Gardens of Spain

A colorful voyage into the soul of Spanish culture

Please note that this is a "suggested" private group itinerary, which can be changed to suit your interests. The tour price will depend on the number of participants, travel dates, type of hotels, etc.

Spain's rich cultural heritage is superbly illustrated by its many wonderful parks and gardens. For centuries on the Iberian Peninsula, Western culture has blended with the North African culture brought by the Moors between the eighth and fifteenth centuries. This unique cultural heritage has expressed itself in a very original way through the composition and artistry of its gardens. The sunny Mediterranean climate has also contributed greatly to the vast diversity in designs and styles.

The presence of the Romans and the appearance of the villa architecture were particularly important in the early development of gardens in Spain. Sumptuous homes were organized around a central planted courtyard cooled by fountains and waterfalls. This courtyard was the precursor of the Andalusian patio. When they arrived in Spain, the Visigoths and later the Moors found these intimate gardens. The Moors then added their own delicate touches and the opulence of the Orient.

Spain is proud to have the oldest gardens in Europe: El Generalife in Granada, the orange tree patio of la Mezquita in Córdoba, the Reales Alcazares in Seville. In contrast to these grandiose displays, you can visit a "carmen," which is a typical house of the old quarter of Granada with a walled garden. These are some of the best examples of the Moorish influence on garden design. In 1829, the American writer Washington Irving visited the Generalife gardens and described them as follows: "Here is everything to delight a southern voluptuary: fruits, flowers, fragrance, green arbors and myrtle hedges, delicate air and gushing waters."

The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in the art of garden creation in Spain. King Philip II (1527-1598), a passionate devotee of horticulture, sent his personal secretary all over Europe to gather drawings of the best gardens of the period. Italian, Flemish and French architects, sculptors and artisans were brought in to work on his royal gardens, some of which can still be enjoyed today in their original splendor: El Escorial, Aranjuez, the new gardens at the Reales Alcazares of Seville, etc. Noblemen followed the royal influence and soon a constellation of gardens started appearing all over the country.

The arrival of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain in 1700 brought about the introduction of French designs, the most remarkable example of which is the royal residence and gardens of La Granja de Ildefonso, near Segovia. The same style was used for the renovation at Aranjuez and El Parterre in Madrid's Retiro Park. Later on, the eighteenth century neoclassicism produced more elegant gardens with classical designs: the Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid, the Horta Labyrinth, the Prince's Cottage at El Pardo, the Gardens of El Escorial, Boadilla del Monte and the Cloth Factory in Brihuega, all of which can still be seen today.

In modern times, many more new creations appeared all over Spain. One of the most notable is the truly unique Park Güell, a jewel of early 20th century design and a must-see destination in Barcelona. It was created by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who is also known for his "Modernista" style and his signature building, the famous cathedral La Sagrada Familia.

Madrid and nearby places, plus ancient Andalusia to the south with Córdoba, Seville and Granada are ideal destinations for a garden tour of Spain. These millennial cities offer some of the most beautiful horticultural creations and combine them with great art, spectacular architecture and a fascinating cultural heritage.

There are many possibilities on this tour route. Let us know where and when you want to go. We will create a custom program that fits your interests and requirements.

    

Places on this route we have personally visited: Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, El Escorial, Aranjuez, Segovia and Barcelona. See pictures from our trips:

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