Plaza de Espana Seville – Tourist Guide and Information

Guide and Visitor Information for the Plaza de Espana en Sevilla

Plaza de España, located in the heart of Seville amongst Maria Luisa Park, is a large plaza with stunning architecture that celebrates the city’s rich history and cultural heritage (as well as that of Spain generally). Originally designed for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, this semicircular square is a fusion of Renaissance Revival and Moorish architectural styles. It’s free to visit and a must-see when visiting Seville.

Plaza de Espana General Information
Location	P.º de las Delicias, s/n, 41013 Sevilla, Spain. Situated amongst Maria Luisa Park
Opening Times	Daily: The plaza is open 24/7 unless closed off due to events.
Entry and Tickets	The plaza is free to visit!

Visiting Plaza de Espana Seville

The Plaza de Espana is made up of a huge semi-circular building that is flanked either side by two towers (visible from most of Seville centre). The building has a multi-levelled courtyard that leads onto a small 500m canal that runs from the North to South Tower and contains 4 beautifully constructed bridges. Over the bridges is the plaza itself containing a fountain in the centre.

All of the buildings, bridges, and constructions around the Plaza are a combination of Renaissance Revival and Morrish style, making for the most stunning and picturesque photographs.

Against the lower level walls by the main semi-circular building are little alcoves (48 in total) with seating. Each alcove is for each province in Spain, complete with information and a colourful map, all painted on colourful ceramic tiles. It is common prctice for tourists within Spain to take a picture on the bench in the alcove of their home town.

The four bridges across the canal represent each of Spain’s ancient kingdoms: Castille, Leon, Navarre and Aragon.

Top Photo Tip: When taking a picture at Plaza de España go for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon. The soft sunlight enhances the beauty of the architecture. Position yourself to capture the semi-circular building and the canal together for a classic shot.

Boat Rides at Plaza de Espana Seville

Boat rides at Plaza de España offer a unique and picturesque way to experience this iconic Seville attraction. The Plaza is designed around a semi-circular building with a central canal that runs beneath a series of beautiful bridges. It is even sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of Seville’! Visitors have the opportunity to rent rowboats and paddleboats to explore this canal and its surroundings.

The cost for a ticket to rent the boats is €6. A deposit of €4 is also required. This gets you a 35-minute ride and if you go over the allotted time, it goes up to €10.

Facilities at Plaza de Espana Seville

Whilst there are no official buildings that you can enter inside, it does have various unofficial facilities scattered around the entrance of the plaza. There is a toilet building just outside the plaza, near Maria Luisa Park, where you can enter for a fee of €0.60.

Furthermore, the entrance has various stalls filled with souvenirs and food and drink vendors. Here you can buy a gift to remember your time in Seville or to have a quick snack or drink before continuing to explore the rest of Seville’s attractions.

How to Get to Plaza de Espana Seville

Plaza de España is conveniently located in the heart of Seville making it an easy destination for visitors exploring the city’s other main attractions. It is easy to walk from the Cathedral or the Royal Alcazar and takes less than 15 minutes.

The best way to get to the Plaza de Espana is to enter through Maria Luisa Park, taking the Avenida de Isabel la Católica route (where there are multiple bike rentals and ice cream sellers) which can be found by walking alongside the University from the centre of Seville.

The Plaza de Espana is also a stop on the Hop-On Hop Off Tourist Bus that tours around Seville, and is a great way to reach this attraction and the multiple others that Seville has to offer.

Video of the Plaza de Espana

History of Plaza de Espana Seville

The Plaza de España has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was conceived as the central element for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, a world’s fair aimed at strengthening Spain’s ties with Latin American countries. The visionary architect Aníbal González was entrusted with designing this grand square, envisioning a semicircular layout that incorporated elements of Renaissance Revival and Moorish architectural styles. Construction of Plaza de España began in 1914, lasting over a decade, and culminated in the opening of the exposition in 1929.

After the exposition, Plaza de España continued to captivate people’s imaginations. It served as a filming location for renowned movies like “Lawrence of Arabia” and underwent restoration efforts to preserve its architectural beauty.

Was Star Wars filmed at the Plaza de Espana?

Plaza de España in Seville, Spain, has a special connection to the Star Wars universe. This iconic square served as one of the filming locations for “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” which was released in 2002. In the film, Plaza de España is transformed into the city of Theed on the planet Naboo.

One of the most memorable scenes filmed at Plaza de España is the moment when Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen) and Padmé Amidala (played by Natalie Portman) arrive in Theed after their secret wedding on Naboo. The lush greenery and architecture of Plaza de España added to the romantic and otherworldly atmosphere of the film.

Visiting Plaza de España Seville FAQ:

How old is the Plaza de España in Seville?

Plaza de España in Seville is a historic architectural masterpiece that was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, making it approximately 94 years old as of 2023.

What to do at the Plaza de España Seville?

Plaza de España offers a delightful blend of history and leisure. Visitors can admire the stunning semi-circular building, take a leisurely boat ride along the canal, explore the charming bridges, and enjoy scenic strolls in the nearby Maria Luisa Park. Don’t forget to capture picturesque photos of the ornate tilework and relax in the spacious square while soaking in the atmosphere of this Seville icon.

Is the Plaza de España free?

Yes, visiting the Plaza de España is generally free of charge. You can explore the beautiful square, admire the architecture, and enjoy the scenic surroundings without an entrance fee.

Can you visit the Plaza de España at night?

Yes, you can visit Plaza de España at night. While the square itself is open to the public, the buildings and bridges are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls and photography.

What is the best restaurant close to Plaza de España?

There are several excellent restaurants near Plaza de España, including popular options like Restaurante San Fernando and Casa Carmen.

What is the best hotel close to the Plaza de España?

Seville offers a range of hotels near Plaza de España to suit various budgets and preferences. Some highly-rated options include Hotel Alfonso XIII, Meliá Sevilla, and Hotel Inglaterra.

Are there flamenco shows or concerts at the Plaza de España?

While Plaza de España is not typically known for hosting flamenco shows or concerts, Seville offers numerous venues and tablaos where you can experience authentic flamenco performances. Consider exploring other parts of the city for flamenco entertainment.

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