A Walking Route Through Macarena: Authentic Seville

If you want to discover Seville at its most authentic, the Macarena neighbourhood is an ideal destination. Popular devotion, sacred art and centuries of history meet at every turn. From Mudéjar churches to Baroque convents, this walk through Macarena takes you to the city's soul.

1. Macarena Basilica: Seville's devotional heart

The Basílica de la Esperanza Macarena is more than a church: it is a symbol. Opened in 1949 and designed by Aurelio Gómez Millán, it houses the image of the Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena, one of Andalusia's most venerated sculptures. Its procession during the Madrugá, the early hours of Good Friday, is an extraordinary event. Attributed to the circle of La Roldana, this 17th-century sorrowful Virgin has become an internationally recognised expression of Seville's devotion.

Macarena gateway in Seville

2. San Gil Parish Church: a medieval past and Holy Week traditions

Right next door stands the Parroquia de San Gil, home to the Macarena brotherhood for centuries. Founded in the 13th century, it is one of Seville's few examples of architecture from the age of Alfonso X.

3. Calle San Luis: a route through Seville's sacred art

Following Calle San Luis, you will come across a series of architectural treasures:

  • Iglesia de Santa Marina (14th century): a Mudéjar church with a turbulent history of fires and rebuilding.
  • San Luis de los Franceses: exuberant Baroque architecture by Leonardo de Figueroa. Its interior is breathtaking.
  • Iglesia de San Marcos: its tower echoes the decoration of the Giralda, with the Servite Chapel alongside.
  • Convento de Santa Isabel: Renaissance beauty with an impressive altarpiece by Juan de Oviedo and sculptures by Montañés and Juan de Mesa.
Interior of the Iglesia de los Terceros
Interior of the Iglesia de los Terceros

4. Calle Bustos Tavera: convents and mystery

Our walk continues along Calle Bustos Tavera, where the atmosphere of convent life endures:

  • Convento de Santa María del Socorro: founded in the 16th century and, as described in the original article, still occupied by Conceptionist nuns.
  • Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Paz: home to the Sagrada Mortaja brotherhood. Its altarpiece houses an impressive sculptural group from the circle of Pedro Roldán.

5. Plaza de los Terceros: time for a break

It is time to stop at Seville's oldest bar, El Rinconcillo. Founded in 1670, it is a tapas institution and a key stop on any walk through the city.

A few steps away, you will find:

  • Iglesia de los Terceros: a 17th-century interior with a main altarpiece by Francisco Dionisio de Ribas and a striking Baroque dome.
  • The convent staircase: an architectural gem built in 1697 by Fray Manuel Ramos.

6. From Calle Sol to San Román: more Mudéjar architecture

Calle Sol brings us to:

  • Plaza de San Román: its parish church is another example of 14th-century Gothic-Mudéjar architecture.

From here, continue towards:

  • Convento de Santa Paula: one of Seville's most beautiful convents. Its church features works by Niculoso Pisano and Pedro Millán, alongside a museum and handmade sweets celebrated throughout the city.

7. San Julián and the Macarena walls

The route follows Pasaje Mallol and Calle Moravia to reach:

  • Iglesia de San Julián: a Gothic-Mudéjar church housing the Virgen de la Hiniesta, patron saint of the city council.
  • Iglesia de San Hermenegildo: dating from the 17th century, it preserves the chapel where tradition holds that the saint was imprisoned.

From here, the Macarena walls stretch towards the iconic Arco de la Macarena, one of the city's best-preserved medieval gateways.

Macarena city walls in Seville

8. Hospital de las Cinco Llagas: home of the Andalusian Parliament

The walk ends at this imposing Renaissance building, also known as the Hospital de la Sangre, now home to the Parliament of Andalusia. Its design draws on Milan's Ospedale Maggiore, and its church, by Hernán Ruiz II, is a remarkable example of Mannerist architecture.

Macarena is an open-air museum, a living expression of Seville's history, faith and culture. Every street holds centuries of art, legends and secrets waiting to be discovered.

You can follow this Google Maps route around the neighbourhood’s key sights. Or book a free walking tour of the Macarena neighbourhood.

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