Contrary to the popular belief, the Seville Macarena district owes its name to the venerated image of the Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena, who isn’t the emblem of only the neighborhood, but also of the city itself. Among the hypotheses, there is a possibility of a Roman (Macarius) or Arabic (Macarea) origin. With a great story behind it, it is worthy to spend at least an afternoon to discover all its ins and outs during your stay in our hotel. Whether you are religious or not, in this neighborhood you’ll surely find something that will conquer you.
La Macarena is bounded by the Old Town (south) and the Triana district (west). Start your sightseeing at La calle San Luis, a pathway in which also you can see what remains of the old wall.
- Basilica Macarena: This temple is undoubtedly the jewel in this neighborhood. Beside it there is an arch in a ocher color, a characteristic of Seville’s architecture tones. Of course, the main attraction of the basilica is what is inside. The image of the Virgin, the object of universal devotion creates great excitement during Holy Week in the city.
- San Luigi dei Francesi: This is another temple that deserves your attention and is one of the best examples I can find of Baroque architecture in Seville.
- Palacio de las Dueñas: This beautiful mansion located a few meters from the San Luigi dei Francesi belongs to the House of Alba and was built between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. A curious fact is that the poet Antonio Machado was born at this place in 1875. Also, the Duchess of Alba, who recently died in the month of November 2014, spent her last days in the mansion. One of its many attention getters is its typical Andalusian patio.
- Church of San Marcos: One of the most striking of Seville’s churches. Its tower ornamentation is destined to remind you of the Giralda swilling.
- Convento de Santa Isabel: Formerly used as a women’s prison and later as a school and is dating from the fifteenth century. It is location looks typically Sevillian with orange trees, a fountain, etc. Also, once you enter, you will find a small Andalusian patio full of charm.
- Parliament of Andalusia: Another building of the most unique buildings in this neighborhood is the Andalusian Parliament. It is located in the old Hospital de las Cinco Llagas, which began closing as a health center in the 70s just a few blocks away from the Basilica of the Macarena.
- Metropol-Parasol. With this modern building you can end your visit to the neighborhood of the Macarena. It is popularly known as Mushrooms of the Incarnation, because of its structure in the form of fungi. Metropol Parasol is in the Plaza de la Encarnación and opened to the public in 2011. It involves a great vantage point to have the opportunity to admire Sevilla from above and also has become one of the tourist attractions more praised in the city.
Enjoy!
