Alameda de Hércules
General Information
Located in the heart of the historic centre of Seville, the Alameda de Hércules has developed itself over the years in order to become a peculiar and attractive urban space where leisure, culture and art come together.
According to an undocumented legend, the Alameda de Hércules was born when the son of the visigothic king of Hispania Leovigild, changed the course of the River Guadalquivir by blocking the flow of water to the smaller branch of the river that used to run through what is now the Alameda de Hércules intentionally causing a drought for the city’s inhabitants.
The Alameda de Hércules is considered to be the oldest public garden in Europe, after being drained by the Count of Barajas, it was decorated at one end with two columns that were taken from a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules. Centuries later, the other end was also adorned with two more columns, each topped with a lion and a coat of arms—one representing Spain and the other Seville.
In 2009, the Alameda de Hércules reopened to the public after nearly three years of renovation work. Now we can enjoy this pedestrian walkway paved with colorful tiles, replacing the previous sand path. The number of trees has been increased, and all the urban furniture has been renewed, from streetlights to benches, fountains, and pergolas.
The Alameda de Hércules is a rectangular oval pedestrian square about 480m long and approximately 80m wide, full of trees, fountains and benches. It is ideal for hosting outdoor events and activities in a commercial and leisure area located right in the city center.
The Alameda can be divided into three areas. Two areas located at each end, next to the columns, and a central area where there is a large, original fountain on the pavement. These areas are divided by two kiosks/bars, all of which are large in size and free of street furniture, making them highly versatile for the presentation of products, artistic and photographic exhibitions or the holding of open-air cocktail parties.
The maximum capacity of the space is up to 4,000 people and there are several public car parks nearby. The central area is also accessible for people with disabilities.
