Plaza del Cabildo

Plaza del Cabildo in Seville

by Fiona Flores Watson

This small, little-known square is located close to the Cathedral. It is worth visiting for the beautiful painted arches in a semi-circular colonnade, with a small section of the city's original Moorish wall forming the straight part. It has a fountain and palm trees, and is a pleasant place to escape from the crowds. 

Plaza del Calbildo ornate painted arches

The Plaza can be reached from three sides: through a small covered arcade off Avenida de la Constitución, opposite the western façade of the cathedral; from calle Almirantazgo, between the Correos (Post Office) and Postigo del Aceite; and from Calle Arfe, in the Arenal district, next to the Mercado El Postigo.

It was built on the site of Colegio de San Miguel, which belonged to the Cathedral Cabildo (Council). Some of the pillars are from the school's patio.

Plaza del Calbildo, crenellated wall dates from moorish times.

The section of crenellated wall, known as muralla in Spanish, dates from 1184, and was built by the Almohads, shortly before the Giralda (in 1198).

The shady semi-circular plaza has several shops, including Dulces El Torno which sells food products made by nuns for which Seville is famous. They include yemas (egg-yolk sweets) from Convento Santa Clara and Convento San Leandro, and jam from Convento Santa Paula, as well as pestiños, chocolates and marzipan. There is also a souvenir shop and an antique store. 

On Sunday mornings, a long standing market in the plaza has stalls selling stamps, coins, military insignia and other collectibles, as well as archaeological pieces and minerals.

Admission

Public space free to visit

Location

The Plaza can be reached from three sides: through a small covered arcade off Avenida de la Constitución, opposite the western façade of the cathedral; from calle Almirantazgo, between the Correos (Post Office) and Postigo del Aceite; and from Calle Arfe, in the Arenal district, next to the Mercado El Postigo.