Are you going to visit Andalusia and more precisely Seville, this city with unheardly beauty? Here’s all you need to know to visit the Spanish Place!
Seville stands majesticly on the shores of Guadalquivir, and is the cultural heart of Andalusia. It seduces for the multiple faces it reveals, but also for its warm atmosphere. If you decide to visit the city of Seville, you can’t miss the Place d’Espagne, without a doubt one of the most spectacular places in the city.
Also: The 7 things to do in Seville
La Place d’Espagne
The Spanish square in Seville, called the Plaza de España, is one of the most famous and spectacular spaces in regional architecture. Designed by architect Anibal Gonzalez, it was built on the occasion of the Ibero-American exhibition held in Seville in 1929. The work began in 1914 and was completed in 1928. The architect Gonzalez designed this place to impress the other exhibitors and visitors of Spain and Latin America, but also to show Seville’s talents in industry and crafts.
Known all over the world, its semi-elliptic shape of 200 meters in diameter and its area of 50,000 square meters (about five football pitches), symbolizes the extremity of Spain with its ancient colonies and looks to the Guadalquivir River as the way to America.
For the little anecdote, know that the Place d’Espagne de Seville was used as a decor for famous films, including Lawrence d’Arabie, Star Wars Episode II: L’Attaque des Clones, The Dictator with Sacha Baron Cohen or The lion and the wind, with Sean Connery.
What to see on the Spanish square?
The central palace : The square consists of a large central palace. This brick building, neo-rebirth, gothic and mudéjar blend, is the very representation of regional architecture, decorated with ceramics, woodwork, wrought iron and carved marble... A pure wonder! The palace includes a central building and two wings at the end of which a tower of 80 meters rises. Throughout the walls you will find benches where all Spanish provinces are represented. Each province has its map, its capital's coat of arms and mosaics telling points of their history.
The channel: A 515 metre canal bordering the palace, offers boat rides. This is why some people name the "Vice of Seville" square. Four majestic bridges enhanced with ceramics representing the ancient kingdoms of Spain, Castile, Léon, Aragon and Navarre, allow you to cross it and connect the palace to the center of the square.
The central fountain: In the middle of the square is the fountain created by Vicente Traver. This was questioned several times because it broke the validity of the empty square.
Maria Luisa Park: In the vicinity, Maria Luisa Park is the largest park in Seville and is worth a visit. Typically Andalusian style with its lush vegetation, palm trees and ceramic basins, this is the ideal place if you are looking for a nice quiet and pleasant walk. It is located between the Place d’Espagne and the Guadalquivir.
How to get to the Place d’Espagne?
The Place d’Espagne is a little excavated from the city centre, inside Maria Luisa Park, next to Isabella La Catolica Avenue. To get to the Place d’Espagne, you can walk from the centre in less than 30 minutes. The simplest thing is to take the tram from Plaza Nueva to the Prado de San Sebastian stop. Count about 10 min tram ride + 10 min walk.
Small tips to visit the Place d’Espagne
You know, summer in Andalusia can be extremely hot. We advise you to visit the Place d’Espagne in the cool, morning or late afternoon.
The building is now occupied by the central government of Andalusia as well as the General Military Captain of the South, but it is still possible to walk on the balconies on the first floor to enjoy the view.
Access to the square is free and free. However, to avoid vandalism, the square is closed from 22:00, think about it!
Don’t wait! Take the direction of Seville, for a stay under the Iberian sun.
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