The Most Beautiful Architecture in Seville

Seville Cathedral

The Seville Cathedral stands on the site of a grand mosque that belonged to the area’s former Muslim inhabitants. In fact, the famous Giralda tower was once the mosque’s minaret. After the Christian reconquest of Seville, the mosque was converted into what is now the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Construction lasted from 1434 until 1506 and famed Spanish architect Alonso Martinez supervised the works, which feature elements of Moorish, Baroque, and Renaissance-style architecture.

You can visit the Seville Cathedral for 10 euros. Lines at the ticket office can get long, so buy your ticket online in advance or get a combined ticket at the Divine Salvador Church (more on that in a bit), which will allow you to skip the cathedral line

Plaza de España

As the most famous square in Seville, Plaza de España blends stately, elegant architecture with bright and colorful touches. Designed by architect Aníbal González for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, the semi-circular plaza features Art Deco and Neo-Mudéjar elements. 

Plaza de España was designed to be a tribute to Spain. Cross one of the charming and colorful bridges into the heart of the square, and you’ll see dozens of tiled alcoves—each representing one of Spain’s provinces.

Another of the plaza’s main features is the small man-made river that runs along its inner edge. Here, you can rent rowboats and enjoy a peaceful journey around the square, taking in the architecture from all possible angles.

Metropol Parasol (“Las Setas”)

Though officially known as Metropol Parasol, this quirky structure towering over Plaza de la Encarnación is also known as Setas de Sevilla or just Las Setas (“the mushrooms”). Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer and completed in 2010, it has the distinction of being one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

Today, the undulating, waffle-like setas span nearly 500 feet and stand several stories over the plaza. The complex houses a market as well as an Antiquarium, where ancient Roman and Moorish ruins are on display. Head up to the top of the monument and enjoy the sprawling views of the city from its winding walkways.

Puente de Triana

The Guadalquivir River bisects Seville, with a handful of bridges connecting both parts of the city. The most striking, however, is the Isabel II Bridge, also known as the Triana Bridge (Puente de Triana).

The bridge is named for the famous neighborhood comprising much of the western part of Seville. Constructed in the mid-19th century, the Triana Bridge was the first permanent link between Triana and the rest of the city. Before then, there was only a makeshift bridge made of boats. The nearly 500-foot-long bridge was made with cast iron and stone and features several sleek arches. It makes a fantastic photo opportunity with the colorful buildings of Triana in the background.

Church of the Divine Salvador

The Church of the Divine Salvador is housed in an eye-catching coral-colored Baroque building with a lavish altar and ornate touches of gold. It was also once the site of a mosque when Seville was under Moorish rule. Before that, an ancient Roman building stood on the same site, and traces of its ancient roots are still visible in some places. Work on the current church building began in 1674 and was finalized in 1712. 

Be sure to visit the Salvador church before the Cathedral, as you can purchase a combined ticket that will allow you to skip the line at the Cathedral (and costs the same as a regular ticket to the latter). After exploring the church, grab a beer among the locals in the lively Plaza del Salvador just outside.

Real Alcázar

With breathtaking Moorish details and lush, colorful gardens, it’s no surprise that the Real Alcázar palace is one of the most popular attractions in Seville. Like many buildings in the city, it has roots as a structure from the Muslim period (in this case, a fortress) and was taken over by the Christians during the Reconquest.

Today, the Alcázar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was even a filming location for “Game of Thrones”. As a result, lines at the ticket office can get very long—book your entry online ahead of time if at all possible.

Italica

While not located in Seville proper, the ancient Roman city of Italica is well worth a trip to the suburb of Santiponce. It was the first Roman settlement in Spain and its ancient architecture has been spectacularly preserved over the centuries. Founded in 206 B.C. and excavated in the 19th century, the site boasts its original cobblestone streets, an amphitheater, an aqueduct, several houses, and many gorgeous mosaics. To get to Italica, you can either take a guided tour with transportation provided or catch the bus to Santiponce on your own from the Plaza de Armas bus station.

Hotel Alfonso XIII

Even if you’re not staying at the ultra-luxe Hotel Alfonso XIII, it’s still worth swinging by to marvel at what is easily one of the most stunning buildings in the city. Spanish King Alfonso XIII ordered the hotel’s construction prior to the 1929 Ibero-American Expo, envisioning it as the grandest hotel in Europe worthy of hosting scores of visiting international dignitaries. With Moorish-inspired detailing, its sumptuous Mudéjar style pays tribute to Seville’s strongly Arab-influenced history.

Plaza del Cabildo

Plaza de España isn’t the only square worth visiting in Seville. Another one of the city’s architectural jewels is Plaza del Cabildo, but you’ll have to keep a keen eye out to find it. Tucked down an unassuming side street just around the corner from the cathedral, this tranquil circular plaza consists of beautifully painted arches surrounding a peaceful central courtyard. It’s an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city center, and a true hidden gem on Seville’s architecture scene.

Casa de Pilatos

For a palace just as opulent as the Alcázar but with a fraction of the crowds, don’t miss Casa de Pilatos. An Italian Renaissance building with a touch of Mudejar flair, Casa de Pilatos is the quintessential Andalusian palace. The palace was built in the late 15th century and still houses 150 original glazed tile designs dating from that same period. Inside, you’ll also find gorgeous gardens and courtyards, as well as dozens of ancient Roman statues excavated at Italica.