Plaza de Espana is an architectural wonder in Seville, Spain. Compared to a lot of other sites in the area, such as the alcazar or cathedral, this one is rather new being only about 100 years old. It was constructed in 1929 for the Ibero-American exposition, or world’s fair. The exposition was intended to improve relations between those in attendance and a large amount of money was spent on exhibits and the buildings that would hold them. The largest and most famous building can be seen wrapping itself halfway around Plaza de Espana and once held objects related to Columbus’s expedition and the European discovery of the Americas. The Plaza de Espana, along with the Maria Luisa Park, continues to draw crowds from all around the world. It’s also a free attraction (at least for now; a visitor fee was proposed in 2024) unless you choose to add a paid attraction.
The splendor of Plaza de Espana
When my family recently visited Seville, Plaza de Espana was at the top of our list of places we wanted to see. In fact, after checking into our apartment and having a bite to eat, this was the first site we visited in Seville. The weather in December was cool, but the skies were dry and blue. Seville gets very hot in the summer, which some tourists might need to factor in to what time of day is best to visit here. However, for us, anytime was good as the weather was mild and Plaza de Espana was spectacular. The plaza is very large and takes some time to really explore. There is also a lot of detail packed into this space, that add to its splendor. Many things, even those less obvious, were added to represent some element of Spain, its past and its people.
The architectural grandeur of Plaza de Espana
It’s clear this place was built to impress its visitors. And yes, I was impressed. I wasn’t that excited by its age, as someone who loves history as much as I do, realizes this place honors Spain’s history but is not a big part of its actual history. However, what it lacked for in historical significance, it made up for in architectural grandeur. It’s absolutely beautiful. The building blends renaissance and Moorish styles (like the Royal Alcazar of Seville) in a picture-perfect setting, adorned with elaborate tilework. And it reflects the architectural history of Spain. A grandiose building stands tall and proud as part of the center of a semi-circle facade flanked by a tall tower at each end. A water canal runs along its perimeter offering serenity and reflection and has four bridges that cross it representing the four kingdoms of Spain. While the main building, with its arches and columns, showcases its renaissance revival style, the Moorish influence of Spain’s past is seen in the tilework and patterns decorating the building and plaza.
Photo above: The buildings are primarily built from brick, enhancing the colorful balustrades on the bridges.
Photo above: If you look closely in the photo, you can see how rile adorns the bridge and the brick building it leads into.
A mosaic of Spanish provinces at Plaza de Espana
I spent a lot of my time visiting the pavilion, studying each alcove and monument depicting Spanish provinces, regions, and symbols of importance. It was fun to see how each one was showcased and what elements were featured. Since I have not visited every province (yet), I studied those I had visited to see if I recognized the chosen historical event or cultural symbols in the design. For those I have yet to visit, I was able to get a feel for each and its importance. It was both a visual and mental feast. Most booths or monuments, had benches for visitors to sit and spend some time with it. Additionally, a map was laid into the floor to show the location of each province (or as context for other types of monuments).
Photo above: Shows the monument honoring Granada. See my post on how to travel from Seville to Granada if you are planning to visit the Alhambra.
Photo above: Shows the monument for Madrid, the capital of Spain.
Photo above: Monument honoring Segovia at Plaza de Espana. It’s known for its medieval architecture.
Photo above: Monument honoring Salamanca is known for its university and architectural treasures.
Photo above: Agricultural monument representing the importance of agriculture in Spain.
Photo above: Monument honoring Pontevedra, known for its lush landscape, Celtic heritage and maritime traditions.
Photo above: Monument honoring the Spanish region of Asturias, one of the many regional pavilions at Plaza de Espana.
Photo above: Monument honoring Pamplona at Plaza de Espana. It commemorates the Battle of Pamplona (1521) and its incorporation into the Spanish crown.
Plaza de Espana is a gateway to Spanish heritage
The Plaza de Espana tells the story of Spain through pictures, symbols, maps, and color. It’s really pretty cool. I could appreciate each province or region individually, for their history and contributions. And then I could take a few steps back and see just how grand Spain is when all these pieces are brought together. The details of each alcove are unique and the stories each tells are its own. But when taken together, everything is visually complimentary and belongs together, telling the bigger story of Spain.
The art and craftmanship of Plaza de Espana
We owe thanks to Spanish architect Anibal Gonzales who was commissioned to create this wonder. You can see how much thought and intention went into every detail to create a venue that brought Spain together, across time, and into the present. The tilework does a lot of the storytelling. It is a testament to the skill of the artisans who demonstrated in their work excellent craftmanship and artistic talent. This attention to detail is not limited to any particular areas. Instead, it is interwoven throughout the pavilion. The four bridges representing the four ancient kingdoms of Spain, are also richly adorned in elaborate tilework and colorful balustrades. Even the lamp posts are pieces of art.
Photo above: Showing one of the towers at Plaza de Espana, as well as an ornate balustrade and lamppost.
Photo above: A close-up photo of one of the lampposts! I would love a replica lamp post in my living room.
Spending time at Plaza de Espana
By now, if you have been reading this post, you should be somewhat familiar with what to expect at Plaza de Espana. I had done some research before my visit, and I was ready for this adventure and wanted to soak in the atmosphere. You really understand its size as you stroll through the pavilion and plaza. If you are someone who wants to experience all its stories and find its secrets, then you need to plan to spend some extra time here. That can be hard to do if not everyone is as interested, as you. It doesn’t take much time to snap a few selfies here and there (my girls’ favorite way to experience places), but it does take time to study each of the alcoves, admire the tilework, and appreciate all the detail found throughout the venue. Fortunately, Plaza de Espana probably has something that will entertain everyone. I imagine there are lots of people who come here for the view or photo, but leave here with much more.
Many ways to experience the Plaza de Espana
First, the canals are more than beautiful to look at. You can take a boat and row your way around the perimeter of Plaza de Espana, taking in the sights and sounds all around you from the privacy of your vessel on the water.
There are also regular flamenco performances inside the arches of the main center building. In fact, it seemed to me that multiple performers perform here. When one group packed up, the next one was already waiting, like it was scheduled to be there turn to take the “stage.” So it is possible you might see more than one show while you are here! The shows operate on tips, so be sure to have some Euros to show your appreciation. Between each song, someone would come around with a basket to collect tips.
In front of the Plaza de Espana, there is a large water fountain which must be particualrly lovely on hot days. And in front of the fountain toward the entrance, you will find horse drawn carriages to whisk you around the key sights of Seville. I highly recommend a carriage ride soon after you arrive, as it is a great introduction to Seville and will help you mentally situate where all the sites are located. We paid 45 EUR total for about a 45-minute ride for 5 people (we squished). The video below includes a clip from the flamenco show and the carriage ride we did at sunset.
And if you want to get really great photos (even better than selfies), consider this highly rated private photoshoot to capture your memories in the best way possible.
Lastly, if you have a movie buff in your group, or a Star Wars fan, they might recognize Plaza de Espana from a film. For Star Wars fans, this place was in Episode II – Attack of the Clones. Even filmmakers have been fascinated with this place.
The legacy of Plaza de Espana
Plaza de Espana was more than just a building, plaza, or amazing site. It was an experience that immersed us in Spanish culture and heritage. I personally left here with memories of Spain’s past, and memories of a wonderful time spent together with my family. Also, don’t forget to visit Maria Luisa Park which is across from Plaza de Espana. We actually thought we might skip it, but didn’t. And I am so glad we didn’t. We spent a lot of time in the park and had so much fun there too.
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