Walk through the splendid Parque de Maria Luisa in Seville, Spain and you'll discover more than incredible greenery - this is where you'll find the renowned Plaza de España, which is a lasting example of Neo-Renaissance in Spanish architecture bursting with colourful tile and plaque.
Similar to the renowned Metropol Parasol, Plaza de España is a contemporary monument in Seville, Spain that is well-worth your time.
History of Plaza de España
Built in beautiful Maria Luisa park as the centerpiece of Expo 29, the Plaza was designed to be an extravagant display of Sevillian talent and Spanish spirit.
This monument is a contemporary architectural piece that combines many elements of the city, including exposed brick, ceramic and wrought iron. Its shape is said to represent Spain and its former colonies, looking forward to the Guadalquivir River as a pathway to America.
Today, this building houses government offices. It has also been used as location for filming many popular movies such as Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.
Architecture and Design
Designed by Anibal Gonzalez, Plaza de Espana is an enormous semi-circle complex in impressive Mudéjar style. The Plaza is approximately 50,000 square meters. The building has a ground-level veranda and first-floor balustrade with balconies framed between two impressive towers.
Four bridges provide entry into the building, each representing one of the ancient kingdoms of Spain (Castille, Leon, Aragon and Navarra). At the center of the Plaza is the Vicente Traver fountain. The canal that runs through the Plaza has several row boats for rent at a cost of 5€ for forty-five minutes.
The walls of the canal feature forty-eight alcoves with benches, one for each province of Spain. These sections are decorated with a relevant tableau and map, all designed on colourful painted ceramic tile.
Touring the Square
First of foremost, simply stand back and absorb the extravagance of this building.
Once the initial awe fades, tour around the canal and the lake that decorate the square. During the hot summer months, the mist that rolls off these bodies of water provides the perfect means for cooling down.
The series of benches that line the main structure are covered with allegorical paintings representing the provinces of Spain.The structure of these benches consists of a front panel that represents a historic event significant to the specific province, a ceramic medallion embossed with its shield, and floor tiles illustrating a map of the province.
Practical Information
Plaza de Espana is located only a kilometer and a half from the historic city-center.
If travelling by foot from the Cathedral of Seville, head west on Calle Fray Ceferino Gonzalex toward Avenue de la Constitucion. Once here, turn left and continue until arriving to Puerta de Jerez. Cross this bridge and continue onto Avenue Roma until turning to follow Calle Palos de la Frontera. Continue on this street until the roundabout, where you will take the third exit onto Glorieta San Diego. From here, you will see signs and landmarks directing you to the Plaza.
If you'd prefer using public transit from the city-center, catch the T1 towards San Bernardo at the Archivo de Indias bus stop. Stay on the bus for about five minutes until arriving at Prado San Sebastian, where you will then leave the bus and walk another five minutes until arriving to Avenue de Isabel la Catolica. It is here that you will find the Plaza.
If you'd like to see more, there's a free military museum located on the second-level of the right-hand side looking at the fountain that is open between 9:00 until 13:00. The museum is run by the Spanish Army so be prepared to present a passport or official I.D.
The colourful tiles, the decorated benches and the incredible architecture at Plaza de España embody all the charm that makes Spain so special.