Plaza de España: reviews, price and practical tips

+35
recos
5/5 8 reviews
Plaza de España- Avenida Isabel la Catolica, 41004 Seville, Spain
Plaza de España- Avenida Isabel la Catolica, 41004 Seville, Spain
Free guided tour of Plaza de España and Seville with Civitatis*
Booking recommended
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Plaza España de Séville
Splendeur de la ville
Splendeur de la ville

Visiting the Plaza de España

Whether it is the sheer scale or the architectural detail that grabs your attention, the Plaza de España is impressive. Designed for the Ibero-American Exposition held in Seville in 1929, the construction took 14 years and required a workforce of one thousand men. The result is a masterwork. It is not just one of the largest plazas in the city, but arguably its most beautiful. Its design makes it a major draw for visitors and a hub for cultural gatherings, located right at the edge of the Parc Maria Luisa.

A palace, a canal, and national symbolism

It is difficult to believe this 50,000 m² site was designed in the last century, as it carries an aura of much older history. Every element here represents a different facet of Spain, laid out in a grand semi-circle. The structure itself is a breathtaking palace of brick and marble, built as a sweeping arc lined with intricate arches that form a massive covered gallery. Two 80-meter towers frame the building, acting as replicas of the Giralda, the former minaret of the Great Mosque, while also symbolizing the king and queen. From the sculpted bas-reliefs to the statues decorating the facade, which blends neo-Renaissance, Gothic, and Mudéjar styles, the level of detail is consistent. The waters of the canal, stretching 500 meters, follow the curve of the building. Small boats drift along the water, and four bridges representing the four ancient kingdoms of Castile lead to the 31,000 m² paved plaza. At its center, a fountain and benches adorned with painted ceramic tiles, known as azulejos, pay tribute to the 48 Spanish provinces.

It is rare for an urban project to reach this level of artistry, and standing before the Plaza de España, it is impossible not to admire the work of architect Anibal Gonzalez. The stakes were high, as the exposition was meant to reconnect the country with the New World while positioning Seville for future growth. While the site was an immediate success in 1929, it remains as striking today as it was nearly a century ago.

Free guided tour of Plaza de España and Seville with Civitatis*Booking recommended
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Opening hours

Free admission.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Plaza de España

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Summary of 8 reviews
5/5
Average rating
+35
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
5
With friends
4.9

Avygeo ranking

#31
in the world
#30
in Europe
#6
in Spain
#2
in Seville

Architectural marvel of Seville

This is one of the iconic spots in the city of Seville, and it is easy to see why! It is a very beautiful place, the building architecture is truly magnificent, with its little turquoise canals and the way the sun reflects off them! But do not miss the entire Maria Luisa park, which is well worth a visit for a walk, especially the little Isleta de los Pájaros kiosk, which I find very pretty.

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A real wow effect

The Plaza de España is truly impressive with its huge semicircle.
Each of the benches represents a Spanish province. I really love this place, it is always very lively, with many musicians and street performances.

24
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Absolutely exceptional

Plaza de España is an absolutely exceptional place.
The architecture, the bridges, and the azulejos make it a site of great beauty where you can easily spend hours just walking around.
You can get there on foot from the center of Seville, even if it is not exactly close by.
It is definitely better to visit outside of the hottest hours of the day.
A must see. I loved it.

5
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Iconic spot

A bit away from the city center of Seville, you can find this extraordinary plaza.
Built in a semicircle, this imposing square surprised me with its original architecture, and the tallest towers reach 80 meters high!
I loved the azulejos that represent each Spanish province.
If you can admire the site at night, it is even more beautiful!

2
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An extraordinary square

When I was a kid, I discovered this magnificent plaza, which represents Naboo in Star Wars I. Ever since, I had been dreaming of going there. This place amazed me with its grandeur, its unique oval shape, and its architecture. In the center, the huge palace dominates everything and offers a splendid view with the fountain. The first floor is interesting to visit. I was also surprised to discover bridges adorned with pretty azulejos, as well as canals. I recommend going in the late afternoon because the light is beautiful. Just a heads up, access to the esplanade closes at 10 PM.

1
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Can't miss it

It's The Place to Be! One of the few squares in the world where you can spend the whole day because the details are just insane! The atmosphere at night is clearly different. Just like the Alcazar, it is a must-visit place.

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A bit far but very beautiful

I thought the Plaza de España would be in the heart of downtown Seville. It is actually surrounded by gardens and you have to walk a little bit from the old center to get there.
But the trip is worth it because the plaza and especially the palace surrounding it are very beautiful.

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A must-see spot

While the Plaza de España in Barcelona didn't really impress me, the Plaza de España in Seville seemed magnificent. I went there while taking a walk through Maria Luisa Park, with its pretty paths and pleasant rest areas. Then you arrive at the Plaza, which is gigantic and really something to see. Its architecture is quite original, with all those painted ceramics. The semicircular canal adds to the charm of the square with its 4 bridges. You can even take a boat ride if you want. There is always something going on, music... in short, it is very beautiful and worth the trip. As someone who loves film locations, I also learned that it was a filming location for Star Wars Episode II, as the courtyard of the Theed palace!

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