Parque Genovés

"The Genovés Park in Cádiz, an iconic romantic-style Botanical Garden from the 19th century, is not just any ordinary park. It has been declared as an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Junta de Andalucía and is included in the General Catalog of the Historical Heritage of Andalusia. The park boasts a roughly trapezoidal shape, with its borders marked by the Parador Nacional Atlántico on Jesús Caído street, the seafront through Paseo de Santa Bárbara, Avenida Duque de Nájera, and Paseo de Carlos III through Plaza Rocío Jurado. Lining the central avenue are Cypress trees, expertly pruned into various shapes reminiscent of English-style topiary. The central avenue is further adorned with slender date palms, adding to the botanic architecture. What sets Parque Genovés apart is its unique asymmetrical layout, featuring over 150 different species of trees, palms, and shrubs that have adapted to Cádiz’s exceptional microclimate. Among the remarkable trees are the hundred-year-old Drago tree, a symbol of the city located over by the children’s park, the impressive Metrosideroid from New Zealand, and some towering Araucaria specimens. The park also boasts a variety of other notable trees making it a botanical paradise unlike any other in Cádiz. As you wander through the Genovés Park, keep an eye out for the Palo Borracho tree, also known as the “drunken stick” tree. Its just the other side of the cafe bar by the fountain statue of the two children. This unique specimen, scientifically named Chorisia speciosa, boasts a striking appearance with its stout trunk adorned with large and quite terrifying thorns. The Palo Borracho tree earned its name from an interesting habit – its ability to store water in its trunk causing it to swell and appear bloated. For some reason, the Spanish who gave it that name long ago must have thought that this is what a drunken person looks like! In addition to its distinctive appearance, the tree blooms with vibrant flowers in hues of pink, red, and white, adding a splash of color to the park’s landscape."