Plaza de España
One of Sevilla’s most iconic landmarks, this huge red-brick crescent was built as the centerpiece of the 1929 Exposición Iberoamericana. It was designed by the city’s great architect Aníbal González—whose statue stands nearby—in a style known as Regionalism, intended to reinvent Sevilla’s architecture by paying homage to its past. (You can download an excellent Regionalist walking route at visitasevilla.es).
The structure here is full of symbolism. A broad arc signifies Spain’s openness to the New World—these days, Sevilla’s tourist board describes it as a hug. Its canal represents the Atlantic Ocean, and four Venetian-style bridges are links to the old kingdoms of Spain. You can rent a pleasure boat to row on the canal or simply wander around the building’s network of arcades. Set into the curving wall are tiled murals advertising the charms of Spain’s provinces, from Álava to Zaragoza.
Plaza de España is so popular with visitors that the city authorities have considered charging an admission fee, but for now it remains free. Sunrise is a great time to visit.
One of Sevilla’s most iconic landmarks, this huge red-brick crescent was built as the centerpiece of the 1929 Exposición Iberoamericana. It was designed by the city’s great architect Aníbal González—whose statue stands nearby—in a style known as Regionalism, intended to reinvent Sevilla’s architecture by paying homage to its past. (You can download an excellent Regionalist walking route at visitasevilla.es).
The structure here is full of symbolism. A broad arc signifies Spain’s openness to the New World—these days, Sevilla’s tourist board describes it as a hug. Its canal represents the Atlantic Ocean, and four Venetian-style bridges are links to the old kingdoms of Spain. You can rent a pleasure boat to row on the canal or simply wander around the building’s network of arcades. Set into the curving wall are tiled murals advertising the charms of Spain’s provinces, from Álava to Zaragoza.
Plaza de España is so popular with visitors that the city authorities have considered charging an admission fee, but for now it remains free. Sunrise is a great time to visit.
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