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Sevilla's historic parks and gardens attract thousands of visitors on a daily bases, and whilst the vast majority respect the monuments, fountains and gazebos, a small minority persist in vandalising the attractions and wreaking havoc, costing the taxpayer large sums of money in repairs.

 

In particular, Maria Luisa Park and the Murillo and Delicias Gardens have suffered frequent attacks in recent years, prompting the city council to install CCTV as part of a security contract to step up surveillance at Sevilla's public spaces in 2022.

 

The aim is to adopt measures to curb vandalism and contribute to improving the upkeep of the parks, but there are hoops to jump through as the installation of closed-circuit television requires prior authorisation from the Seville Provincial Historical Heritage Commission for example, in the case of the María Luisa Park and the rest of the historic gardens.

 

"The very characteristics of Seville's gardens and parks, where the delicate ceramic elements stand out, mean that they are completely exposed to any kind of damage and must be protected," stressed Sevilla City Council.

 

In recent years, the local authority has invested "significant amounts of money in the maintenance of these parks and gardens", but neighbourhood associations and conservationists have always argued that the only solution is to increase surveillance.

 

In the case of Parque de María Luisa, an Asset of Cultural Interest, it is home to some of the "most beautiful, evocative and symbolic spaces in the whole of Sevilla", according to the council, one of which is the Glorieta de Bécquer.

 

But this has not deterred mindless acts of vandalism, including the mutilation of sculptures. On one occasion, the head of a statue in the Glorieta de Luis Montoto was literally smashed and knocked off.

 

Plaza de España and Plaza de América are two of the most common targets with the former having undergone a major multi-million euro restoration in 2010.

 

Since then, there have been recurrent acts of vandalism, causing damage to lampposts, balustrades, tiles, pinnacles and benches.

 

In Plaza de América, the central fountain was damaged despite being in the middle of a pond which is difficult to access. And the fountains at the Rodríguez Marín and Cervantes roundabouts have not been spared either.

 

It's hoped the installation of CCTV at these popular Sevilla sites and attractions will act as a deterrent to further attacks so that they can continue to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

 

Image of Maria Luisa Park: Andalucia.org