Plaza de España, Seville

Plaza de España in Seville is a large semi-circular square and government complex built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, designed by architect Aníbal González. The ensemble combines regionalist and Renaissance-inspired architecture, with extensive ceramic tile decoration and a central canal.

The plaza’s main features include a long curved building framing the square, a central fountain, a moat-like canal crossed by four ornate bridges and a series of tiled alcoves representing Spain’s provinces. The setting adjoins Maria Luisa Park and is a popular place for walking, photography and boat rides on the canal.

Construction was completed for the 1929 exposition as part of the wider fairgrounds and park redevelopment; the tiled benches and provincial alcoves were added to symbolically represent Spain’s regions. The complex remains a major civic and tourist landmark in Seville.

The plaza sits in the southern part of Seville, adjacent to Maria Luisa Park and a short distance from the historic centre and cathedral area.

• Design and best viewpoints: The plaza was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition and was designed by architect Aníbal González; the complex is best appreciated from the Plaza's central walkway or from the adjacent Maria Luisa Park.
• Provincial tiles: Look for the provincial tiled alcoves encircling the plaza; each alcove includes a map and local tilework representing a different Spanish province.

What to See #

• Curved Government building and fountain: The semi-circular Renaissance/Regionalist building facing the plaza forms a long, curved façade with a central fountain and served as an exhibition space for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.
• Canal, bridges and provincial alcoves: A canal crosses the plaza with four ornate bridges, and a series of tiled alcoves around the square represent Spain's provinces with decorative ceramics and benches.