J. Nicolá Forestier Historical Garden

1713

Castilleja de Guzman-Monolito de los Jardines de Forestier

Castilleja de Guzmán-Setos de Los Jardines de Forestier

Castilleja de Guzmán. Paseo arbolado de los Jardines de Forestier.

Castilleja de Guzmán-Los Jardines de Forestier

This garden is located in the former Palacio de los Guzmanes, a 17th-20th-century building of great historical and artistic value, currently home to the Buen Aire residential college and dormitory.

This garden in Castilleja de Guzmán was one of the last creations by Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, artist and forest engineer, botanist and landscape designer, who also designed Seville’s María Luisa Park. The garden on the palace grounds, located in the heart of the Aljarafe region in Seville, was renovated with remarkable sensitivity in 1920-1928. The work was commissioned by the 4th Count of Castilleja de Guzmán, Joaquín Rodríguez de Rivas y de la Gándara.

Forestier lived in the Palacio de los Guzmanes where he took great pleasure in this work. One can stroll among holm oaks and bay trees while admiring the allegorical fountains with faces, a small white-cedar maze, belvederes, picnic areas, pergolas, orange trees, ficus trees with extensive roots, and countless romantic corners.

Forestier, who loved Seville’s landscapes and history, created a new landscaping style based on specific elements that he considered essential in his modernist gardens. His most innovative and surprising contribution was a landscaping style that was referred to by some as Neo-Arab, as neo-Sevillian by others, and even as Mediterranean.

Today, these gardens have been incorporated into the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage, and listed as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) under the monument category.

Links

Palacio de los Guzmán y Jardines de Forestier

Opening times

Guided tours are available on weekdays by prior booking, and on Saturday at 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00.

Contact number: +34 955 727 000

Labels

Gardens

Forestier

Palace