🏛️ Today, 10 June 2026, Seville commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of its most universal architect: Aníbal González.
On a par with Antonio Gaudí in Barcelona, this genius of regionalism not only defined the city's image for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, but also created an architectural language that still identifies Seville to the world today.
His masterpiece, Plaza de España, is the most visited and photographed monument in the city, a symbol of the fusion between tradition and modernity. The Sun Places wants to join this celebration by inviting you to explore the legacy of Aníbal González, an artist who dreamed of a greater and more beautiful Seville.
Get ready to discover his most emblematic buildings, his secrets and the luxury experiences we have designed for you to experience Sevillian architecture like never before.
Stay with us in our Luxury Apartments in Seville and walk in the footsteps of a genius.
When you stroll through María Luisa Park or stop to admire the ceramics of the Plaza de España, you are walking on the legacy of Aníbal González and his work. This Sevillian architect, born on Bustos Tavera street in 1876, was responsible for giving the city the image we know today.
His style, which evolved from modernism to regionalism, knew how to draw from Renaissance, Mudejar and Baroque sources to create his own language, the "Sevillian style".
Despite his premature death at the age of 52 in 1929, his work for the Ibero-American Exposition forever transformed the urban planning and culture of the Hispalense capital.
📅 Who was Aníbal González and when is his 150th anniversary celebrated?
Aníbal González Álvarez-Ossorio was born on 10 June 1876 in Seville. He was the architect director of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, the event that transformed Seville into a modern city open to the world.
His legacy is such that in 2026, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of his birth, multiple commemorative events have been organised: from the issuance of a special ONCE coupon with his effigy, which went into circulation on 8 June, to a postage stamp and guided tours of his most representative buildings.
The central celebration will take place this same month of June, with an open day and guided tours of his documentary collection on the 10th.
📍 Where are the most emblematic works of Aníbal González located?
The legacy of Aníbal González and his work is concentrated mainly around María Luisa Park, the great green lung of Seville. There we find the buildings he built for the Ibero-American Exposition, which are authentic jewels of regionalist architecture.
The most famous is undoubtedly the Plaza de España, a monumental semicircle symbolising the union between Spain and its former colonies.
Also in this same park are the Archaeological Museum of Seville and the Museum of Arts and Popular Customs, two twin buildings located in the Plaza de América that are a perfect example of the architect's Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Mudejar style.
A little further away, but also essential, is the Royal Pavilion, which is currently being restored for the centenary of the Exposition in 2029.
📜 History of Aníbal González and his Work: the architect who revolutionised Seville
Aníbal González studied architecture in Madrid, where he was number one in his class, which allowed him to travel around Europe and absorb the modernist currents of the time.
Upon his return to Seville, he began a brilliant career, first working in a modernist style, an example of which is the now-defunct Café de París in La Campana. However, his big break came when he was appointed architect director of the Ibero-American Exposition.
For this great event, Aníbal González developed the so-called "Sevillian regionalism", a style that integrated Renaissance, Mudejar and Baroque elements with traditional Andalusian techniques and materials.
This style, which had its greatest exponent in the Plaza de España, forever defined the visual identity of the city. Tragically, Aníbal González died on 31 May 1929, just a few months after the inauguration of the Exposition, leaving an immortal legacy.
🏆 What Aníbal González and his work represent for Seville, Andalusia and The Sun Places
Aníbal González and his work represent the ambition, creativity and capacity for transformation of Seville. His buildings are not just monuments; they are living spaces that Sevillians and visitors use and enjoy every day.
For The Sun Places, Aníbal González is a mirror in which to look at ourselves: we believe in authentic luxury, that which is built with noble materials, with attention to detail and with respect for history.
That is why our Luxury Apartments in Seville are located near many of these masterpieces, so you can admire them at any time.
Furthermore, this anniversary is connected to other important anniversaries, such as the upcoming centenary of the 1929 Exposition in 2029, and to current events such as the XXIII Flamenco Biennial or the April Fair 2026, which are also celebrated in these unique settings.
🎭 The Sun Places: the perfect plan to discover the work of Aníbal González
Friday: arrival and first contact
- Dinner at a restaurant with views of the Plaza de España, such as Restaurante Taberna Coloniales or at the Hotel Alfonso XIII.
- Evening walk through the illuminated Plaza de España (it is spectacular).
Saturday: monumental route through the legacy of Aníbal González
- Private guided tour of the Plaza de España, with an explanation of the tiles of each province.
- Afterwards, entry to the Archaeological Museum of Seville (a building by Aníbal González) to see the Carambolo Treasure.
- In the afternoon, visit the Royal Pavilion (check opening availability) and the Museum of Arts and Popular Customs.
- Evening: concert at the Plaza de España if it coincides with an Icónica Fest event.
Sunday: delving deeper into the legacy
- Route through the centre of Seville to see other works by Aníbal González: Casa de los Pinelo (restoration), the old Tobacco Factory (now University) and the Hotel Alfonso XIII.
- Private boat trip to see the city from the river, including the perspective of the Plaza de España and María Luisa Park.
The Sun Places: your host in the legacy of Aníbal González
At The Sun Places we want you to discover the most authentic Seville through the eyes of its great creators.
That is why, in addition to offering luxury accommodation, we organise private tours with art historians, priority access to museums and gastronomic experiences in the most emblematic buildings.
Ask about our special package "150 years of Aníbal González", which includes guided tours of the Plaza de España at sunset and dinner at the Hotel Alfonso XIII.
Ready to discover the legacy of Aníbal González with The Sun Places?
📞 Contact us and let us organise your unique experience in Seville.
If you want to continue exploring the essence of Spain, remember that The Sun Places is also present in other unique destinations. Discover our Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, our exclusive Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava or the elegance of our Luxury Apartments in Madrid. We also await you in Cádiz, Córdoba, Puerto Banús and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.