With its grand architecture and a myriad of pops of bright color, Seville’s Plaza de España is what dreams (and unique photographs) are made of. Yes, every guide lists it as a must see in the Andalusian capital, and for good reason, but it is much more than just a cultural icon. This is what you need to know before visiting the most emblematic square in Seville to fully appreciate its beauty and wonder.
Story
The semi-circular plaza that sprouts from the lush greenery in María Luisa Park may seem to have existed forever with its mix of Renaissance and Moorish-inspired architectural styles. Believe it or not, the most recognizable square in Seville is also one of the newest in the city (relatively speaking). It is less than 100 years old!
The Sevillian architect Aníbal González designed the Plaza especially for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 that was held in the city. The event was designed to unite Spain with its former Latin American colonies by sharing culture and promoting positive relationships between participating countries.
Plaza de España was the jewel in the exhibition’s crown. Its objective was to represent the greatness and beauty of the host city of the event, as well as of Spain itself.
Today, the luxurious square retains its undeniable beauty and remains a favorite spot in the city for locals and visitors alike. His irresistible charm has even caught the attention of Hollywood, and you can see him in several movies like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.”
Take a boat ride
The miniature canal that winds through the interior of the Plaza de España offers the opportunity to relax and enjoy the Seville sun while taking in the stunning views of the square. The boat rental costs 6 euros for 35 minutes and takes you for a ride along the 515 meter canal. You will pass under the square’s four emblematic bridges, representing the four ancient kingdoms of Spain: Castilla, León, Aragon and Navarra.
Visit all the provinces of Spain
As its name (“Plaza de España”) implies, Plaza de España was designed to be representative of the entire country. Around the inner edge of the plaza are 48 colorful alcoves with benches, each representing a different province of Spain. Each mini-pavilion includes a magnificent representation of the history of that area, as well as a map showing its location within Spain.
It is practically a rite of passage for Spanish visitors to find the little corner that represents their province of origin and take a photo in front of it. If you’ve visited a Spanish destination that stole your heart before visiting Seville, find your niche in Plaza de España and take your own photo.
Get there
Plaza de España sits right in the middle of María Luisa park, one of Seville’s many green spaces and a relaxing place to stroll. You can reach the park on foot in less than 20 minutes from the cathedral and the lively Santa Cruz neighborhood.
If you are tired of exploring and prefer to take public transport, take the C4 bus line and get off at the Prado de San Sebastián stop. From there, the park and the square are just around the corner. You can also take the tram from Plaza Nueva (there is only one tram line) to Prado de San Sebastián or San Bernardo train station and easily walk to the square from there.
Things to do nearby
Besides taking a relaxing walk in the beautiful Parque de María Luisa, there are other things to do just a stone’s throw from Plaza de España. Take a look at the Royal Tobacco Factory, a neoclassical building with a storied past (the opera «Carmen» it even takes place here).
The nearby luxurious Alfonso XIII hotel is also worth a visit. Even if you are not a guest, you can walk through the lobby and ground floor marveling at the magnificent architecture and interior design of the historic hotel.
About 10 minutes away on foot, you will find another of the most emblematic and iconic places in Seville: the Real Alcázar. This historic fortress-palace gained international renown when it was featured in a recent “Game of Thrones” season, but the majestic complex is worth a visit for its centuries of history. Make sure to book your ticket online before visiting, as the lines can be quite long on the day of.
