PARQUE DE LOS JESUITAS

The origin of the Parque de los Jesuitas dates back to the 1920s, when the Jesuit novitiate was built on Paseo de San Antonio. All the land located at the back of the novitiate was primarily used as an orchard, with fruit tree cultivation. In the 1980s, an agreement between the congregation and the City Council led to a large part of these lands becoming municipal property. The Jesuits conditioned that the City Council allocate these lands for the leisure and recreation of the people of Salamanca.

Architect Guillermo Sánchez Gil, who had recently remodeled the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid, was entrusted with the project for the new park. The project preserved the existing paths in the orchard, and, based on these axes, other paths and secondary transversal routes were added. Recreational and sports areas were built, and in the southwest quadrant, up to five children's play areas were arranged.

Every effort was made to respect the existing vegetation as much as possible, mainly composed of fruit trees, which occupied two-thirds of the space. In addition, new areas were reforested with denser trees to create ample shaded areas. The park has more than 2,700 plants distributed in 82 different species. Many of the pear and apple trees from the Jesuit orchard were preserved, and a wide variety of trees such as cherry trees, quince trees, elms, plane trees, willows, olive trees, magnolias, cedars, firs, cypresses, pines, etc., were planted. In 2017, a special planting of 47 specimens was carried out, among which three sequoias sempervirens obtained from cuttings of the sequoia at the University stand out.

Stylistically, the park retains the original structure of the convent orchard, enclosed by stone walls along its entire perimeter. Its interior is structured in grids articulated around 4 axes that traverse the park in a North-South direction. From these axes, the different areas of the park are distributed (resting, sports, play areas, etc.).

These axes are, from west to east: the Paseo de las Fuentes, the Pergola Axis, the one running alongside the bar, and the East Axis which extends from the mini-golf area to the lake. Another path, parallel to the walls, runs along the entire inner perimeter of the park.

• The Paseo de las Fuentes is comprised of a succession of six small squares, each with a fountain and jets at its center. These small squares are equipped with benches, transforming them into inviting and cool spots, ideal for enjoying during hot summer days. At the end of this axis is the children's play area. The path is delimited by imposing cedar trees; the gardens are bordered by hedges, where the original fruit trees are maintained, accompanied by cypresses, holm oaks, and recently planted pine trees.
• The Axial Axis leads us to an area where traditional games can be played, such as 'calva', Leonese bowling, pétanque, 'la rana', etc. This same axis leads to the central area of the park, where the bar, dance area, and roller-skating area are located.
• Along the Eastern Axis, we again find the garden structure framed by hedges, where the original fruit trees alternate with other ornamental trees planted later. There are evergreen trees, such as pines or firs, and deciduous trees. This area features a mini-golf course, an outdoor fitness zone with exercise equipment, and a dog park. At the southern end, an expansive garden unfolds with extensive grassy lawns, a lake with decorative fountains, and a bridge allowing passage across it. The route concludes with several multi-sports courts that complement the facilities.

Currently, the park offers numerous areas for enjoyment and relaxation, including walking paths, resting areas, and children's play zones. It also features spaces dedicated to dancing, outdoor fitness areas, sports courts for futsal and basketball, a skateboard rink, and a mini-golf course. The bike lane runs along the western side of the park, connecting it with other green spaces and the rest of the city.