18/12/2025
5 things you probably don’t know about Seville (and even if
you’re from there, you might not either)
Are you an avid traveller? Then, when you visit a city, you surely enjoy uncovering its secrets and curiosities! Well, you should know that Seville is a city that you feel, breathe, and, above all, discover step by step.
At BYPILLOW, we know that the Andalusian capital has the ability to captivate at first sight with its light and colour, but its true attraction lies in the secrets hidden within its stones. Beyond the usual tourist routes, Seville hides details that often go unnoticed, even by those who cross its squares every day.
For curious minds and passionate travellers, in this article we’ve gathered 5 curiosities that reveal an intimate and surprising side of Seville. These are the details that turn a stroll through the city into a true treasure hunt. Are you ready to discover it?
The secret beneath Aníbal González's raincoat
Plaza de España is possibly one of the most impressive squares in the world. But did you know that its creator, architect Aníbal González, watches over his work? Yes, indeed! Right in front of the square stands his statue. At first glance, it appears to be a solemn sculpture, but it holds an incredible secret.
If you get closer and carefully observe the lower part of his raincoat, you’ll notice three tiny baby hands sticking out. It’s not a casting error nor an esoteric message; it was a gesture by sculptors Manuel Echegoyán and Guillermo Plaza.
During the years it took to complete the work, their children were born, and they decided to immortalise them in this monument. It’s a tribute to life and family in the very heart of Seville’s monumental area.
The Giralda at the heart of Juan Belmonte
As we cross the bridge into the Triana neighbourhood, in Plaza del Altozano, we come across the figure of Juan Belmonte, one of the most famous bullfighters in history. But this statue is not only a tribute to the bullfighter; it’s also a visual game of mathematical precision.
If you stand directly behind the sculpture and look through a small circular hole at chest height of the bullfighter, you’ll discover a surprise: the Giralda appears perfectly framed.
This design symbolises that Seville was always in Belmonte’s heart. It’s one of those “secret” spots that offer one of the most curious and original perspectives of the city.
Calle Reinoso: Where balconies kiss
In the Santa Cruz neighbourhood lies Calle Reinoso, a space that defies the laws of conventional urban planning. It’s popularly known as the “Kiss Street,” and just stepping onto it will help you understand why.
The reason is that this is a very narrow street, and due to this design, it’s said that neighbours on the balconies can greet each other and even kiss without needing to leave their homes.
Beyond the anecdote, this narrow street had a practical purpose in the old Jewish quarter: to keep the street in the shade and create a current of fresh air to combat the high summer temperatures of Seville. And the Andalusian “exaggeration” has done the rest!
Columbus’s Egg: A Russian giant in San Jerónimo
Many people leave Seville without knowing that it is home to the tallest statue in Spain. It’s located in San Jerónimo Park and is an imposing bronze structure that stands 45 metres tall and weighs 500 tonnes.
Its official name is “The Birth of the New Man,” but everyone knows it as Columbus’s Egg. It was a gift from the City Council of Moscow to Seville for the 1992 Expo.
The sculpture represents Cristobal Colón holding a map with the three caravels, all protected by a gigantic oval structure. It’s a monumental piece of art that, despite its size, remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets outside the historic centre.
The world’s largest Gothic cathedral and its Arab foundation
Seville Cathedral holds the title of being the largest Gothic cathedral by area in the world. However, if you look at its floor plan from above, you’ll notice something unusual: it doesn’t have the typical Latin cross shape of Christian cathedrals; it’s almost square.
The reason is purely historical. The temple was built directly on top of the old Great Mosque of the city, using its foundation and structure. In fact, the Orange Tree Courtyard and the Giralda (the former minaret) are direct legacies from that mosque.
Seville didn’t demolish its past but built upon it, creating a building that, for many years, was the tallest tower in the world. Even today, it continues to amaze with its scale and fascinating history. Did you know this?
But there are many more secrets in Seville that you probably don’t know! It’s a city that never ends; there’s always a new detail to discover if you know where to look. So why not book one of our hotels in Seville and start strolling through its history and culture?
We have two hotels in central Seville: BYPILLOW Abril and BYPILLOW Residence Abril (the latter offering studios in Seville for your maximum comfort). Our accommodations embody that spirit: modern, with a privileged location, designed so you can experience the city with total freedom.
Are you coming to discover the Seville that few know? Book your hotel at BYPILLOW and be amazed by the hidden history behind every stone in the city. You’ll love it!