Plaza Espana Seville: An Absurdly Wondrous Square in Andalucia, Spain

A grandeur of Spanish architecture, the spectacular Plaza Espana Seville is a magically captivating sight with its lavishness which some may say, a little over-the-top for a set of government offices. Nevertheless, this is an absurdly wondrous square with ornate details and opulence at every step that may blow you away!

This post gives a brief overview, along with highlights, to ensure you do not miss anything, on this astounding place in Seville.

A brief overview of the grand Plaza Espana Seville, Spain

Plaza Espana or Spain Square (in English) sits within the Parque de Maria Luisa (Maria Luisa Park) in Seville, Spain. The most famous square in Seville is a prime example of the magnificence of Spanish architecture, encompassing Baroque, Renaissance and Moorish neo-elements. It covers an area of 200 metres in diametre. Some say its big enough to fit in five full size football pitches!

Designed by the Spanish architect Aníbal González, Plaza Espana Seville was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929. The Exhibition encompassed other pavilions dotted around the Maria Luisa Park and was curated as a symbolic peace with Spain’s former American colonies.

The Plaza Espana Seville is designed in a semi-circular shape. It is home to buildings, two towers, pretty mosaic benches, a large fountain, the Vicente Traver in the centre, encircled by a canal with bridges. The four bridges represent the four ancient kingdoms of Spain – Castille, Aragon, Navarre and Leon.

This infamous Spain Square underwent extensive restoration between 2007 and 2010. Using photographs archived in the central library, the restoration team worked on pieces such as the ceramic streetlights, benches and the pavements. What you see today is an immensely grandiose square open to the public 7-days a week.

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What to see and do at Plaza Espana Seville

1 | Home to central government offices

Along with the restoration project, the compelling semi-circular structure was renovated and adapted as the new home for the central government offices. Flanked by two towers, at either end which marks as landmarks for this fabulous square.

2 | Magnificent views

This sumptuous building has a 1st floor terrace and a ground level atrium. The first floor terrace has an handrail and its balcony stretch along its full length.

With easy access by grand staircases, you get to see the entire sweep of the semi-circular structure. The central balcony is absolutely magnificent. The balconies make an excellent spot for that memorable picture perfect photos.

3 | Beautiful provincial alcoves

At the foot and following the wall of the semi-circular curve of the building, are fifty-two alcoves with benches. Each alcove represent one each of the Spanish provinces with a map. The alcoves are beautifully designed and decorated with Andalusia tiles, the famed Azulejos (painted ceramic tiles).

These splendid alcoves are very popular photo spots especially with Spanish tourists who are only too happy to have their photographs taken on their home province’s bench.

4 | “ Venice of Seville”

Following the curve of the imposing structure is a 500-metre canal. The moat can be crossed over by any of its four-bridges, which represents the ancient kingdoms of Spain.

You can experience the Venice of Seville by renting small boats to navigate the canal. This is a popular tourist activity.

5 | Watch a flamenco dance

The Square is very lively with street performers. You might hear the sounds of a lone performer playing a Spanish classical guitar coming from somewhere. If you are lucky, you will see the street performers doing an open-air Flamenco dancing. It is free but any contribution is highly welcomed.

6 | Just chill, read or people watch …

Grab your spot on one of the beautifully curated provincial benches, bathe in the sultry sunshine or just chill over a soft ice-cream while people watching.

If you want moments to yourself or just to catch-up on some reading, grab one of the beautiful benches away from the crowds on the opposite side of the building. It is secluded, quiet and away from all the chatter.

7 | Take a ride

While opinions may differ, for most, a horse and carriage ride is a must-do activity. Seville is popular for its horse and carriage rides. The Plaza Espana is usually the finishing or the starting point of a 45-minute ride around the city.

**Georgina: While we do not support and therefore did not embark on this experience, we respect that each is to their own. We share information only with a view to support your travel itinerary if you wish to include a horse and carriage ride.

8 | A famous filming location

Given its breathtaking architecture, it is no wonder that Plaza Espana Seville was used for several filming locations and a backdrop to a video set. Here are several which I discovered after my visit to Seville:

i | Lawrence of Arabia in 1962;

ii | Star Wars Series > Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones in 2002;

iii | The Dictator (2012).

Was also used as a backdrop to the video of Simply Red’s song: “Something Got Me Started”

How to reach Plaza Espana Seville

Spain Square is located within the Maria Luisa Park, next to the pedestrianised Avenida Isabella La Catolica. You could access it via Teatro Lope de Vega and/or Fabrica de Tabaco.

Public transport – metro bus and tram are accessible via the nearest Prado de San Sebastian.

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What to do in Seville?

There are so many activities and hidden gems in this city, just waiting to be explored. The following articles may provide a good guide to curate your itinerary:

Finally …

Rich architecture and colours feature heavily around the astounding Plaza Espana Seville. From provincial alcoves covered in Azulejos ceramics to ornate bridges also covered in Azulejos tiles. Blue, yellow, orange are all the prominent colours around the Plaza soothe by the waters of the canal – this is a place where one would either love it or hate it.

Magnificent, fabulous, grandiose, absurdly wondrous and I am running out of superlatives to describe this place – I loved it here and wished I could have stayed longer. You can literally spend hours looking at the details of each of the ceramic alcoves. The entire Plaza Espana makes a perfect backdrop to any photos. I highly recommend the Spain Square in Seville as an attraction which must be visited. You will only take away wonderful memories and many incredible photos!

xoxo