Plaza de España, Architectural complex in Parque de María Luisa, Seville, Spain
Plaza de España is a semicircular architectural ensemble in Parque de María Luisa, Seville, Spain, with a central building, two towers, and a canal. Four bridges cross the water and connect the forecourt with the encircling arcade.
Aníbal González designed the ensemble for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, during which Spain presented its ties with Latin America. The design merges Renaissance elements with Moorish influences from Andalusian heritage.
The 48 tiled alcoves along the wall each represent a Spanish province, with a map, coat of arms and scenes from its history; Seville itself is left out. Each alcove is flanked by two covered bookshelves used as a free library, often holding works about that province.
The complex lies at the edge of Parque de María Luisa, near the Prado de San Sebastián metro stop. The canal runs 515 metres and is crossed by four bridges; rowing boats are hired on the water. The semicircular layout means the two end towers are a long walk apart.
The square served as backdrop for scenes in international films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars Episode II, where the building appeared as a palace on planet Naboo. The filming introduced the architecture to a wide audience worldwide.
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