Ribalta Park
If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature and tranquility, you cannot miss Ribalta Park, which is located on Avenida Hermanos Bou, opposite the Museum of Fine Arts. This park offers a rich and diverse vegetation, beautiful ponds and fountains, interesting monuments and buildings, and many attractions and entertainment.
Ribalta Park was designed and created in 1869 by architect Lluís Alfonso, on the site where the old city cemetery was located. It is the oldest and largest park in Castellon, covering over 72 thousand square meters. Its shape is similar to a triangle, from which radiate avenues and paths. In the park, you can find over 450 species of plants, both native and exotic, such as palms, cypresses, magnolias, sequoias, and banana trees.
In the park, you can also admire many architectural and artistic elements that give it charm and character. It is worth paying attention to the following objects:
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- La Pérgola: this is a round building with an iron roof, which serves as a concert hall and exhibition hall. It was built in 1929 by architect Francesc Maristany, on the site of the old pergola from the 18th century. In La Pérgola, you can see murals on the ceiling and walls, depicting scenes from the history and culture of Castellon, by José Gumbau.
- El Templete: this is a small pavilion with iron columns and a roof, which serves as a stage for orchestras and music bands. It was built in 1897 by architect Vicente Gascó, modeled on the templete from Retiro Park in Madrid. In El Templete, you can admire bronze sculptures, depicting allegories of music, by José Ortiz Echagüe.
- El Estanque: this is a large pond with a fountain, which serves as a water hole for fish and birds. It was built in 1876 by architect Lluís Alfonso, on the site of the old well. In El Estanque, you can see a bronze sculpture, depicting Neptune, the god of the sea, by José Ortiz Echagüe.
- El Monumento a Ribalta: this is a marble monument, which serves as a tribute to Francisco Ribalta, a famous painter from the 16th century. It was built in 1927 by sculptor Juan Bautista Adsuara. The monument depicts a seated figure of Ribalta, holding a palette and brush, surrounded by four allegories of art: painting, sculpture, architecture, and poetry.
Various events and initiatives take place in the park, such as concerts, performances, fairs, exhibitions, and festivals, which aim to promote and disseminate cultural, social, and educational values.
