Spanish bullfights
at La Maestranza

The most elegant bullring in the world

Spanish bullfights are a spectacle worth watching and probably our most famous tradition. The Seville bullring (plaza de toros) is called the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla, but it is popularly known as La Maestranza. It is the most ancient bullring in Spain and my favorite one along with Las Ventas in Madrid, the biggest one!

It was built and it is owned by the Real Maestranza de Caballeria, a noble corporation founded in the 17th century. The Corporation's aim was to train its members in riding practices and weapons handling in order to support the Crown at war.

La Maestranza is considered the mecca of bullfighting, not only because of its history and tradition, but also because the public is considered one of the most expert and unforgiving of the world. Remember that bullfighting is also a tradition in Portugal, France and Latin America so we are not the only country enjoying it.

The Maestranza bullring is for sure one of the most visited attractions in the city and it is a not to miss if you want to know more about bulls, toreros and the Spanish fiesta in an amazing site.

General information

Note: The entrance and opening hours are for the museum (Museo Taurino) and the bullring on a regular day. But be careful because if you are planning to visit it on the afternoon of a fighting day, everything will be closed.

If you are interested in the bullfight season information (dates, times and toreros or fighters), check the Seville's bullfighting schedule.

And if you are looking to purchase tickets online for Spanish bullfights have a look at some interesting tips and suggestions.

To purchase a reduced ticket to visit La Maestranza you must have with you an official document proving your status. Carry it with you!

The ticket will include a guided visit both in English and Spanish of approximately 45 minutes. The visit includes the bullring, a couple of rooms with objects and paintings related to bullfighting, the toreros' chapel and the horse yard. You'll also have a brief explanation of a corrida (bullfight in Spanish). Bullfights are very peculiar and interesting: they have lots of traditions and certain rules that need to be respected.

The bullring

La Maestranza construction started in 1730 although it was initially square-shaped! I let you imagine how dangerous this was. Fortunately, in 1733 the Corporation decided to build a circular bullring, part in stone and part in wood.

Over the years a lot of elements were added. One of them is the Prince's box (Palco del Principe) completed in 1765 and built for Philip of Bourbon, heir and son of King Philip V and Elizabeth Farnese, and the first Royal principal of the Corporation. Another one is the Prince's Gate (Puerta del Principe), the most important of La Maestranza in spite of not being the main one, because it is the torero's exit if he has succeeded in the fight.

In 1768, King Charles III forbade bullfights and the construction was stopped. In 1881 the bullring was finally completed, with the whole structure in stone and all the wooden parts removed.

Finally, in 1914-15 the architect Anibal Gonzalez, the same that designed the Plaza de España, changed the stone structure for a brick one and practically rebuilt the whole bullring including modifications and renovations. The final result is what you can see today.

The Real Maestranza de Caballeria

The Real Maestranza de Caballeria is a cavalry and noble corporation founded in 1670. Its members belong to old noble families.

Between 1729 and 1733 King Philip V stayed in Seville and received support from the Corporation in spite of being French and the first Bourbon king of Spain. To express his gratitude, the King granted important privileges to the Corporation, including the Royal treatment (Real in Spanish). Furthermore, the principal of the Royal Corporation would be one of his sons, Philip.

From King Ferdinand VII (who reigned from 1808 to 1833) on, the principal is the King himself and today the current King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, has this title.

Since its foundation, the Corporation organized public events promoting horse shows. And in 1730 it received the privilege to hold bullfights. From that moment the shows included bulls for both training the riders and entertaining the spectators. Can you imagine? At that time Spanish bullfights were a military training!

Currently, the Corporation still supports riding and bullfighting activities, especially the Feria de Abril. During that time Spanish bullfights are hold for a period of 16-18 days in April, one per day.

Curiosities

1. During the guided visit you'll have the chance to actually go to the bullring itself. I mean, you go outside as if you were going to see a bullfight and sit on the regular benches. It's pretty cool, especially if you make the effort to imagine the bullring full of people... more than 12,500 spectators watching the fight between the torero and the bull!

2. The chains located at the top of the Prince's Gate are there since 1796 and symbolize the fact that once you enter the bullring you are under Royal protection.

3. Did you know that the bullring is the place where Carmen, the main character of the Merimee book (later on becoming a Bizet's opera), is stabbed to death by her husband Don Jose? They initially met at the Tobacco Factory and fell in love... but you know that a drama always ends up with a tragic death.

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