Parque Hernández

About

Hernández Park is a historic garden located in the center of the autonomous city of Melilla, Spain, and is situated in the Modernist Expansion District on Plaza de España. This public space, which covers a considerable area, is considered one of the green lungs of the city and stands out for its architectural, landscape, historical, and cultural value.

The origin of Hernández Park dates back to the late 19th century, when the land it now occupies was a reclaimed area next to the bed of the former Río de Oro. In 1900, the military commander of the garrison, Venancio Hernández Fernández, promoted the project to transform this space into a public garden. The initiative aimed to improve the quality of life for Melilla's inhabitants and beautify the city with a landscaped space.

The park's construction began in the early 20th century under the direction of military engineer Vicente García del Campo. The official inauguration took place on May 18, 1902. During its early years, the park continuously expanded, incorporating architectural and ornamental elements.

In addition to being a place for leisure and walking, the park served for decades as the main venue for the Melilla fair. The fair was held in the park from the 1910s until 2007. In 2008, it was moved to the Plaza de San Lorenzo due to the wear suffered by the landscaped area and the need for a larger, more suitable venue for celebrations.

The park has undergone several restorations, most notably the comprehensive rehabilitation completed after the fair’s relocation, which concluded in 2010.

The park is named in honor of General Venancio Hernández Fernández, a key figure in Melilla’s transformation into a modern urban space during his term. His efforts were instrumental in the creation of the park and other urban development initiatives of the time.

The creation and conservation of Hernández Park are governed by municipal regulations that protect historic gardens and public spaces. The 2010 restoration was carried out under the framework of Spanish cultural heritage legislation, and the park has been recognized as a historic garden for its architectural and landscape value.

Hernández Park in Melilla is a prominent example of early 20th-century landscape and monumental architecture in North Africa. Its design and development were influenced by the urban vision of General Commander Venancio Hernández Fernández and military engineer Vicente García del Campo, who conceived the park as a recreational and beautification space for the city.

The main entrance of the park was designed in 1914 by military engineer José de la Gándara. This monumental gateway, built in ashlar stone, features two towers crowned with ducal crowns. Atop each tower stands a sculpture of Guzmán el Bueno, depicted in the act of throwing the dagger with which he sacrificed his son during the defense of Tarifa. Below these statues are heraldic elements featuring the coat of arms of the city. The original coats of arms were destroyed during the Second Spanish Republic and later reconstructed in 1951 by sculptor Emilio Manescau.

In 1907, a music pavilion was built at the center of the park, designed to host open-air concerts and cultural activities. Over the years, this space has witnessed numerous musical evenings and community events.

The park's perimeter fence was completed in 1918, with the installation of a wrought iron enclosure that defines the space and protects it from the surrounding urban environment. Between 1927 and 1930, artistic pergolas were added at the lateral roundabouts along the main north-south walkway, adding a distinctive character to the park. These structures, along with improvements to walkways and gardens, contributed to the park’s consolidation as a place of leisure and social gathering for Melilla's residents.

The park is equipped with numerous benches and street lamps that offer comfort and ambiance to visitors. The benches, made from traditional materials such as stone and wood, allow users to enjoy the natural surroundings and the various activities held in the park. The street lamps play an essential role not only in terms of functionality but also aesthetically, as they illuminate the park’s paths and walkways at night.

Over the years, the park has undergone various transformations in its paving. Initially, the ground was compacted earth, later replaced with flagstones from Mount Gurugú. In the 1970s, artificial stone mosaics featuring motifs such as zodiac signs were introduced. During the 1980s, terrazzo in shades of white, black, and red was installed along the central promenade. Today, the park features a wavy pavement design in white, green, and red tones, which harmonizes with the park’s modernist surroundings.

The main entrance of the park was designed in 1914 by military engineer José de la Gándara. This monumental gateway, built in ashlar stone, features two towers crowned with ducal crowns. Atop each tower stands a sculpture of Guzmán el Bueno, depicted in the act of throwing the dagger with which he sacrificed his son during the defense of Tarifa. Below these statues are heraldic elements featuring the coat of arms of the city. The original coats of arms were destroyed during the Second Spanish Republic and later reconstructed in 1951 by sculptor Emilio Manescau.

In 1907, a music pavilion was built at the center of the park, designed to host open-air concerts and cultural activities. Over the years, this space has witnessed numerous musical evenings and community events.

The park's perimeter fence was completed in 1918, with the installation of a wrought iron enclosure that defines the space and protects it from the surrounding urban environment. Between 1927 and 1930, artistic pergolas were added at the lateral roundabouts along the main north-south walkway, adding a distinctive character to the park. These structures, along with improvements to walkways and gardens, contributed to the park’s consolidation as a place of leisure and social gathering for Melilla's residents.

The park is equipped with numerous benches and street lamps that offer comfort and ambiance to visitors. The benches, made from traditional materials such as stone and wood, allow users to enjoy the natural surroundings and the various activities held in the park. The street lamps play an essential role not only in terms of functionality but also aesthetically, as they illuminate the park’s paths and walkways at night.

Over the years, the park has undergone various transformations in its paving. Initially, the ground was compacted earth, later replaced with flagstones from Mount Gurugú. In the 1970s, artificial stone mosaics featuring motifs such as zodiac signs were introduced. During the 1980s, terrazzo in shades of white, black, and red was installed along the central promenade. Today, the park features a wavy pavement design in white, green, and red tones, which harmonizes with the park’s modernist surroundings.

Hernández Park is an example of urban landscaping that blends Mediterranean vegetation with architectural design. Inside the park, visitors can find various gardens, paths, and fountains that make this space ideal for leisure.

Hernández Park houses a series of fountains that not only beautify the surroundings but also hold historical and artistic significance. During the recent restoration efforts, several fountains were recovered and rehabilitated, some dating back to the early 20th century, while others are of more recent creation.