A Morning at Seville's Plaza de España: A Fairytale Come to Life

#summervacay There are few places in the world that make you feel like you've stepped into a storybook—**Seville's Plaza de España** is one of them. Designed for the **1929 Ibero-American Exposition**, this **semi-circular architectural marvel** blends Renaissance Revival, Moorish, and Art Deco styles into a breathtaking public space. I spent a golden morning here, and here's why it stole my heart. --- ## **First Glimpse: A Grand Arrival** As I turned the corner into **Maria Luisa Park**, the plaza unfolded like a **tiered wedding cake**—its curved brick-and-tile facade glowing in the Andalusian sun. The scale was staggering: **50,000 square meters** of bridges, towers, and a canal sparkling under Seville's blue sky. 🌅 *Golden Hour Tip:* Arrive at **sunrise** (or before 9 AM) to have the plaza nearly to yourself—the soft light on the tiles is magical. --- ## **Exploring the Plaza's Magic** ### **1. The Alcoves of Spain's Provinces** - Along the base, **48 colorful tiled benches** represent each Spanish province, with intricate maps and historical scenes. - I made a game of finding my favorites: **Granada's Alhambra**, **Barcelona's Sagrada Família**, and Seville's own **Giralda**. ### **2. The Canal & Bridges** - The **500-meter moat** (inspired by Venice) offers **rowboat rentals** (€6 for 35 minutes)—though I preferred watching the reflections from the **four ornate bridges** (symbolizing ancient Iberian kingdoms). ### **3. The Central Fountain** - A perfect photo spot, especially when the water mirrors the **twin 74-meter towers**. ### **4. Hidden Details** - Look up! The **ceramic ceilings** under the arcades depict mythological scenes. - The **Mudéjar-style lampposts** are miniature works of art. --- ## **Why This Plaza Stands Out** 🎬 **Film Fame:** Recognizable from *Star Wars: Attack of the Clones* (as Naboo) and *Lawrence of Arabia*. 🎨 **Artistry:** Over **1,000 artisans** worked on the plaza’s **hand-painted azulejos (tiles)**. 💃 **Free Access:** Unlike many European landmarks, it’s **open to all** with no entry fee. --- ## **Nearby Gems** - **Maria Luisa Park:** Stroll among palm trees, fountains, and pavilions from the 1929 Expo. - **Real Alcázar:** A 10-minute walk to Seville’s stunning Moorish palace. - **Tapas Break:** Try **salmorejo (chilled tomato soup) or espinacas con garbanzos** at Bar Eslava. --- ## **A Moment to Remember** At noon, a **street guitarist** began playing flamenco near the canal. As the notes echoed off the tiles, couples spontaneously danced—proof that this plaza isn’t just a monument, but a **living, breathing piece of Seville’s soul**.