Jardines de Rafael Montesinos - Seville

This garden ( formerly known as the Garden of Isabel II, and also known as the Garden of the Poor ) was dedicated in 1995 by the city council to this Sevillian writer and poet born in 1920, twice winner of the National Literature Prize and Favorite Son of Andalusia in 1989.

It consists of three small circular roundabouts connected by a path that forms the main axis of the composition. In the center is a monument to Antonio Mairena, a popular flamenco singer. The roundabouts open to the sides through other paths perpendicular to the main path. The whole complex runs parallel to the river, although at a much higher level that offers good views of the river and the Triana district, with a gentle slope to the south that is accommodated by small steps leading to each of the three roundabouts. Stairs at either end of the garden connect it to the paved walkway next to the river - formerly the Muelle de la Sal - where the monument to Tolerance by the sculptor Chillida stands.

However, the most attractive part of the garden is the group of palm trees: Washingtonias (Washingtonia robusta) and canarias (Phoenix canariensis) which, with their different shapes, sizes and textures, form a rich plant panorama to offer and admire next to the classic silhouette of the old Triana bridge.

Willem Vandenameele