15 Famous Seville Locations You’ve Seen in Movies and TV Shows

Seville’s stunning architecture and historic streets have made it a favorite backdrop for filmmakers around the world. From big-budget blockbusters to hit TV shows, plenty of famous scenes were shot right in the heart of the city.

But where exactly were they filmed – and how can you visit those spots in real life?

This guide to places in Seville that have featured in movies and TV shows will help you walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters.

1. Real Alcázar in Game of Thrones

The Royal Alcázar served as the perfect backdrop for the Water Gardens of Dorne in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. You can spot this UNESCO World Heritage site in seasons five and six when the show takes viewers to the southern kingdom of Dorne.

The lush gardens, intricate tile work, and Moorish architecture made it an ideal choice for representing House Martell’s exotic homeland. Many key scenes featuring the Sand Snakes and Myrcella Baratheon were filmed among its beautiful courtyards and fountains.

When you visit, you’ll recognize locations like the Mercury’s Pool and the Ambassador’s Hall from pivotal moments in the show. The palace’s rich colors and unique architecture stand out even among the show’s many filming locations.

2. Plaza de España in Star Wars: Episode II

The sprawling Plaza de España in Seville made a big splash in the Star Wars universe when it appeared as Theed on the planet Naboo. George Lucas chose this location for its elegant architecture and distinctive semi-circular design during filming in 2000.

You can walk the exact paths where Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala strolled during their romantic scenes. The plaza’s ornate bridges and tiled alcoves are clearly visible in the movie.

Fans often recreate famous shots from the film at this spot. The mix of Renaissance and Moorish styles created the perfect backdrop for the sophisticated world of Naboo.

3. Hotel Alfonso XIII in Lawrence of Arabia

The grand Hotel Alfonso XIII made a memorable appearance in the 1962 epic film “Lawrence of Arabia.” Though the movie was set in the Middle East, the hotel’s beautiful architecture served as a perfect stand-in for scenes depicting Cairo’s Officer’s Club.

You’ll spot the hotel’s striking facade and elegant interior in several key sequences featuring Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif. The building’s Moorish style – with its ornate arches and intricate tile work – provided an authentic backdrop for the film’s period setting.

Today, you can visit this luxury hotel and walk the same halls as the cast and crew did during filming. It remains one of Seville’s most prestigious addresses and continues to attract film buffs and history lovers alike.

4. Seville Cathedral in Assassin’s Creed

The iconic Seville Cathedral makes a memorable appearance in the popular video game Assassin’s Creed. In the game, players can climb and explore this massive Gothic structure, taking in views that mirror the real-life landmark.

Game developers paid close attention to architectural details, recreating the cathedral’s bell tower (La Giralda) and its impressive scale. You’ll notice how the game captures the building’s ornate facades and soaring interior spaces.

While the game takes some creative liberties, it’s still cool to see how this famous Seville landmark was transformed into an interactive virtual environment. The cathedral serves as both a navigation point and a backdrop for exciting gameplay moments.

5. Italica Roman Ruins in Game of Thrones

The ancient Roman ruins of Italica, located just outside Seville, became the epic Dragonpit in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” during Season 7. This imposing amphitheater hosted the dramatic meeting between Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, and Cersei Lannister.

When you visit, you’ll recognize the massive arena where the characters gathered to discuss the threat of the White Walkers. The production team chose this location for its authentic Roman architecture and grand scale.

Built in 206 BCE, Italica was actually the first Roman city in Spain. The well-preserved ruins, with one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the world, let you walk the same paths as both ancient Romans and your favorite “Game of Thrones” characters.

And you can even do a day trip to Italica from Seville to see the incredible history of this place up close, with visits to both the remains of the Roman city and a medieval monastery – all organized for you, meaning no hassle of having to organize it yourself!

6. Metropol Parasol in The Spanish Apartment

The massive wooden structure known as Metropol Parasol makes a brief but memorable appearance in the 2002 film “The Spanish Apartment.” This modern architectural wonder wasn’t actually built until 2011, which makes its inclusion an interesting anachronism in the movie.

Located in La Encarnación square, the structure is nicknamed “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms) by locals due to its unique mushroom-like shape. You can spot it during the scene where Xavier and his roommates explore the city.

When you visit, don’t miss the chance to go up to the walkway on top for amazing views of Seville – something the characters in the film couldn’t actually do!

7. Archivo General de Indias in Kingdom of Heaven

This elegant 16th-century building appears in Ridley Scott’s epic historical drama “Kingdom of Heaven” (2005). While most of the film takes place in Jerusalem, the Archivo General de Indias doubles as a palace in several key scenes.

You’ll recognize its distinctive columns and Renaissance architecture that caught the eye of Scott’s production team. The building normally houses millions of documents related to Spain’s colonial empire.

Many tourists don’t realize they’re walking through a Hollywood filming location when they visit. The contrast between the building’s actual purpose as an archive and its portrayal as a luxurious palace in the film makes it a fun spot to check out during your Seville adventures.

8. Torre del Oro in Knight and Day

The iconic Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) makes a flashy appearance in the 2010 action comedy “Knight and Day” starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. You can spot this medieval watchtower during the movie’s high-energy chase scenes set in Seville.

Built in the 13th century, the tower stands proudly alongside the Guadalquivir River. Its golden hue and distinctive twelve-sided shape make it instantly recognizable to movie fans visiting the city.

FYI: This sightseeing eco cruise along the Guadalquivir River is a great way to relax and enjoy Seville’s skyline from the water. Grab a drink, sit back, and watch the history glide by.

Today, you can tour the small naval museum inside or simply admire the tower’s exterior just like the characters did in the film. The surrounding area offers great photo opportunities with the tower in the background.

9. Calle Betis in The Bridge of San Luis Rey

Calle Betis, with its colorful buildings lined along the Guadalquivir River, served as a background location in the 2004 film adaptation of “The Bridge of San Luis Rey.” This picturesque street creates a perfect stand-in for historical Peru despite being in the heart of Seville.

You’ll notice the distinctive yellow and orange facades that appear in several scenes of the movie. The film, starring Robert De Niro and Kathy Bates, used this beautiful riverside location to capture the 18th-century atmosphere needed for the story.

When you visit, grab a drink at one of the waterfront bars – they offer great views of the river that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

10. Maria Luisa Park in Doctor Who

The famous BBC series Doctor Who featured Maria Luisa Park in its 2023 Christmas special. The Doctor and their companion ran through the park’s beautiful gardens during a time-traveling adventure set in 1920s Spain.

You’ll spot the iconic Plaza de España in the background of several shots, with the Doctor using the tiled alcoves as hiding spots from alien pursuers. The show’s production team chose the location for its mix of open spaces and secluded paths.

The fountain near the center of the park served as a meeting point for the characters. Fans of the show often visit to recreate scenes from the episode, taking photos by the same ceramic benches where the Doctor explained the history of the universe.

11. Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza in Mission: Impossible II

Seville’s famous bullring made a dramatic appearance in the 2000 action blockbuster Mission: Impossible II. Tom Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt engages in a high-stakes confrontation at this iconic location, with the ring’s distinctive architecture serving as a backdrop for the film’s tension.

The arena’s unique circular design and golden-yellow façade added authentic Spanish flair to the movie. Built in the 18th century, this bullring isn’t just a movie set – it’s one of Spain’s oldest venues for bullfighting to this day (for better or worse…).

You can tour the arena when you visit Seville, walking in the footsteps of both real matadors and Cruise’s spy character.

12. Triana Bridge in Carmen

The Triana Bridge is forever linked to the famous opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet. This iconic iron bridge spans the Guadalquivir River and connects Seville’s city center with the colorful Triana neighborhood.

In the opera, Carmen works in a tobacco factory near this bridge, making it a key setting in the tragic love story. The bridge’s distinctive design features beautiful arches and ornate lampposts that transport you back to the 19th century.

You can walk across it just like the characters did, taking in the same river views that have inspired artists for generations. It’s especially lovely at sunset when the golden light hits the water.

13. Barrio Santa Cruz in Carmen

The winding streets of Barrio Santa Cruz served as a beautiful backdrop in the 1984 film adaptation of Bizet’s opera “Carmen.” This old Jewish quarter, with its narrow alleys and hidden squares, perfectly captured the passionate and dramatic essence of the story.

You’ll notice how the neighborhood’s white-washed walls and orange blossom-scented air enhance the movie’s Andalusian atmosphere. The film showcases the area’s charming courtyards and intricate iron balconies.

Walking through these same streets today, you can almost hear the music and see the dancers who brought this famous tale to life on screen.

14. Museo de Bellas Artes in Talk to Her

The Museo de Bellas Artes serves as a key location in Pedro Almodóvar’s emotional drama “Talk to Her” (2002). Located in Plaza del Museo, this fine arts museum is Spain’s second most important after Madrid’s Prado.

In the film, the museum provides the backdrop for several thoughtful scenes where the characters contemplate art while dealing with their complex relationships. The elegant 17th-century building – once a convent – adds visual depth to these moments.

When you visit, you’ll recognize the distinctive courtyards and exhibition halls from the movie. The museum’s classical architecture and impressive collection of Spanish art make it worth exploring beyond its film connections.

15. Fábrica de Tabacos de Sevilla in Carmen

The Fábrica de Tabacos de Sevilla became famous worldwide as the setting for the opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet. This massive 18th century tobacco factory now serves as the University of Seville’s main building.

In the story, Carmen works as a cigarette maker in this factory before her dramatic tale of passion unfolds. You’ll recognize the impressive baroque façade that stretches over 600 feet long with its ornate entrance.

When you visit, you can walk through the same courtyards where the fictional Carmen once strolled. The building’s grand architecture and historical significance make it worth adding to your Seville movie locations tour.