Plaza de Espana, Seville

The Plaza de Espana is the most spectacular square in Seville, a vast semicircle of grand pavilions built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, embracing a curving canal crossed by ornate bridges. Along its base run colourful tiled alcoves, one for each Spanish province, and the whole ensemble of brick, ceramic and water, famous from cinema, is a joyful monument to Andalusian craft.

History

The plaza was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, for which the whole southern end of Seville was redeveloped into gardens and boulevards around María Luisa Park, laid out by Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier. Aníbal González designed it as the exposition's showcase for Spanish industry and technology, mixing Art Deco with Renaissance Revival, Baroque Revival and Neo-Mudéjar styles; its four bridges over the moat stand for the ancient kingdoms of Spain, and the fountain at the centre is by Vicente Traver. The buildings were later adapted as government offices, and from 2007 to 2010 the city council spent 9 million euros restoring the plaza to González's original design. It has also served as a film location, from Lawrence of Arabia (1962) to Star Wars: Episode II (2002) (Wikipedia, Plaza de España, Seville).

What to look for

• The grand semicircle - the sweeping curve of pavilions and towers.
• The tiled alcoves - the colourful azulejo benches for each Spanish province.
• The canal and bridges - the curving waterway crossed by ornate ceramic bridges.
• The Maria Luisa Park - the lush park surrounding the plaza.

When to go

Spring and autumn for mild weather; summer is very hot but the park gives shade. Late afternoon light warms the brick and tile beautifully. It is free and open to wander.

What to expect

It is free, open and can be busy, especially with photographers and rowboat hirers. It is a monument to walk and photograph rather than a museum. The surrounding park is lovely for combining with a stroll.

Nearby

The Maria Luisa Park surrounds it; the cathedral and Alcazar are a walk north.

Key facts