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Park · Betanzos, Galicia
Parque do Pasatempo
Park created between 1893 and 1914 by Juan García Naveira, an emigrant who returned wealthy from Argentina, with lakes, grottoes and sculptures that showed the townspeople places and themes from around the world.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque do Pasatempo
Parque do Pasatempo is one of the most curious places in Galicia. It was conceived by Juan García Naveira, an emigrant from Betanzos who made his fortune in Argentina and returned to the town. With his brother Jesús, he funded various works for the community, such as a school, a shelter and a public washhouse, and created the park.
Construction began in 1893 and continued until 1914, with new elements added while the creator was alive. The idea was an encyclopedic park: to show residents, who could not travel, places, monuments, animals and knowledge from around the world, using cement sculptures, artificial grottoes, lakes, reliefs and panels.
The original park was four times larger than the area that survives today. Over time, part was lost and the remainder fell into decades of abandonment, until it was recovered by the town council. Today there is an old area, with the grottoes, lakes and restored figures, and a new area, with an open-air auditorium and play space for children.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Best time
During the day, within opening hours; check before going. On dry days the paths are more pleasant.
How to get there
It is in the lower part of Betanzos, about a 15-minute walk from the historic center, along the bank of the river Mandeo.
Tip
Notice the figures and panels with scenes from around the world: they were the town's window to the outside at the beginning of the 20th century.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque do Pasatempo
Who created Parque do Pasatempo?
Juan García Naveira, an emigrant from Betanzos who made his fortune in Argentina and returned to the town.
What is an encyclopedic park?
A park designed to show people places, monuments and knowledge from around the world, using sculptures, grottoes and panels.
When was the park built?
Between 1893 and 1914.