Plaza de España, Seville

About Plaza de España

Plaza de España was built in 1928 for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition held in Seville. Its chief architect, Aníbal González, designed it as a symbol of friendship between Spain and Latin America, so the vast building opens in a semicircle, as if embracing its visitors.

The architecture is a showcase of Regionalism, mixing Renaissance, Baroque and Mudéjar revival styles. Red brick, marble columns, wrought-iron lamps and painted ceramics give it a festive look. Today the building houses government offices, and the square is one of the most visited and photographed in Spain.

What to see on the square

• The semicircular building — galleries, columns and two tall towers.
• The canal — rowing boat hire all along the curve.
• The bridges — four bridges with ceramic railings.
• The province alcoves — tiled pictures and maps.
• The fountain — in the middle of the square.
• The upper galleries — a view over the square.

The province alcoves and ceramics

Along the building run the province alcoves, small benches decorated with painted ceramics. Each is dedicated to one of Spain's provinces, with its coat of arms, a map and a scene from the region's history or life. Many Spaniards seek out their own province's alcove and take a photo on its bench.

Ceramics are the square's signature. They cover the bridge railings, benches, lamp posts and balustrades. The tiles were made by craftsmen from Triana, the district across the river famed for its potteries for centuries. Look closely and you'll find coats of arms, floral patterns and portraits of famous people.

Boats, bridges and galleries

You can hire a rowing boat on the canal that curves around the square. Boats go out for half an hour, and it's a favourite with visitors and families. From the water the square looks especially striking, and gliding under the bridges gives welcome shade.

Climb the wide staircases at either end to the upper galleries for the best view of the whole semicircle, canal and fountain. Many people know the square from the cinema: it has appeared in famous films, including a science-fiction saga set in a galaxy far away.

María Luisa Park

The square sits at the edge of María Luisa Park, Seville's main park, also laid out for the 1929 exposition. It has shady avenues, palms, duck ponds, fountains, tiled benches and exposition pavilions that now house museums.

It's worth a stroll after the square: it's noticeably cooler in the heat, and locals walk their children and dogs here in the mornings and evenings. You can hire a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage, which wait around the square. Plaza de América at the far end of the park is known for its flocks of pigeons that children love to feed.

Tips for your visit

Street flamenco dancers often perform near the square; watch a short show and leave a few coins. Watch out for pushy sellers of rosemary sprigs and fans: just politely decline and walk on.

The square pairs easily with the cathedral and Alcázar, a 15-minute walk away through the Murillo Gardens. If you're there in the evening, stay until dark, when the lamps and floodlights make it especially romantic.

It's great with kids: boats, pigeons, wide open paving and a fountain. It's buggy-friendly, though the bridges have steps. Bring water and hats, especially in summer.

Nearby and on the way

50

Alcázar of Seville

Seville, Spain

2 h 30 min · Paid · 16 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Alcázar of Seville

44

Archive of the Indies

Seville, Spain

45 min · Free · 18 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Archive of the Indies

53

Seville Cathedral

Seville, Spain

1 h 45 min · Paid · 19 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Seville Cathedral

45

Giralda

Seville, Spain

40 min · With cathedral ticket · 19 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Giralda

How to do it right

• Free and always open.
• Boats on the canal.
• Sunset is the best time.
• María Luisa Park is next door.

Questions