Location: Parque de María Luisa, Sevilla, Spain

Plaza de España is a dramatic showcase of Seville’s ambition in the early 20th century. Designed by architect Aníbal González for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, the plaza blends Renaissance revival and Moorish revival styles across a sweeping half-moon structure more than 200 metres wide. At its centre is a grand fountain, flanked by a canal crossed by arched bridges and overlooked by towers that echo the Giralda in form. Along the curved façade, 48 tiled alcoves represent each province of Spain, making it a colourful tribute to national identity and ideal for photos. Every tile and balustrade is handcrafted—a rare example of large-scale architecture that feels artisanal.
It’s free to enter and spacious enough that even on a busy day, it doesn’t feel crowded. You can rent a small boat to row the canal, or just stroll under the colonnades and soak in the detail. It’s especially romantic around sunset, when the light hits the bricks and ceramics just right. The plaza also appears in films like Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia, adding a layer of pop culture appeal. For architecture fans, history lovers, or couples looking for that iconic Seville moment, Plaza de España is non-negotiable.


