A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Seville's Plaza de España: An Architectural and Cinematic Icon

Place Description

The Plaza de España is one of the most emblematic and visited places in Seville, Spain. This semicircular square, built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition, is an impressive example of regionalist architecture. Its design combines elements of the Renaissance and Mudejar styles, and is adorned with hand-painted tiles representing the 48 provinces of Spain.

The square is huge, with a diameter of 200 meters, and is surrounded by a canal 515 meters long. Visitors can rent rowing boats to navigate this canal. In the center of the square is a large fountain, and along its perimeter are ornate benches and pavilions.

Nearby Attractions

The Plaza de España is located in the María Luisa Park, the largest park in Seville and a perfect place for walking, picnicking or simply relaxing. The park hosts several themed gardens, monuments and museums.

A short distance from the square is the Santa Cruz neighborhood, the old Jewish quarter of Seville, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque squares and abundance of tapas bars and restaurants.

Other nearby attractions include the Seville Cathedral, the Giralda and the Real Alcázar, all of which are declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Plaza de España in the Cinema

The Plaza de España has been used as a location in several successful films. Perhaps the most famous is "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones", where the square was used to represent the planet Naboo. It also appears in "Lawrence of Arabia" and in Sacha Baron Cohen's "The Dictator".

Visiting the Plaza de España

The Plaza de España is open to the public every day and admission is free. It can be reached by bus, tram or on foot from the center of Seville. There are guided tours available that offer detailed information about the history and architecture of the square.

Gastronomic Products from Plaza de España

Sevillian Tapas

Plaza de España, located in the heart of Seville, is an ideal place to enjoy the famous Sevillian tapas. The bars and restaurants in the area offer a wide variety of tapas, from traditional ones like Iberian ham and Manchego cheese, to more innovative ones like oxtail croquettes or spinach with chickpeas.
Fried Fish

Fried fish is a typical dish of Andalusian cuisine that cannot be missing from the offer of the restaurants in Plaza de España. This dish consists of a variety of small fish, such as anchovies or whitebait, which are coated in flour and fried in olive oil. It is served hot and is a real delight for the palate.
Andalusian Gazpacho

Andalusian gazpacho is a cold tomato soup that is served in the hot summer months in Seville. This refreshing dish, which can be found in the restaurants of Plaza de España, is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. It is a healthy and delicious option to combat the heat.
Wines from the Region

Seville is famous for its wines, especially the Jerez wine, which is a type of fortified wine. The bars and restaurants in Plaza de España offer a wide selection of local wines to accompany the gastronomic delights of the region. Tasting a Jerez wine while enjoying the views of the square is an experience not to be missed.

Highlighted gastronomic places of Plaza de España (Seville)

Plaza de España, one of the most emblematic places in Seville, offers a wide variety of gastronomic options. From high-end restaurants to charming taverns, here you will find the perfect place to enjoy the rich Sevillian cuisine. Below, we present some of the most outstanding:

La Raza Restaurant

Located in Maria Luisa Park, near Plaza de España, La Raza Restaurant is one of the oldest in Seville. Known for its high-quality Andalusian cuisine, it offers traditional dishes such as bull's tail, Iberian cheek, and fried fish. Its elegant decoration and its large terrace make this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable meal.

Taberna del Alabardero

Taberna del Alabardero is a classic of Sevillian gastronomy. Located a few steps from Plaza de España, this tavern offers a wide variety of tapas and traditional dishes, such as salmorejo, spinach with chickpeas, and Spanish omelette. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of Andalusian wines.

Oriza Restaurant

Overlooking Plaza de España, Oriza Restaurant is famous for its fusion cuisine, which combines the best of Sevillian culinary tradition with international influences. Here you can enjoy innovative dishes like red tuna with soy sauce and wasabi, or pork tenderloin with truffle sauce. Its elegant atmosphere and excellent service make this place an ideal option for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.

Sports Activities in Spain Square

Cycling

The Plaza de España and the Maria Luisa Park offer a beautiful setting for a peaceful bike ride. You can rent a bike and explore the area at your own pace.

Rowing

The Plaza de España has a small canal where visitors can rent rowing boats. It's a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of the square.

Running

For running enthusiasts, Maria Luisa Park is the perfect place for a morning or evening run. The shaded trails and stunning views make running here a unique experience.

Places near Spain Square

If you are in Plaza de España and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Real Alcázar de Sevilla

The Real Alcazar of Seville, a majestic Moorish palace, offers an immersion into Spanish history. Visitors can enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine in nearby restaurants, tasting tapas and local wines.

El Barrio de Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz neighborhood, in Seville, is a charming labyrinth of narrow streets full of history, impressive architecture and delicious tapas. A must-visit place for lovers of Spanish culture and gastronomy.