Seville hosted a huge world fair in 1929 known as the Ibero-American Exhibition. The aim was to improve relations with all of the countries in attendance. No expense was spared for the event’s preparation.
For 19 years, Seville went through a modernization phase where streets were widened and hotels were built. In addition, most of the fair’s lavish pavilions were actually meant to become embassies and consulates for their foreigns guests once the exhibition ended.
The Plaza de España was the centerpiece and crown jewel of the entire Ibero-American Exhibition. It’s located in the corner of the Maria Luisa park while the rest of the pavilions are found scattered through the park and along the river.
The local architect Aníbal González (1876-1929) was the chief designer for the exhibition and contributed to many of the pavilions. However, the Plaza de España is his most emblematic work.
Iberoamerican Exposition Poster
Spain's General Exposition Poster
The plaza’s building has an open semi-circular shape that was meant to symbolize a welcoming hug from Spain to its Latin American guests. The structure is also positioned looking towards the Guadalquivir River – the same river that ultimately connected the New and Old Worlds together.
The long construction of the square was not without its fair share of problems and setbacks. There was opposition to the height of the towers that many thought would rival the Giralda tower. The 515m long canal was also controversial. Since Seville experiences a very dry climate, the canal was seen as a waste of water.
Even with many objections, construction commenced in 1914. The estimated budget of 600,000 pesetas ended up ballooning to 17 million before it was all said and done. Aníbal Gonzalez fought for more money to be used for the project’s completion, but in 1926, he resigned due to budget cuts.
He was replaced by Vicente Traver y Tomás (1888-1966) who added the fountain to the center of the square (which was also heavily criticized) and saw the project through to its completion in 1929 – more than a decade after it began.