Although the park is called by the general name Alameda, it consists of three different parts: Paseo da Alameda, Carballeira (“oak grove” in Galician) de Santa Susana and Paseo da Ferradura. The resulting park has, since the 19th century, been the most important reference point for the walks and leisure of Santiago’s residents; it is characterised by its pleasant atmosphere, as a kind of natural lounge.

Its privileged location, bordering part of the old town and with a magnificent view of its west façade (the most monumental one), made it the main city park. It also stands out due to the variety and size of its trees and ornamental species, such as its oak groves, magnificent eucalyptus trees or the scenic pergola formed by the horse chestnuts in Paseo da Ferradura.

The passing of time has gradually influenced its layout, as we can see in the central avenue, with corridors for the different social classes of the 19th century; in what is almost a triumphal arch leading to Paseo dos Leóns, or in the arrangement of flowerbeds, fountains and ponds. And also in its nineteenth-century, modernist and contemporary buildings Chapel of Santa Susana, Church of O Pilar, dovecot, bandstand, acoustic bench, etc- in the abundance and shapes of its statues and sculptures, and in its urban furniture, especially the granite benches with an artistic cast-iron back made by the well-known Galician factory Sargadelos in Lugo.