The past weeks in Seville have been beautiful, warm, sunny days. So I took one of the latest books I’m reading and headed to what is probably Seville’s prettiest park: Parque de María Luisa. Part of the park includes the famous Plaza de España — a sweeping semi-circuclar building. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition and seems to be a mix of Renaissance Revival architecture, with some touches of art deco.
Upon walking up to the Plaza de España, it at first seems kind of boring. Like yet another old building in Europe. But when you get closer—that’s when it hits you. This plaza is beautiful. Small alcoves line the plaza, each meticulously detailed with scenes and maps of the various Spanish provinces. On a hot day, Sevillianos seem to just leisurely spend their time here, sitting among the ceramic-tiled alcoves, or walking through the colonnaded interior.
The Plaza de España has such a reputation for beauty that it’s even been used for various cinema scenes, notably Lawrence of Arabia and the newer editions of Star Wars. I can definitely see why this is one of Seville’s major tourist attractions. I do actually remember visiting the place on my first time to Seville, but then it was the height of summer when it was just excruciatingly hot. I’m lucky to be here in Seville during winter because there are far fewer tourists, but just as many things to do. (And sunshine, too!)
One of Seville’s Tourist Attractions: Plaza de España
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Such a photogenic square. Thanks for sharing. And bringing back memories of our visit there.
Yes – very photogenic! I’d hazard a guess that more tourists take photos here than the other sightseeing spots around Seville
Without a doubt, one of the loveliest places in town! Thanks for the mention, cielo.
No problema! Glad it was such a lovely day today for photographing..
I found the Plaza de España so incredibly weird. You can really see why they thought to use it to represent architecture from another planet in Star Wars! Very beautiful, indeed…just so odd.
100% agree Sam! It’s a bizarre but beautiful site – definitely understand why it was used for Star Wars!
I loved the place too, and also visited in winter. It’s just so unexpected as it’s outside of the centre, but it’s been beautifully preserved and you can’t help but take a hundred photos! I love the little seats that pay homage to the different regions of Spain.
I was also surprised that the ceramic-tiled seats were quite cool to touch. When I saw people sitting on them, I thought they must be crazy because it was so bright and sunny outside, I thought they’d be hot. But no! Very cool and comfortable – no wonder people just seem to chill out there.
Nice shots, man! That’s quite a beautiful place, we enjoyed moseying around when we were there.
Thanks Ryan! It’s a weird but pretty place. Great for a photo walk.
It’s an amazing place with a fascinating story behind it. Well worth knowing about the full context to appreciate it – for example, Spanish tourists have their photo taken by their own province’s alcove, and the little shelves next to each alcove held leaflets with information about that province for visitors to the Expo 29, which it was built for. I could go on, but I won’t ;)
Hola Fiona! I saw the Spanish tourists there taking their photos – thought it was definitely interesting!
These are just gorgeous — even in winter.
It’s hard to imagine that it’s actually winter here. On Saturday (when I took these photos), it was nearly 20ºC!
Gorgeous!! I did my study abroad in Granada, and I have such warm memories of Andalucia’s architecture and plazas. Oh, I can’t wait to hear your Spanish after a few months there!
I’ve never been to Seville but you sure do make it look purty… :)
I’ve been to Spain a half dozen times but only found myself in Seville for the first time last summer. I was taken with it immediately–such a gorgeous city, so many parks, such stunning architecture–and am wondering why it is so overshadowed by other Spanish cities as I LOVED it!
I love this spot! I wish I could have spent more time exploring when I was there, but I was only in the city for a few days.
Great article!
Great photos! I love the architecture in Seville and the elaborate tilework.
Yep – I’m really impressed with how beautiful Seville is – every building seems to have tiles somewhere on them, either the exterior…or like in my apartment building, in our central courtyard & stairwell which is beautifully decorated with ceramic!
Holy WOW gorgeous! <3
Yep – Seville is pretty much AMAZING.
Love the photographs! Plaza de España was one of my favorite parts of Sevilla. The architecture is indeed very interesting. I love the white and blue posts on the bridges. Now, I just have to see it when the water is in. The were renovating when I was there last, and all the water was drained out of it
I’ve never been to Seville! there is so much of Spain we have yet to see even though we’ve been there four times, I can always find yet another spot that I must go. Now Seville is super high up there. great photos.
Thanks Deb – Seville is a beautiful city and if you haven’t spent much time in southern Spain, I highly recommend it! And thank you kindly for the photo compliments!