Parque Cristina Enea (Cristina Enea Park), San Sebastian

Cristina Enea Park, also known as the Gladys Park, is a magnificent urban park located in the Eguía neighborhood of San Sebastián. Covering an area of 94,960 m², the park is considered one of the most interesting historical urban parks in Spain, following the English garden typology. The park is situated on a small mound surrounded by the final meander of the Urumea river, providing a stunning view of the city.

The park is named after Cristina Brunetti y Gayoso de los Cobos, XIII Duchess of Mandas, who was married to Fermín de Lasala y Collado, an important businessman and politician from San Sebastian. The park was donated to the city by the Duke of Mandas, who stipulated that it must not be built on or used for any other purpose. In 2007, some renovation works were carried out to improve accessibility and enrich its biodiversity by planting a new range of trees and shrubs brought from Belgium and Germany.

The Palace of the Duke of Mandas, which is located at the top of the park and used to be the former residence of the Duke, has been converted into an Environmental Resource Center, an ecological laboratory, and a training center on environmental issues. The palace façades underwent substantial renovation works, and some interior refurbishment was also carried out. The park's pond and the lining of its roads were also modified, which received criticism from various groups.

The park's unique feature is the pedestrian walkway that was opened between the river and the park over the train tracks. Additionally, stairs and an elevator were built to bridge the gap between the river and the mound surrounded by the park. The walkway is known as Gladys del Estal, in memory of an environmentalist from the neighborhood murdered by the civil guard during an anti-nuclear demonstration in Tudela (Navarra). Another footbridge, named after the singer Mikel Laboa, was opened between the park and the new Riberas de Loiola neighborhood, increasing the flow of visitors.

Cristina Enea Park is a beautiful park with an interesting historical background and rich biodiversity. It offers a peaceful atmosphere with lush greenery, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and a perfect escape from the bustling city life.