Monumental semicircular plaza built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Ceramic-tiled alcoves represent every Spanish province, a canal curves through the space, and the scale is absurd in the best way. Rent a rowboat.
Location
Parque de María Luisa, Sevilla
Map
Insider Intel
Walk the full arc of the plaza and find your favorite province alcove — each has hand-painted azulejos depicting historical scenes. Rent a rowboat on the canal if the kitsch appeals (it should). The bridges are neo-Renaissance confections. Then wander into Parque de María Luisa behind the plaza for shade and more 1929 pavilions, including the excellent Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares.
Early morning before 9am for photographs without crowds and tour groups. Late afternoon for golden light on the ceramic tiles. Summer midday is punishing — no shade in the plaza itself. The park behind offers respite.
Designed by Aníbal González for the 1929 Expo as the Spanish pavilion. The architectural style is regionalist revival — Baroque, Renaissance, and Mudéjar references blended into something distinctly Sevillian. Star Wars Episode II filmed here (Naboo scenes). Lawrence of Arabia used it as a Cairo location. The plaza was nearly demolished after the Expo but survived and is now Sevilla's most Instagrammed spot. Yes, it is touristy. It is also genuinely stunning, especially at the right hour.