Alameda de Hércules Boulevard

The Alameda de Hércules is a boulevard in central Sevilla located inside the historic district. It was recently restored and transformed to fully integrate it into the city life, making it an unusual and attractive urban area combining leisure, culture and art.

The history of the Alameda de Hércules, according to undocumented legend, began in the year 585 when the son of Leovigild diverted the course of the river Guadalquivir that ran through this spot, in order to cause a drought for the city inhabitants, forming a lake of stagnant water next to the old Roman walls.

The Alameda de Hércules is nowadays considered the oldest public garden in Europe. Historically, after being dried out by order of the Count of Barajas, one of its ends was adorned with two columns taken from a Roman temple devoted to Hercules. Centuries later, the opposite end was also adorned with two other columns, each topped with a lion and a coat of arms, one representing Spain and the other one Seville.

In 2009, the Alameda de Hércules was once again opened to the public following almost three years of remodelling works. Now, it is possible to enjoy the pedestrianised area paved with coloured tiles, replacing the previous chalky sand or albero, and increasing the number of trees. All street furniture is new, including the lamp posts, benches, fountains and pergolas.

Location: Alameda de Hércules ,41002 Seville Google Maps