Plaza de Espana Seville – Visitor Guide

What to See and Do at Plaza de España in Seville

Plaza de España in Seville is a large square inside Maria Luisa Park. It was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and is known for its impressive mix of Renaissance Revival and Moorish design. Tripadvisor users have even rated it the most spectacular landmark in Europe and the second most spectacular in the world.

The plaza is free to visit and is one of the city’s most popular sights, making it a must-see on any trip to Seville.

Plaza de España – General Information
Location	P.º de las Delicias, s/n, 41013 Sevilla, Spain. Located inside Maria Luisa Park (View Plaza de España on map)
Opening Times	Plaza de España is open to the public all day and night. If entering through Maria Luisa Park, please note the park closes at 10:00PM in winter and 12:00AM in summer.
Entry & Tickets	Entry to Plaza de España is free.

Visiting Plaza de Espana Seville

The Plaza de España is a huge semi-circular building flanked by two towers that can be seen from most of Seville’s city centre. In front of the building is a multi-level courtyard and a 515m canal that runs from the North to the South Tower, crossed by four beautifully designed bridges. At the heart of the square you can find a large fountain.

The buildings, bridges and details combine Renaissance Revival and Moorish styles, making Plaza de España one of the most photographed places in Seville.

Along the lower walls of the main building are 48 tiled alcoves, each representing a province of Spain. Every alcove has a colourful ceramic map and bench, and it’s a common practice for Spanish visitors to take a photo at the bench of their home province.

The four bridges across the canal represent Spain’s historic kingdoms: Castile, León, Navarre and Aragon.

Boat Rides and 4-Wheel Bike Rentals at Plaza de Espana Seville

Taking a boat ride at Plaza de Espana is a fun and picturesque way to experience this landmark. The plaza’s canal runs beneath four bridges and around the semi-circular building, giving it the nickname the ‘Venice of Seville’.

You can rent a traditional wooden rowboat and spend 35 minutes paddling along the canal for €6, with a €4 deposit that’s refunded when the boat is returned on time. You can expect some queues on weekends and afternoons, so we recommend going earlier in the day if you want to avoid waiting.

Another popular option is renting a 4-wheel bike (quadricycle), which can seat up to four people. These are available from a small kiosk in the plaza and cost around €19 for 30 minutes.

Both are excellent options if you are visiting Seville with kids, adding something different to a visit to the square.

Facilities at Plaza de Espana Seville

There are a few useful facilities around the entrance to Plaza de España. Toilets are located just outside the square near Maria Luisa Park and have a small entry fee of around €0.60.

You’ll also find souvenir kiosks selling gifts as well as food and drink vendors where you can grab a quick snack. If you want to refill a bottle before continuing to explore Seville, you can do so in any of the public water fountains in the area.

Military History Museum of Seville

If you are visiting Plaza de Espana in the morning, make sure to stop by the Military History Museum of Seville, located in one of the gallery wings of the main building. The museum closes at 1:30PM and showcases a collection of weapons, uniforms, maps and historical documents from Spain’s military past.

Entry is free, making it an easy and worthwhile stop as you explore the plaza. It’s not a large museum, but it offers an interesting glimpse into history and adds another layer to a visit to this iconic landmark.

Flamenco Performances

When walking through Plaza de España, you may be lucky enough to catch one of the live flamenco performances. These shows aren’t scheduled but happen sometimes near the steps of the main building, where local dancers and musicians gather to showcase traditional flamenco and Sevillanas.

Just be mindful of pickpockets in the crowd, as the performances can get busy and attract a lot of attention.

Summer Concerts at Plaza de Espana Seville

Every summer, Plaza de España becomes one of the most spectacular open-air concert venues in Europe during the Icónica Santalucía Sevilla Fest. The event usually runs from late May to mid-July, bringing big names from Spain and around the world to perform against the illuminated backdrop of the plaza’s architecture, including artists such as Justin Timberlake, Kylie Minogue or Pet Shop Boys.

Alongside the concerts, the festival also sets up a lively Village area inside the plaza, where you’ll find food and drink stalls serving tapas and cocktails, as well as a DJs and late night entertainment.

History of Plaza de Espana Seville

Plaza de España was built in the early 20th century as the centerpiece of the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, a world’s fair created to strengthen Spain’s ties with Latin America. The architect Aníbal González designed the square with a striking semicircular layout, combining Renaissance Revival and Moorish influences. Construction began in 1914 and took more than a decade, finally opening in time for the exposition in 1929 and featuring the iconic central fountain added by Vicente Traver.

After the fair, Plaza de España remained one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks. It has been used as a filming location for famous movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Episode II, and restoration projects have helped preserve its unique architecture for future generations.

From 2007 to 2010, Seville’s city council invested about €9 million in a restoration project to bring the plaza closer to González’s original vision. The work included repairing ceramic tiles, street lights, benches and pavements.

Plaza de Espana Seville Location and How to Get There

Plaza de España is located in the heart of Seville, making it an easy stop while exploring the city’s other main attractions. It’s less than a 15-minute walk from both the Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar.

The most scenic way to arrive is by walking through Maria Luisa Park. Enter via Avenida de Isabel la Católica, where you’ll find bike rentals and ice cream stalls along the route next to the University.

It is also a stop on the Hop-On Hop Off Tourist Bus that tours around Seville, convenient option if you want to see multiple Seville’s attractions in one day.

Was Star Wars filmed at the Plaza de Espana?

Plaza de España in Seville also has a connection to the Star Wars universe. Parts of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) were filmed here, with the plaza used to represent the city of Theed on the planet Naboo.

One of the most recognisable scenes is when Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) arrive in Theed after their secret wedding. The mix of greenery and grand architecture at Plaza de España gave the film a setting that felt both romantic and magical.

Plaza de España Seville: Frequently Asked Questions

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