Universidad de Sevilla (University of Seville), Seville

Universidad de Sevilla (University of Seville), Seville

A short walk from the Spain Square we find an antique building. It is the former Royal Tobaco Factory. The old factory building is a grand example of renaissance style 18th century industrial architecture. Carmen, of Bizet's opera Carmen, worked here before she got her big break.

Royal Spain dominated the tobacco business in the New World and it took full advantage of the European captive market. In this building, for a while, every cigar in Europe was made. Its interiors have been preserved although adapted to University use. Its high vaulted ceilings, halls and courtyards offer a stunning visual experience.

In the 1950s the old factory was taken over by the University of Seville. It now houses the University's School of Literature and Philology and the School of Geography and History. Other campuses and buildings are in different locations around the city.

The University of Seville was created in the 15th century. It was originally called College of Santa Maria de Jesus and it became a true university in 1505 in a decree by Pope Julius II.

The university today is self governed and independent. The motto of the university is: "Equality, Liberty, Justice and Pluralism." Currently it has a student population of 65,000 and it is one of the top-ranked universities in the country.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seville. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Universidad de Sevilla (University of Seville) on Map

Sight Name: Universidad de Sevilla (University of Seville)
Sight Location: Seville, Spain (See walking tours in Seville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Seville, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Seville

Create Your Own Walk in Seville

Creating your own self-guided walk in Seville is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Seville Introduction Walking Tour

Seville Introduction Walking Tour

Seville is the largest city and provincial capital of Andalusia. It is in the southwest of Spain, on the banks of the Guadalquivir. Ancient tradition holds that Seville was founded by Hercules. It was called Hisbaal by Phoenician colonizers for the god Baal. The Romans latinized the name, calling it Hispalis.

In the year 711 CE the city was brought under Muslim rule and renamed Ishbiliyah. It...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Flamenco Walking Tour

Flamenco Walking Tour

They say if it's Flamenco – it's Andalusia, and if it's Andalusia – it's all about Seville. Indeed, with its roots deeply embedded in the Andalusian culture, Seville is a prime destination for experiencing the essence of Flamenco and is largely considered to be the home of this fiery dance.

Flamenco sites are found all over the city – in bars, theaters, or specialized...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Old Seville Walking Tour

Old Seville Walking Tour

Seville's varied history has left behind a great deal of heritage, much of which is seen in the Old Town, the largest in Europe. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the former Jewish quarter of Seville, and one of the famous districts here. From 1248 to 1492, it had been inhabited by the largest Jewish community in Spain – eventually driven out, leaving this beautiful neighborhood forlorn.

Today the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


16 Uniquely Spanish Things to Buy in Seville

16 Uniquely Spanish Things to Buy in Seville

Immortalized by Gioachino Rossini in his famous The Barber of Seville opera, the city of Seville is a major historic and cultural sight adorning the face of modern Spain. Much of the city's character is reflected in the locally-made products that can make for a great gift or trip memento...