Forest, Parks amp; Gardens

Castrelos Park

This park was donated to the city by its owner the Marquis of Alcedo (1858-1936).

It is considered one of the gems of the city, firstly because it is one of the biggest in Vigo (just over 24 hectares), and also for what it has to offer.

There is an open air amphitheatre for concerts, an artificial pond and the Quiñones de León House Museum, with its English and French-style gardens and a rose garden.

The Amphitheatre is one of the best outdoor concert halls in Spain. It is in the centre of the park on the natural slope of the hill like a Greek or Roman amphitheatre. Concerts are held here in summer and it is divided into two parts by a moat. An entry fee is paid into the bottom area nearest the stage and the area on the other side of the moat is free.

The artificial pond is built on different levels and has cascades and fountains with synchronized light and water shows. There is a bridge across the middle of the pond. The pond is home to a variety of species such as swans, ducks, geese and so on who have become quite accustomed to the presence of people strolling by.

Quiñones de León House Museum was built in the second half of the 17th century. It is a fine example of Galician palace style. It is now a museum with a section on archaeology, a large collection of Galician paintings, a section on decorative art of the time, a collection of Sargadelos ceramic pottery and another art collection bequeathed by Policarpo Sanz. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens:

- The French Garden is just behind the house. It is a garden of great beauty and is reminiscent of the gardens of Versailles in shape, although on a smaller scale. There is a maze of myrtles and a fountain with granite dolphins in the centre (which were originally made of lead).

On the right of the garden is the English Garden and there is a rose garden on the left. The three parts are on different levels, the rose garden at the top and the English garden lowest. The garden and rose garden are separated by a walk with coats of arms. 

- The English Garden is also known as the tea lawn because the previous owners copied the British custom of taking tea outside. It is much simpler in design than the French garden. The style is more natural and the plants seem to grow freely without any given order, except for the trees. It is a rectangular field bordered by two paths with many trees. In the middle there is a small pond with a reproduction to scale of the house itself, an influence of the Chinese miniatures that were in fashion in the 18th century. At the end of the garden on a pond, there is a statue from the 17th century called "La fuente de Neptuno" (The Fountain of Neptune), which formerly stood at Puerta del Sol in the city centre.

- The Rose Garden is a small garden walk with circles and sculptures. Along the walk there is a series of arches on which the rose bushes grow. At the end there is a statue of Our Lady.

 

Concello de Vigo

Praza do Rei - 36202 - Vigo (Pontevedra) - Teléfono: 010 - 986810100