Overview

Today the Royal Gardens or Viveros are the most important park in the city. Long ago it was the site of the Quinta de Recreo Omunya (Omunya country house), called Rahal, whose construction was ordered by the Moorish king Abd Al-Aziz in the 11th century. Years later Jaime I, the Conqueror, enlarged this country house and changed it into the Alcazar Region (Royal Castle). Sadly, it was completely destroyed during the War of Independence. Today the garden is frequently visited by Valencian locals and tourists, and the zoo is one of its most popular features. Hours vary by season, call for details.