Arenal

The bullfighter's neighbourhood par-excellence; this is the location of the Maestranza Bullring. It was previously a large open space between the Triana Door and the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower). The Paseo del Arenal, where Lope de Vega set the exploits of his Picaresque heroes, was created in the 16th century. The myth of Don Juan Tenorio was also forged in this area.

This paseo (walk) begins at the Plaza de toros (Bullring) de la Real Maestranza de Caballería, an 18th century structure with its famous Door of the Prince and magnificent gallery of semicircular arches. Opposite the bullring stands the statue of Carmen la Cigarrera (Carmen the cigarette seller girl) who, according to Merimée and Bizet, was killed on this spot by José, while the bullfighter Escamillo achieved glory in the bullring. Further along this route, Arfe Street contains an interesting building of regional design, today a handicrafts market and the Arco del Postigo, which was the doorway through which oil from Aljarafe entered during the Almohade period. Nearby is the Casa de la Moneda (Mint), an enormous industrial structure which today refurbished as an exhibition centre for the City Hall. The marvellous building, Hospital de la Caridad (15th century) stands on Temprado Street. It became famous under the direction of Miguel de Maraña who financed the works of the hospital and church, both designed by Leonardo de Figueroa. It contains the famous paintings, Postrimerias, by Valdés Leal, and other representations of charity works. Opposite, are the Arenal Exhibition Halls, which make up part of the new Teatro de la Maestranza, the host of the city's opera and music programme. Continuing along the river bank, the visitor arrives at the famous Torre del Oro, built in 1220 next to the end of the old city wall to protect the port from hostile vessels. The tower was named after the gold-coloured tiles which used to cover it. Today it houses the Museo Naval (Naval Museum).
Boats depart daily from the wharf situated next to the Torre del Oro and navigate up the Guadalquivir river to the island of La Cartuja. On Sundays from May to October a passenger boat travels down the Guadalquivir from Seville to the river mouth at Sanlúcar.