I knew it was beautiful… but not this much. 

Alfonso XII, king of Spain

These were the words of King Alfonso XII, when he opened the famous Plaza de España.

The architect of Seville

The architect Anibal Gonzalez was commissioned to construct a square that would represent the host country of the world exhibition that would be held in 1929, the Ibero-Americana exhibition.  Organised to remember the ties between Latin America and Spain, this square was the centrepiece, becoming an allegory of the country. Anibal Gonzalez, called the ‘architect of Seville,’ applied the regionalist style to design what would become his masterpiece.

The Square

The square leaves visitors marvelling by its enormity but also because of its beauty, for this it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world.  But its decoration and structure aren’t down to chance, they have an explanation.

• Its oval shape symbolises the embrace between the two territories, they are looking towards the river, the former port of Seville which united Spain with America.

• Along the square there are benches with each of the provinces of Spain, therefore it’s traditional for Spaniards to find their own and take photographic proof.

• On the other side, in each column space, you can see busts of different renowned Spanish public figures.

• Finally, the four bridges that cross the canal symbolise the 4 ancient kingdoms of Spain.

In Maria Luisa Park

It’s not surprising that the square has a canal which you can sail on in small boats, since it’s located within the most famous park of the city, Maria Luisa Park.  Its name comes from the Duchess Maria Luisa Fernanda who gave the grounds of her garden to the city to be converted into a public space, which was remodelled for the Ibero-Americano exhibition. 

Contemplating the park at sunset from the square sitting on the steps is an experience that cannot be missed.

Images source: 26 – 31 (section 2).