Guides
SEVILLE: A DIALOGUE BETWEEN HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURAL AVANT-GARDE
When you think of Seville, you might picture the cool shade of its whitewashed courtyards and the baroque artistry adorning every corner. But the Andalusian capital is much more than its historical legacy.
For architecture lovers, Seville is a living stage where the contemporary and the ancestral coexist harmoniously, creating a diverse, dreamlike and captivating urban landscape.
Seville beyond the classics
Exploring Seville through its contemporary structures is like discovering a city within a city. From the iconic Alamillo Bridge by Santiago Calatrava to the bold and majestic Metropol Parasol by Jürgen Mayer, the town has seamlessly incorporated internationally renowned architectural innovations without losing its essence. This contrast is evident in the Isla de La Cartuja. This site still holds the spirit of Expo ’92 while housing new sustainable projects and cutting-edge offices such as the Palmas Altas Campus, designed by Richard Rogers, or the Arte Sacro Business Park by Suárez & Santas Arquitectos.
Architects shaping the city
Seville’s contemporary architecture also boasts the influence of local architects who have left an indelible mark on its urban fabric. Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra, for instance, has led the creation of architectural gems like the Navigation Pavilion and the restoration of Palacio de San Telmo, where the fusion of refurbishment and modernity shows that the past and present can coexist without competing.
Another key figure in the city’s transformation is Cruz y Ortiz, known for projects such as the Santa Justa Train Station, Seville’s main entry point, and the Picasso Building, a reference for those seeking modern Seville. Their work is joined by that of renowned architects like Rafael Moneo, whose design for the Seville Airport greets visitors with a perfect balance of functionality and minimalist beauty.
Plácido y Grata: where tradition and modernity converge
At Plácido y Grata, we embrace the debate between classic and contemporary. Designed by Your Living Space Atelier, our boutique hotel reflects Seville’s ever-evolving spirit. In this space, the heritage of a historic building intertwines with a modern vision, creating a unique and evocative experience. With 15 rooms, a multipurpose hall, a café, a cocktail bar and an exhibition space, this urban retreat strikes the perfect balance between the past’s charm and the present’s comfort.
“For architecture lovers, Seville is a living stage where the contemporary and the ancestral coexist harmoniously”.
The essence of the traditional Andalusian patio is reimagined with an elegant, timeless approach. Light filters through an iconic lattice, casting a dynamic interplay of shadows. The rooms mirror this harmony: some preserve their original wooden beams, while others open up onto the patio, immersed in the serene atmosphere of shifting light.
Each space is meticulously designed to evoke different emotions, blending furniture from brands like Ferm Living, Santa & Cole, Frama, Fredericia and Audo with thoughtfully curated details that transform the everyday into something special. Like the city, Plácido y Grata is a place where details tell stories, yet the experiences are contemporary, designed for the modern traveler.
Architectural routes to discover Seville
Specialised companies like Artchitectours offer guided tours of the city’s most iconic buildings for those eager to explore this blend of past and present. These routes include stops at social housing projects led by young local architects, where design focuses on efficient use of space and innovative aesthetics.
Amid the maze of cobblestone streets, where the scent of orange blossom and tapas fills the air, Seville presents itself as a city of contrasts: Moorish and futuristic, baroque and minimalist. If you want to feel part of this Seville that breathes history and modernity, Plácido y Grata awaits with a sanctuary designed for experiencing the city as it should be: calmly, thoughtfully and with inspiration.
