Plaza de España
A two-hundred-metre half-circle of brick and azulejos, with a rowing canal.
Duration
45 min – 1 hr 30 min
Best time
Early morning, or at sunset
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
The square was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, in brick, ceramic and marble, on a half-circle two hundred metres across opening towards the river — a symbolic orientation, towards the Americas.
Along the base of the building, forty-eight azulejo benches each represent a Spanish province, with its map and a historical scene. A canal runs round the square, with rowing boats for hire, and the place has stood in for film sets, including a Star Wars episode.
Getting there
At the entrance to María Luisa park, fifteen minutes on foot from the cathedral. Tram T1 to Prado de San Sebastián, then ten minutes.
What to bring
- 1.5 L of water
- Cap
Rules on site
The square is in full sun with no shade: in July and August it is unusable between midday and six. The city has repeatedly floated closing it and charging for entry — access is still free as things stand.
Other places in Seville
- Real AlcázarA Mudéjar palace with gilded wooden ceilings, and gardens of orange trees and pools.
- Cathedral and GiraldaThe largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and a former minaret you climb by ramps.
- Triana districtAcross the river, the ceramic workshops and the gypsy flamenco bars.
- Metropol ParasolA hundred-and-fifty-metre undulating timber structure set down on an old square.