Santa Cruz

Overview

The Barrio de Santa Cruz is Seville's picturesque old Jewish quarter—a maze of narrow whitewashed alleys, flower-draped patios, and hidden plazas wedged between the cathedral and the Alcázar.

Highlights

• Patio de los Naranjos: The cathedral's orange-tree-filled former mosque courtyard.
• Hidden plazas: Tiny squares like Plaza de Santa Cruz and Plaza de los Venerables.
• Flamenco bars: Intimate peñas (clubs) host spontaneous flamenco.

History

The quarter was Seville's Jewish district until the 1391 pogrom and 1492 expulsion. The synagogue was replaced by churches, but the labyrinthine medieval street plan survives.

Visitor Tips

• Get lost: The charm is in wandering without a map.
• Evening: The streets are coolest and most atmospheric after 20:00.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.