Attractions in Arenal (Seville)

Plaza de Toros de La Maestranza

Its full name is the Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla (Bullring of the Royal Equestrian Society of Noblemen), and it is one of the most important bullrings in the world. Bullfighting critics claim a matador has not really made the grade until he has triumphed here. All the great bullfighters like Belmonte, Manolete, Paquirri, Curro Romero and Espartaco have delighted crowds attending special events during the April Feria and on Easter Sunday.

Capilla del Museo

This church is all that remains of the former Merced Calzada Convent, which is now the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum). The church is the seat of the Brotherhood of the Sagrada Expiración de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo y María Santísima de las Aguas, which takes part in the Easter Monday procession carrying the two statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The church was built following plans by Juan de Oviedo, between 1603 and 1612. It is in the shape of a Latin cross, with half-barrel vaults and a dome. There are murals painted by Domingo Martínez, dating from the middle of the 18th century, and the church's façade is attributed to José Alvarez. At the head of the church you can see paintings by Murillo.

Reales Atarazanas

Constructed in 1252, Reales Atarazanas or the Royal Shipyards was once the place where the Spanish Navy's munitions and artilleries were stored. If you're a sucker for history, this one is a must-see when in Seville. Now a venue for modern art and concerts, this beautiful Gothic building opened its doors for public visits only in the late 1900s. The building's architecture alone more than justifies a visit to this place.