspired Fernando de Rojas to write his novel La Celestina. All manner of plants and trees grow here: olive trees, cypress trees, acacias and almonds. Try and visit when they're in bloom. The two wells that the character "Melibea" fetched water from to water the sweet-smelling herbs are still here today, and so are the herbs - bay leaves, rosemary and mint. It's worth taking a walk through here to enjoy the garden and the views of the two cathedrals and the majestic Torre del Gallo tower. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: María Luisa Ferrando |
 Photo: Erin Desrochers |
 Photo: elholgazan |
 Photo: Esteban Cristóbal Rodríguez |
 Photo: Camilo Caicedo |
 Photo: Rocío Lara |
Amazing architectural mixture |
D'Olot, s/n Barcelona 08024 +1 34 93 2130488 |
Built between 1910 and 1914 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gaudí's original aim in this 20-hectare park was to create a harmonious combination of urban and natural landscapes by building houses, gardens and public institutions, but the project was never completed. However, you do get to see a great mixture of architectural styles. For instance, the columns of the Sala de las Cien Columnas (Hall of the Hundred Columns) are purely classical, while the balcony they support is an example of romantic style; plus it's covered in colored mosaic tiles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Francesca |
 Photo: Llorenç Esteve |
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 Photo: Elly Bastiaanssen |
 Photo: Pedro Marce |
 Photo: Jonathan Stokes |
 Photo: Odd Andras Sørgård |
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 Photo: Howard Hopkins |
 Photo: Jordi Cerdà |
 Photo: podjezicanin |
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 Photo: Romano Lindhout |
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Huge natural park |
Carretera de l'Església 92 Barcelona, Barcelona 08017 +34 93 280 3552 http://www.parccollserola.net/ ci@parccollserola.net |
The Parc de Collserola (Collserola Park) is on Collserola Mountain just behind Barcelona. It spans 8,000 hectares, including large areas of white pine and oaks with squirrels, rabbits, foxes and other wild creatures running around. It is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. In addition to the different flora and fauna, there are Masies (traditional Catalan houses) and archaeological remains, and lots of trails for hikers and cyclists. Organized hikes take place on Saturday mornings, and two nights per month feature astronomical observations between 10p and midnight. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ignasi Raventos |
 Photo: cacho |
Home of the universal exhibition of 1888 |
Passeig de Pujades Barcelona, Barcelona 08005 |
A great place for a stroll away from all the traffic, this is one of the city's most popular parks, located where Felipe V's ciutadella (military citadel) was; a place used to repress Catalan nationalism during his reign. In 1870 the citadel was made into a park to house the 1888 World Fair. You will find a small lake in the centre and beside it, the Cascada, a lovely fountain built by Josep Fontserè and his assistant, Antoni Gaudí. You can visit the city zoo and the Catalan parliament building in here as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: NeoDaVe |
 Photo: Andrea Balmer |
 Photo: gi0 |
 Photo: adrimercury |
 Photo: El síndrome de Øttinger |
Fantasy and classical music in summer |
La Vall d'Hebron Barcelona, Barcelona 08035 +34 9 3428 3934 http://www.bcn.es/parcsijardins/ |
Italian Dominico Bagutti created this park in the 18th century, in the grounds around a mansion. The most important feature is the labyrinth that gives the park its name. Lose yourself amid the artistic sculptures that represent love; in addition, garden has a wide variety of plants and flowers. The town council also organizes classical music concerts in June and July. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laura Berdasco |
 Photo: Jordi i Marta |
 Photo: Desperta Ferro |
 Photo: Emma Briones |
 Photo: zirtaebyer |
 Photo: David M. Sampedro |
 Photo: rikaard |
 Photo: R. Asategi 'Iturri' |
 Photo: Pamela Pasco |
 Photo: Francisco Gonzalez |
 Photo: Magi Batet |
 Photo: John Grogan |
 Photo: Alex Muntada |
 Photo: Carmina Vandellos |
 Photo: Ferran Fontdecaba |
Sculpted landscapes |
Carrer d'Olot, s/n. Carretera del Carmel Barcelona, Barcelona 08024 +34 (0)93 413 2400 http://www.gaudiallgaudi.com/A... |
These ornate parks and gardens are an Edenesque retreat in the center of Barcelona. Originally intended as a public housing project, the site was turned over for city use in 1923 and has been enjoyed by patrons ever since. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: T.D. Wilson |
 Photo: paterson617 |
 Photo: Piqui Cuervo |
 Photo: Todd Kelley |
 Photo: Arjen Vader |
 Photo: mabel flores |
 Photo: anton3ll0 |
 Photo: David Brennan |
 Photo: cat_on_the_net_2000 |
 Photo: Romina Elisabet Basse |
 Photo: Mark E Buckland |
 Photo: Roberto Armenio |
 Photo: Carlos Manta Oliveir |
 Photo: Nuno Katapuno |
 Photo: gct_ch |
 Photo: Cris Codevilla |
Charming aristocratic landscape |
Avenida de la Alameda de Osuna Madrid, Madrid 28042 http://www.arturosoria.com/art... |
This park was the 18th-century home belonging to one of Madrid's aristocratic families. The main palace houses paintings by Goya and the other buildings worth looking at are the casino, the chapel and the "Old Woman's House". It's located on the east side of the city and features smartly kept groves of poplars and pretty walkways lined with hundred-year-old trees. No dogs allowed. Group admission can be arranged during weekdays in advance. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carlos Zamarriego |
 Photo: Marta Zarzuelo |
 Photo: Lieve De Bleeckere |
 Photo: ram1999es |
 Photo: Katerina Fotiadi |
 Photo: Sergio Alcántara |
 Photo: Julio Robles |
A large park with lots of activities |
Glorieta Hamburgo Madrid, Madrid 28042 +34 91 721 0079 http://www.arturosoria.com/art... |
With 220 hectares of land in total, this is undoubtedly one of Europe's largest parks. Everything here is on a grand scale. The massive olive grove has a diameter of 1km. The avenues that cross the fields are huge. There is even a 2km-long river where you can sail a catamaran. The most impressive feature, however, is the water-show, accompanied by music and lights that takes place at 10:30pm Thu-Sun between June and September in the auditorium. You can take a cute little train ride round the most important sites, depending on the weather, of course. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: FireFox2007 |
 Photo: Silvia |
 Photo: Samantha |
 Photo: sammzoo |
 Photo: Richard Parmiter |
 Photo: Taylan Durmuş |
 Photo: Paloma Tirado |
Fancy a walk? |
Paseo Cuellar Zaragoza 50007 |
This park is partly surrounded by Cuellar Avenue, and it leads from Sagasta Avenue to the Imperial Canal. In the middle of the park stands a statue in memory of Ramon Pignatelli (1734- 1793), patron of the city, who was an engineer and vice-chancellor of the University of Zaragoza. Amongst his works he ordered the construction of the Imperial Canal, the bullring and the Casa Misericordia (Mercy House). The statue was built in 1859 by Antonio Palao. It was first located in Aragón Square and in 1904 it was moved to Pignatelli Park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jayel |
The lungs of the city |
Avenida San Sebastian Zaragoza 50006 |
An ideal place in which to escape the noise and pollution caused by city traffic, this huge park offers many attractions. It has a landscaped garden area with fountains in addition to botanical gardens and a large wild area planted with pine trees. The central part that extends from the entrance to the main waterfall (Avenida San Sebastian) is an attractive combination of hedges, trees, ponds and French-style flowerbeds. It's worth stopping in one of the many pavement cafés for a drink and a rest. The park was built in the early 20th-century and named after the General who staged a coup in 1923 and then ruled Spain as a military dictator until 1930. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Manuel Matute |
Huge park with a rose garden |
Paseo del Pintor Rosales, s/n Madrid 28008 +34 91 5888790 |
This is a park popular among madrileños and tourists alike due to its central location, close to several historic sights. You will find lots of people taking a stroll through here during the day, although it's best to avoid the place at night. You'll enjoy the carefully tended gardens that display a wide range of different plants and a series of monumental sculptures. The most outstanding feature is the beautiful Rosaleda, or rose garden, which hosts an annual international competition. It's also worth visiting the National School of Ceramics and Templo de Debod, while you're here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: caanba |
 Photo: agnes.lehner |
 Photo: Tiroriro |
 Photo: Amapolas |
 Photo: nacho mafias |
Madrid's playground |
Plaza de la Independencia, s/n Madrid 28001 +1 34 91 5888790 |
It's known as the "lungs of Madrid" and few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares) in such a central location. There's a large boating lake and the park has three art galleries (Casa de Vacas, Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez. On weekends and holidays, it fills with madrileños (citizens of Madrid) and performers of all sorts, including mime artists and jugglers, painters, singers, puppet masters and fortune-tellers. It was built as a royal park in the 17th century, and until 1868 it was the exclusive reserve of the aristocracy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alvaro Diaz |
 Photo: Fernando S. Delgado |
 Photo: Patricia |
 Photo: sabandija i♫ da house |
 Photo: Manuel Samper |
 Photo: E l i o |
 Photo: Mike Satoshi Garcia |
 Photo: Catalina Zabala (C.) |
 Photo: Costantino Marotta |
 Photo: Cindy Engberts |
 Photo: Horacio Olivier |
 Photo: Marilia Z. |
 Photo: Rosmerly Rojas |
Fine example of regionalist architecture |
Glorieta de Anibal González Sevilla 41013 +34 95 423 9909 |
A magnificent semi-circular square that has become a symbol of the city. Along with the adjacent building it was designed by Aníbal González for Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Expo in a style that has become known as Andalusian regionalist because it employed a mixture of architectural influences from the past including Renaissance and Gothic. The most oustanding feature is the overwhelming use of exposed red brick. The inner part of the square contains a series of glazed-tile depictions of historical scenes from every province in Spain. A canal runs around the perimeter of the square where you can hire a rowing boat or motor boat for a short pleasure trip. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: yoochau |
 Photo: Sarah Beeskow |
 Photo: Jesus F.dez Chumilla |
 Photo: David Alvarez |
 Photo: thecuteinstitute |
 Photo: El Mambo Taxi |
 Photo: Rodríguez-Rey |
 Photo: Leo Spesshardt |
 Photo: CONCHI'S |
 Photo: Jelle... |
 Photo: Paul VINCENT |
 Photo: Ann J Paradis |
 Photo: paterson617 |
 Photo: Simon Cast |
 Photo: Matt Stephenson |
 Photo: Cortney R. Everts |
 Photo: Tiffany Lee |
 Photo: Kenan H. |
 Photo: Pedro Iglesias |
 Photo: neiljs |
Arab palace in the heart of Seville |
Plaza del Triunfo Patio de Banderas, s/n Sevilla 41004 +34 95 450 2323 |
Muslim ruler Abd Ar Rahman III had this Mudéjar-style palace built in 913. The variety of tiles, ornamental arches, crafted wooden ceilings and geometric designs are a wonderful demonstration of Arabic interior design. The most impressive rooms are the Patio de Banderas with the Giralda Tower behind it, the Patio de las Doncellas and the Patio de la Montería. The Salón de los Embajadores (Ambassadors' Hall) is especially ornate. The beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains outside it create a truly peaceful atmosphere. Social events, musical and theatrical performances are held here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Julie |
 Photo: Kate Holland |
 Photo: dbudelman |
 Photo: Lauren Barkume |
 Photo: Bobby Mantoni |
 Photo: jacobssalon |
 Photo: Negu. | Albeяto Rey |
 Photo: Juliana Arboleda Kogson |
 Photo: Jo-Elle Munchak |
 Photo: rachel ng |
 Photo: rahimadatia |
Plants from around the world |
Plaza de Murillo, 2 Madrid, Madrid 28028 +34 91 420 3017 / +34 91 420 0438 http://www.rjb.csic.es/ |
It is a real pleasure to wander around these attractively landscaped gardens. You will see examples of a wide variety of plants from all five continents - 30000 different species in total. They are all labeled with their Latin and Spanish names. Among them are medicinal herbs, sweet-smelling plants and flowers, food-bearing plants, and a collection of roses. There is also a greenhouse with tropical, subtropical and desert plants. The gardens have been open since 1791. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Southern |
Popularly called 'Viveros' |
Calle del General Elio 1 Valencia 46010 +34 96 352 5478 |
Today the Royal Gardens or "Viveros" are the most important park in the city. Long ago it was the site of the "Quinta de Recreo Omunya" (Omunya country house), called "Rahal", whose construction was ordered by the Moorish king Abd Al-Aziz in the 11th century. Years later Jaime I, the Conquerer, enlarged this country house and changed it into the "Alcazar Regio" (Royal Castle). Sadly, it was completely destroyed during the War of Independence. Today the garden is frequently visited by Valencian locals and tourists, and the zoo is one of its most popular features. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rachel Podd |
Hidden gardens |
Calle de Bailén Madrid, Madrid 28013 +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
You can enjoy a little peace and natural beauty in this beautiful little garden full of trees, statues and fountains. It's located alongside the north wing of the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) where the stables used to be. It's usually quiet in here because not many people know where it is. The garden was built in the mid-20th century to honour Sabatini, the famous Italian architect who designed many important buildings during Carlos III's reign. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Olharapo |
 Photo: MKChoy |
 Photo: gazzola |
 Photo: mdbfreelance |
 Photo: Fabien Fumeron |
 Photo: Pablo Toledo |
 Photo: fer160482 |
 Photo: Silvina Jaton |
 Photo: thesoundoflucrecia |
 Photo: Paqui's |
 Photo: Juanma conesebasta |
 Photo: gravanelico |
 Photo: Sally Rodriguez G. |
Wild animals let loose |
Carretera de Cadalso de los Vidrios, Navalcarnero Aldea del Fresno Madrid, Madrid 28600 +34 91 862 2314 |
Come on safari in your own car and you will see ostriches, giraffes, zebus, bucks, zebras, bears, rhinoceroses, monkeys and more. There is a reptile house and a bird park, too, where you can see spectacular birds of prey like golden eagles, falcons, and Griffon vultures. Unfortunately, the only way to get here is by car. Admission: adults, EUR9.61; children aged 3-10, EUR6.01. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: txusst |
 Photo: jomabesa |
More than 7,000 animals |
Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona 08003 +34 93 225 6780 http://www.zoobarcelona.com info@zoobarcelona.com |
Part of the Parc de la Ciutadella (City Park) complex, the zoo houses over 7,000 animals from over 500 different species. You can see dolphin shows and other aquatic mammals performing in the marine enclosure. There are tropical birds, reptiles, spiders, lions, tigers and more. The Barcelona Zoo was renowned for nearly forty years as the home of Snowflake, a rare albino gorilla. Unfortunately, this much beloved creature died and the Barcelona Zoo maintains his memory directing visitors to the website 'Snowflake's group', that includes a video and other mixed media presentations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: tiernamagee |
 Photo: Karen Vartanov |
 Photo: starswinger29 |
 Photo: Dom Hay |
 Photo: Ciaran McCarron |
 Photo: Jessica Ruegnitz |
 Photo: Nikki Foletta |
 Photo: David Axelbank |
 Photo: Miriam |
 Photo: °Carla° |
 Photo: Henry Todd |
 Photo: Tony Lin 8) |
Panoramic view of Madrid |
Segovia Madrid, Madrid 28005 +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
Named after the views over the Casa de Campo and the River Manzanares, these gardens are one of the nicest places in the capital to relax and have a bite to eat. It's especially worth coming for the open-air party during fiestas de San Isidro. It's also worth taking a walk around the narrow old streets of the adjacent medieval quarter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Camilo Torres |
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