Plaza de España (Guide + Tips)
Plaza de España in Seville is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Located in María Luisa Park, its semi-circular shape represents Spain’s connection with its former colonies. The square is known for its elegant bridges, intricate ceramic decorations, and a large canal that curves through its center.
One of its most symbolic features is the 48 colorful ceramic benches, each representing a province of Spain. Many Spanish travelers enjoy finding the bench of their home region, but it’s just as fun to spot other places in Spain you might have visited before.
Behind the main square, a 515-meter-long canal runs through the plaza, crossed by four bridges representing Spain’s old kingdoms: Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre. A fun way to enjoy the view is by renting a small boat and rowing along the water. Boat rentals cost around 6 euros for 35 minutes.
Beyond its tiles and canal, the Plaza’s architecture is equally impressive. The two graceful baroque-style towers framing the square are one of my favorite part of the Plaza de Espana. The covered walkways that connect them have wooden ceilings and elegant archways, a great spot perfect for photos.
key takeaways
- You don’t need a ticket to visit this landmark. Entry to the Plaza de España is free.
- Scenes from Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Episode II were filmed at Plaza de España.
- The Plaza and its buildings are huge. Even if you’re just walking around without stopping, it will take at least half an hour to explore.
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When was it built?
Plaza de España was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The goal was to strengthen Spain’s ties with countries that shared a history with it, either through colonization (Spanish America and parts of the United States) or political union (Portugal and Brazil). Designed by architect Aníbal González, the plaza is a beautiful mix of Renaissance, Moorish, and Baroque styles, making it one of Seville’s most stunning landmarks.
Why is Plaza de España Famous?
Plaza de España has been a filming location for major movies, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. That might be one reason it’s so famous, but if you ask me, it’s simply because it’s so beautiful.
The sheer size of the Plaza is impressive, the architecture is unique, and the ceramic decorations are something you won’t find anywhere else. Seville has been known for its azulejos (ceramic tiles) for centuries, and Plaza de España is one of the best places to see them.
Can you go inside the Plaza de España?
Yes and no! The plaza itself is open to the public and free to visit. You can walk through the covered galleries, admire the ceramic benches, and even rent a boat to row along the canal.
The main building around the square has two uses. One part is the Military Historical Museum of Seville, a small but interesting museum that’s free to visit. If you like history or are curious about old weapons, you’ll find a collection of guns, ammunition, grenades, and mortars. The rest of the building is used as government offices and isn’t open to visitors. Even in the few areas you can enter, there’s not much to see.
Best Photography Spots at the Plaza de España
Plaza de España is one of the most photogenic spots in Seville. Here are some of the best places to take pictures:
- The Ceramic Benches
- The Bridges Over the Canal
- The Central Fountain
- The Towers and Walkways
- The View from the Canal
Tickets and Opening hours
General entrance
- There is no entrance fee to the Plaza de España. (But it could change.)
Access through the Maria Luisa Park or from two streets on either side of the main building: Avenida Isabel la Católica and Calle Nicolás Alperiz.
Hotels close to the Plaza de España
It’s always nice to stay near a landmark when visiting a city because you get to see it more than once, just by passing by whenever you go out. Plaza de España and María Luisa Park are perfect for that—they’re big, beautiful, and there’s always something new to explore.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Hotel Alfonso XIII | From € 299 / night |
| Luxury | Numa I Prestigio Apartments | From € 292 / night |
| Mid-range | Hotel Tayko Sevilla | From € 147 / night |
| Budget | Hotel Giralda Center | From € 102 / night |
Tips for visiting the Plaza de España
- Enter via the museum steps instead of the park. When you reach the top, the plaza suddenly opens up in front of you in all its splendor!
- For the best views, take the stairs to the upper level of the main building. From there, you’ll see the whole plaza and its surroundings.
- It’s best to visit early in the morning when the light is softer and there are fewer people. (It’s no secret, golden hour makes for great pictures!)
- Since the Plaza de España is inside María Luisa Park, take a walk through the gardens after your visit.
- If you take the horse-drawn carriage from the Cathedral (or the Real Alcazar), it will stop at the Plaza de España along the way.
