The park known by all as Parque Grande de Zaragoza, (officially called Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta nowadays), is the largest urban green space in Zaragoza and one of the most emblematic enclaves of the whole city. With an extension of more than 40 hectares and located at the end of the Paseo de Fernando el Católico, in the Universidad district, this park has been, since its origin, a symbol of modernization, culture and leisure for the Aragonese capital.
Origin and inauguration of the Parque Grande of Zaragoza
The origin of the Parque Grande de Zaragoza dates back to the early years of the 20th century, in a context of urban growth and social transformation. As a result of the regenerationist impulse that sought to provide cities with hygienic and healthy spaces, in 1913 the Zaragoza City Council approved the project to create a large public park. The initiative was led by the then mayor Basilio Paraíso and was part of an ambitious urban modernization plan that sought to make Zaragoza a more livable and aesthetically pleasing city.
Work began in 1916 and was prolonged for several years, partly due to the complexity of the terrain and budgetary difficulties. Finally, the park was inaugurated in 1929 by General Miguel Primo de Rivera, hence its first official name, although its popular name soon changed to Parque Grande.
Most iconic places in the Parque Grande of Zaragoza
Some of the highlights of the park are the monument to Alfonso I the Battler, a majestic sculpture surrounded by a fountain that pays homage to the king who reconquered Zaragoza in 1118. Also very iconic is the monumental staircase, flanked by fountains and flowers leading to the central promenade.
Other emblematic spaces are the Botanical Garden, with a varied collection of plant species, ducks, peacocks or even swans; the Quiosco de la Música, witness of concerts and cultural events or the beautiful Paseo de San Sebastián. The park also houses several sculptures of famous personalities of Aragonese culture, such as the bust of the poet Rubén Darío or the statue of the painter Francisco de Goya.
Name changes over time
The place has always been popularly known as “Parque Grande”, although its initial official name was “Parque Primo de Rivera”, in honor of Miguel Primo de Rivera, dictator during the monarchy of Alfonso XIII. This name was in force until 2010, when after the death of the singer-songwriter and politician José Antonio Labordeta, illustrious Zaragozan and key figure of contemporary Aragonese culture, the City Council decided to rename the park with his full name as a tribute. The choice of this particular space was not accidental: Labordeta was a defender of Aragonese identity, of the environment and of public spaces as meeting places.
How to get from the center of Zaragoza to the Parque Grande
If you have arrived in the city for tourism, you want to visit the Parque Grande de Zaragoza (which you should do almost obligatory), and you are in the center of the city, we tell you how you can do it:
First of all, if you haven’t already done so, store your luggage in our local luggage locker in Zaragoza, Megalockers, located in Calle Manifestación 24, next to Plaza del Pilar.
So, with your hands free, go to the nearest streetcar stop, which is the Plaza del Pilar-Murallas stop, less than 4 minutes away, and get on in the direction of Mago de Oz. 7 stops later, get off at the Plaza Emperador Carlos V stop. You will be at the entrance of the Parque Grande de Zaragoza.
One of the most beautiful places in the city awaits you.
