Maria Luisa Park

The Parque de María Luisa, located in Seville, was the setting for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, a significant event that took place from May 9, 1929, to June 21, 1930. The park, designed in a “Moorish paradise” style, features a remarkable variety of elements, including fountains, pavilions, ponds, and lush vegetation such as palm trees, orange trees, and Mediterranean pines. Numerous buildings were constructed in the park to host the exhibition, including the iconic Plaza de España, which combines Art Deco, Spanish Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Mudéjar styles

The Plaza de España

The Plaza de España, one of the main buildings at the edge of the Parque de María Luisa, was designed to showcase Spain’s industrial and technological exhibits. This semicircular complex features bridges over a moat, representing the ancient kingdoms of Spain, and is adorned with numerous tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain. After the exhibition, the buildings of the Plaza de España were renovated and adapted for use as government office spaces. The plaza has also been a popular filming location for various renowned productions, including “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and the 2012 film “The Dictator”

Restoration and Legacy

Between 2007 and 2010, the Seville City Council invested 9 million euros in the restoration of the Plaza de España, aiming to recover the original monument as conceived by the architect Aníbal González. The Parque de María Luisa and the Plaza de España remain important landmarks in Seville, attracting visitors from around the world with their impressive architecture, rich history, and natural beauty. The park also houses museums, including one that contains the city’s archaeology collection, featuring prominent exhibits of Roman mosaics and artifacts from the nearby city of Itálica

In summary, the Parque de María Luisa and the Plaza de España are iconic sites that not only bear witness to history but also continue to be centers of activity and beauty, attracting visitors and serving as renowned filming locations