This walk starts at
[1] Plaza de la Gavidia. In the centre is a statue of Luis Daoiz, the Sevillian who died heroically while commanding the Spanish in the war of independence against Napoleon. Nearby is a tapas bar
Dos De Mayo named after the day in 1808 (2nd May) on which the people of Madrid rebelled against French occupation of their city. The rebellion led to the
Peninsular War.
Proceed West along Calle Banos and then right into Calle San Vicente. Continue North, passing magnificent houses of the 18th and 19th centuries. Turn right after the Dominican convent into the narrow Calle de Juan Rabadan to
[2] Plaza de San Lorenzo. Facing the plaza is the Church of San Lorenzo, with its Gothic-Mudéjar tower. (The Gothic-Mudéjar style refers to the 14th century Moorish influenced architecture which can be seen in many of the churches built after the 1356 earthquake. These churches typically have three naves and a minaret.) Inside, the church contains a sacramental chapel and a main altarpiece by Martínez Montañés. On the right-hand side is the Basílica of Jesús del Gran Poder, a modern building containing imagery used in the processions during
Holy Week in Seville.
Now head North, to the left of the church, up Calle de Santa Clara, passing on your right the tiny entrance to the Church of Santa Clara. Turn right into Calle Lumbreras. Just before the next corner, you will be able to see on your right the
[3] Torre de Don Fadrique Santa Clara towering above the buildings in this street. This tower represents the remains of the Palacio de Infante Don Fadrique (Prince Frederick) built in 1252. To see inside the tower, you will need to gain access to the adjacent Convento de Santa Clara.
Continue along Lumbreras to
[4] Almeda de Hercules. In Roman times this street was a branch of the river and was lined by statues of Julius Caesar as well as Hercules, who according to legend, founded Seville. At the end of the street there are two columns recovered from the ruins of a Roman temple found in Calle Marmoles. One is topped by a statue of Hercules, the other by Caesar.
On the other side, find Calle Antonio Susillo which leads to
[5] Calle de la Feria. This street, lined with old shops, tavernas and workshops, is renowned for its historical importance and charm. Head north from here for a detour to the old Macarena neighbourhood, where you will find friendly locals and less tourists or continue South to
[6] Iglesia de Omnium Sanctorum [Arrayán, 1]. This Gothic-Mudéjar temple was founded in the 14th century temple on the site of a mosque. The tower displays
sebka work (a rhombus shaped grid design) which is believed to be copied from the Giralda and is typical of the architecture of the Almohads. There is a small but busy market next to this church.
Continue down Calle Feria where, on Thursdays, there’s a flea market selling everything from paintings to furniture. Calle Regina continues where Feria narrows and ends. Continue, crossing Calle Jeronimo Hernandez following Regina as it turns left then right finishing at
[7] Plaza de la Encarnación, where this walk terminates. This historic square was, until recently, a hub for public transport as well as a local market selling fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, etc.. However, the plaza is to be the site of a 33 million Euro multi-story leisure centre and market. The building, the design of which was the subject of an international competition, is to be constructed around 6 huge pillars supporting six inter-connected mushroom shaped buildings.