The Monforte gardens were declared "Artistic Gardens" in 1941. Inside there is an abundance of marble statues, small ponds and fountains, which together create a beautiful neoclassical landscape.
Valencia Parks and Gardens
Valencia is not only a city of culture but also a city with parks, gardens and recreational areas. The most recent of these is the Parque de Cabecera and in its 334,000 square meters we can find the new Zoo (Bioparc) and fun-fair. The Jardin del Turia is set in the dried-out river bed of the Turia and has 9 kilometres of gardens with areas for athletics, baseball, basketball, a cycle path and a children’s park based around a huge stone figure of the mythical Gulliver.
Other, older urban recreational areas include the Jardines de los Viveros, that were used as a rest area by monarchs such as Abd Al-Aziz, Jaime I or Felipe III. Today, the park can count on 162,000 square metres and as well as its recreational uses, it is home to the Feria del Libro (the Book Fair) in May and there are open-air concerts in July during the July Fair. Next to the Viveros are the Jardines de Monforte with 11,000 square metres that formed part of the now demolished Monforte Palace.
The Botanical garden was founded in 1567 for the study of medicinal plants. It has an important collection with around three thousand species of trees and plants, especially palm trees and cacti.
Cabecera Park, some 334,000 square metres of green space offering the ample shade of pine trees, boat trips and bars in which to enjoy tapas in the spring sun. A small hill offers splendid views.
This gardens in Valencia are called Jardines del Real or Viveros (greenhouses) by the valencians, which used to be part of the Royal Palace. It is a big park and an ideal place to relax.
The Parterre gardens are known for the equestrian statue of King James I, who liberated Valencia from Muslim rule, for its centuries-old magnolias and for its tall palm trees.
The Hesperides Garden is about fertility. The story has it that when Hercules took the golden apples, the Hesperides in their desperation turned into an elm, a willow and a poplar.
The Turia Park is located on the old river bed which ran through the Valencia. The 9 km long river bed has been transformed into a mixture of playing fields, cycling and walking paths, and gardens.
Composed mainly of native flora, this garden contain particularly impressive magnolia trees. The Glorieta gardens is home to monuments dedicated to famous Valencian personalities.
Alameditas de Serranos are a romantic garden, located on the right bank of the Turia river that runs from the Saint Joseph bridge to the Trinity bridge.
