Plaza de España is the most iconic and picturesque square in Seville if not all of Spain. Located within María Luisa Park, another of the city's beautiful attractions, it offers visitors the chance to admire its emblematic architecture, explore the details of its ceramic art, and enjoy the surrounding greenery. It is an unmissable landmark in Seville, capturing the spirit and artistry of Andalusia. Our walking tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide, lets you soak in the elegance of Seville’s Plaza de España, embarking on a journey through its architectural splendour and fascinating history. The immersive experience allows you to uncover the stories and artistry behind one of Spain’s most celebrated landmarks and ensures you won't miss the intricate details of the nearby monuments and plazas within María Luisa Park.
On your private tour, you will:
- Benefit from the personalized insights of a private guide tailored to your interests;
- Stroll through María Luisa Park, a lush oasis brimming with monuments and artistic treasures;
- Visit the beautifully sculpted Glorieta de San Diego;
- Admire iconic statues, including the Monument to Bécquer and the Monument to María Luisa;
- Explore the Estanque de los Patos, a picturesque duck pond surrounded by greenery;
- Discover charming squares such as Plaza de América and Plaza de Paquita Rico;
- Learn about celebrated figures commemorated in the park, including Álvarez Quintero, Machado, and Luca de Tena;
- Enjoy the intricate design of the Fuente de las Ranas, a whimsical frog fountain;
- Marvel at the stunning architecture of Plaza de España, blending Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Mudéjar styles;
- Enjoy a scenic walk along the canal with views of its stunning bridges;
- Learn about the 48 ceramic alcoves which vividly represent Spain’s provinces;
- Uncover stories of its role in famous films, from Star Wars to Lawrence of Arabia;
- Witness the passion of Andalusian culture with a spontaneous flamenco performance at Plaza de España.
From serene gardens to stunning architectural wonders, this experience seamlessly weaves Seville's history, culture, and art together. Your private 1.5-hour guided tour begins with a tranquil exploration of María Luisa Park, Seville’s verdant retreat gifted to the city by the Duchess of Montpensier in 1893. As you meander along its shaded pathways, your guide will introduce you to the Glorieta de San Diego, one of the park’s most peaceful enclaves, and the Monument to María Luisa, where you will hear about the park’s namesake and how it was transformed from a private palace garden to a treasured public park in her honour.
You will then pause at the Monument to Bécquer, a romantic homage to the celebrated Spanish poet, surrounded by statues that personify the phases of love. Nearby, the Estanque de los Patos (Duck Pond) provides a serene moment to appreciate the park’s natural beauty, while the whimsical Fuente de las Ranas (Frog Fountain) adds a playful touch to your journey. You will continue to explore the park’s unique charm as you pass by Plaza de América and visit monuments to literary and cultural figures from Spain and beyond while your guide tells stories behind the icons. You will find out about Plaza de Paquita Rico and the Seville-born actress it is named after, as well as the tributes to celebrated authors from the city including the Machado brothers, the Alvarez Quintero brothers and Torcuato Luca de Tena, underpinning Seville’s rich artistic heritage.
It will then be time to step into Plaza de España, Seville’s crown jewel and one of Spain’s most stunning architectural masterpieces. Constructed in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition the following year, this semi-circular plaza was designed by the renowned architect Aníbal González to celebrate Spain’s technological and artistic achievements. The plaza’s design incorporates elements of the Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Mudéjar styles, key movements within the Andalusian architectural tradition.
As you take in Plaza de España’s grandeur, your guide will share fascinating tales of its appearances on the silver screen in films like Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Lawrence of Arabia. From its bridges to its canal, every detail of the plaza is a testament to Andalusian craftsmanship. At its heart lies a spectacular fountain designed by Vicente Traver, surrounded by a canal spanned by four bridges, each symbolizing one of the ancient Spanish kingdoms: Castile, León, Navarre, and Aragón. You will also get a closer look at the 48 ceramic alcoves that line the plaza, each representing a Spanish province. These are some of the aesthetic highlights of the square, showcasing the detailed tile work that depicts historical scenes alongside the coat of arms unique to each region.
Beyond its beauty, the plaza is also steeped in symbolism. Your guide can explain how its semi-circular shape signifies Spain’s open embrace of its former colonies, with the central building representing unity and strength. Today, it houses several government offices and museums, preserving its importance as both a historical and functional space. If you are lucky, you may also catch an impromptu flamenco performance from the talented local dancers and musicians who can frequently be found in the plaza, giving you a taste of Andalusia’s most captivating traditions.
Once your tour comes to a close, you are free to spend more time drinking in the unique atmosphere of Plaza de España. Your guide can provide further recommendations for dining and sightseeing nearby and you will be left with plenty of photos and unique insights into two of Seville’s most beloved landmarks.
