Santa Cruz Quarter

Santa Cruz Quarter, Seville's historic heart, charms with narrow streets, hidden plazas, vibrant tapas bars, and landmarks like the Alcázar and Cathedral.

The Santa Cruz Quarter in Seville is a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Once the heart of the city’s Jewish community in medieval times, the neighborhood reflects its rich heritage through its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and secluded plazas. Designed to provide shade from the Andalusian sun, these labyrinthine alleys lead visitors to charming corners like Plaza de Doña Elvira and Plaza de Santa Cruz, where orange trees and blooming flowers create a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

Adjacent to some of Seville’s most iconic landmarks, Santa Cruz offers easy access to the Cathedral and its majestic Giralda Tower, as well as the breathtaking Alcázar, with its intricate Moorish design and lush gardens. The Church of Santa María la Blanca, originally a synagogue, serves as a poignant reminder of the neighborhood’s Jewish roots. Today, Santa Cruz thrives as a vibrant district filled with tapas bars, artisan shops, and a lively yet tranquil ambiance that captures the essence of Seville.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Seville
Alcazar of Seville
This beautiful Mudejar-style palace was built in the 14th century. It is known for its intricate architecture, historical significance and lovely gardens
Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world
La Giralda
La Giralda is the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture and one of the city's most famous monuments
Glorieta de San Diego
The Glorieta de San Diego is a serene square near Plaza de España, offering lush greenery and a fountain, and serving as a gateway to Maria Luisa Park.
Plaza de la Alianza
Plaza de la Alianza, in Seville's Santa Cruz Quarter, is a serene square with orange trees, rich history, and a tranquil vibe near the Alcázar and Cathedral.
Plaza del Triunfo
Plaza del Triunfo, in Seville's historic heart, offers stunning views of the Cathedral, Giralda, and Alcázar, with vibrant charm and a rich historical legacy.

Related Tours

Seville Legends and Mysteries: Private Evening Tour

Seville is a city that truly comes alive at night with so many stories to be found among its winding streets. Our private evening walking tour is a great way to see the city in a different light, with a passionate local guide taking you on a journey through the atmospheric quarter of Santa Cruz, regaling you with gripping tales of legendary moments through the ages and giving you a glimpse into the soul of Seville past and present.

On this private evening walking tour, you will:

  • Explore the historic Santa Cruz quarter by night;
  • Enjoy the undivided attention of your knowledgeable local guide;
  • Learn some of the city’s most intriguing legends and mysteries as you wander the cobblestoned streets;
  • Find out about the important characters and communities who shaped the neighbourhood across the centuries;
  • Uncover the traces of the former Jewish quarter;
  • Drink in the electric atmosphere of Seville by twilight;
  • Stroll through the charming Calle Fabiola, named after a 19th-century Belgian queen, where legends whisper of hidden courtyards and noble houses;
  • Explore the lively Plaza de la Alfalfa, once a Roman market and later a hub for medieval grain trade, now buzzing with local life and stories of centuries past;
  • Pass by Santa Cruz’s lively squares and iconic monuments and learn the history behind them.


If you are looking for an entertaining and informative way to spend your evening in Seville then our private walking tour is a great option, allowing you to step back in time as you wander the streets of the charming barrio Santa Cruz accompanied by a local guide eager to show off their city and peel back the layers of culture and history that make this neighbourhood so unique. Your adventure will begin in the Plaza del Triunfo, an elegant square that makes for an excellent starting point for exploring the historic heart of the city. Surrounded by 3 of Seville’s most important monuments, the plaza showcases a remarkable blend of architectural styles, reflecting Seville’s rich multicultural history. From the Gothic and Islamic influences of the Cathedral and Alcázar to the Renaissance and Baroque elements of the Archivo and Triunfo Monument, the square is a visual journey through centuries of artistic evolution. 

As you stroll the maze-like cobblestone streets, your guide can reveal the secrets of Seville’s ancient Jewish quarter, where echoes of a once-thriving community still linger in its narrow alleys and hidden courtyards. Your guide will recount stories of notable figures who once called this neighbourhood home, weaving together a tapestry of diverse cultural influences that have shaped Santa Cruz over the centuries.

You’ll soon be captivated by the magic of Seville under the stars as you wander past Santa Cruz’s vibrant squares and iconic streets, including Calle Fabiola and the bustling Plaza Alfalfa, each with its colourful tales, from epic romances to macabre ghost stories. Along the way, you can enjoy the quarter’s lively yet intimate atmosphere, where locals gather in candlelit tapas bars and the scent of orange blossoms fills the air. The evening setting transforms the Barrio Santa Cruz into a beautiful and mysterious landscape, perfect for delving into Seville's many legends and mysteries.

The tour concludes at the historic Faculty of Fine Arts, a fitting finale to an evening immersed in the culture and beauty of Seville. Should you wish to keep exploring, your guide can provide plenty of recommendations for top-notch tapas bars or other emblematic spots nearby. However you choose to spend the rest of your evening, you will no doubt be left with a deep appreciation for the city’s charm, history, and enduring spirit.

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