While traveling abroad, it is always interesting to see all the various styles of architecture that different cities have to offer. The buildings of each city tell a story of its history and culture.This is especially apparent in Seville, Spain, where visitors will find numerous buildings with unique architectural styles. Three of these significant buildings are the Plaza de España, the Metropol Parasol, and the Seville Cathedral. Tour all three during an internship in Seville for a glance into the story of this beautiful city.
Metropol Parasol, said to be the largest wooden structure in the world, is a must see while interning in Seville, Spain. Photo Courtesy of Kaitlin Powers
Plaza de España. The Plaza de España is located in the Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park) near the center of Seville. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair, which took place in the park the following year in 1929. Seville prepared to host the exposition by redeveloping the southern end of the city, which included expanding parks and boulevards to include more fountains, benches, and vegetation. The Plaza de España was built as part of the preparation, as well.
The Plaza de España is a large semicircle of beautiful buildings that are covered in yellow, blue, and white patterned tiles. Large white columns only add to the splendor of the plaza, as does the Vicente Traver fountain in the middle of the entryway. To reach the buildings of Plaza de España visitors must cross the moat that surrounds it by using one of four gorgeously intricate bridges.
Today, the Plaza de España serves as government buildings, the Seville Town Hall, and small museums. It is also a popular backdrop for tourist photos, and has even been used as a filming location for the Star Wars movie series. If you are planning a trip to Seville, don’t miss visiting the Plaza de España. It is a truly unique set of buildings that reveal amazing architectural designs that will take your breath away.
Metropol Parasol. A second awe-inspiring demonstration of Spanish architecture is the Metropol Parasol. The Metropol Parasol is an enormous wooden structure that is found in the old quarter of Seville. It is said to be the largest wooden structure in the world! The construction of the impressive structure in 2011 caused a lot of public controversy. The location, cost, and appearance of the structure led to some disagreements amongst the people of Seville. Perhaps the most controversial element is the fact that after all of the time delays, the total cost of the structure totalled nearly 100 million euros.
Metropol Parasol has four levels. Level 0 (the underground level) displays on-site Roman and Moorish remains that were discovered during construction. Level 1 is an open terrace that can be used for public events and the public’s enjoyment. The remaining two levels provide the best views of the city center. For a few euro, visitors can ride the elevator to level 2 and take beautiful pictures of the scenery. There is also a restaurant on the top level so you can enjoy a tapa or beverage. Be sure to visit the Metropol Parasol on your visit to Sevilla so you can admire the one-of-a-kind architecture.
Seville Cathedral. The Seville Cathedral is a third amazing building to show off Seville’s spectrum of design. It is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world, leading it to become named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The cathedral was built to show of the city’s wealth, and it is adorned with beautiful domes, columns, and the famous bell tower known as La Giralda. It is also the burial site of Christopher Columbus.
When visiting the Seville Cathedral, make sure to pay attention to the four different facades and the fifteen doors found on them. Each facade and door has unique decorations and designs on them, leading to exceptional architectural details.
While exploring the city, be sure to keep your eyes open for other amazing buildings and designs that are special to Spain, because there is certain to be a story behind every scene.
