🎭 The Reales Atarazanas, Seville's Royal Shipyards, have spent more than three decades closed to the public, hidden behind their brick walls in the heart of El Arenal. Now, while work continues to turn them into a major cultural centre, the old medieval shipyard is reopening its naves with an original idea: telling its story through theatre.
From 7 November until the end of December, the theatrical tours of the Atarazanas in Seville let families and visitors explore the building guided by characters who bring to life its naval past, its bond with the Guadalquivir and its role in the history of Spain and the Americas. All activities are free, although an invitation must be booked in advance.
📅 Programme times and activities
The highlight is 'Polizones a bordo' (Stowaways on Board), a theatrical tour for families held every Saturday at 10:30 and lasting about an hour and a quarter. Although it is designed for children, curious adults enjoy it just as much.
The programme also includes:
- 'El eco de las naves' (The Echo of the Naves): a guided tour for the general public, on Saturdays at 12:00.
- 'Galeones de ladrillo y sal' (Galleons of Brick and Salt): an educational activity for schools, Tuesday to Thursday at 10:00.
📍 Where are the Reales Atarazanas?
The building is in the El Arenal neighbourhood, between the Cathedral and the Teatro de la Maestranza, next to the Hospital de la Caridad. The entrance is on Calle Dos de Mayo, the street linking the Cathedral with the Guadalquivir.
The location could not be better: just a few minutes' walk from the Torre del Oro, the Maestranza bullring and the Barrio de Santa Cruz, and a short stroll from the Triana bridge.
🎭 'Polizones a bordo': history told from the stage
The company Engranajes Culturales has created a show that is as original as it is effective. Actors Paula Reyes and José Ramón González play Alba and Benito, two characters who guide the audience through the building's naves while revealing its secrets through stories, riddles and discoveries.
The organisers' aim is to open this iconic building to the city and bring its history to as wide an audience as possible, alternating the theatrical tours with workshops and technical visits for adults.
📜 From medieval shipyard to 'civil cathedral'
The Reales Atarazanas were built in the 13th century by order of Alfonso X the Wise and became the main shipyard of the Crown of Castile. Galleys that sailed the Mediterranean and, later, the Atlantic were built and repaired here. Its seven brick naves, supported by great arches, have earned it the nickname "civil cathedral".
Over more than eight centuries, the building has been a shipyard, arsenal, warehouse, seat of the Casa de la Contratación (the institution that regulated trade with the Americas), mint, artillery workshop, market, prison and barracks. After decades of neglect, its restoration, with an investment of more than 20 million euros, will turn it into a major cultural centre dedicated to the relationship between Seville and the Americas.
🎟️ How to book your invitations?
All activities are free, but you must book an invitation on the Fundación Cajasol website, where you can check dates, times and conditions. For any questions, you can email [email protected].
Demand is very high and many November sessions are already fully booked, so it is best to reserve well in advance.
📆 Until when can you visit the Atarazanas?
The programme of theatrical tours of the Atarazanas in Seville runs until the end of December 2026. It is a rare opportunity to explore the monument before the works are finished and it opens as a cultural centre.
🗣️ A word from our CEO
For years I walked past the Atarazanas wondering what those walls were hiding. Many Sevillians have never been able to go inside, so the fact that it is opening now, and with theatre for children too, strikes me as one of the best cultural news stories of the year in the city. We recommend it without hesitation to guests travelling with children: it is Seville's history told in a way you will remember.
🗺️ A Saturday in El Arenal: what to do before and after the tour
Morning: theatre and history
- At 10:30, the theatrical tour 'Polizones a bordo' (booking required).
- Afterwards, cross the bridge and stroll along Calle Betis, with the best views of the Guadalquivir.
Afternoon: monumental Seville
✨ Tailor-made cultural getaways
At The Sun Places we help you plan your stay: we let you know which dates still have places, recommend the best family activities and book tables at our favourite restaurants in the centre.
📞 Get in touch and let's plan your Seville getaway together.
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