Santa Cruz: Tours and Guided Visits

Santa Cruz is also known as the Jewish Quarter of Seville and is the oldest part of the historic city. Formed by the ancient Romans, the neighborhood has evolved spectacularly over the last 2,000 years and today features many historic landmarks from different time periods.

Santa Cruz tours in Seville enable you to view the most interesting monuments of the district with a knowledgeable guide at your side, from the Real Alcázar of Seville to the Torre del Oro.

Here's all you need to know about Santa Cruz tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Seville.

What are the best Santa Cruz tours in Seville?

Santa Cruz walking tour in Seville

The most popular way to explore the Santa Cruz district is through a guided walk of its bustling streets.

The first stop on this Santa Cruz walking tour in Seville is the Real Alcázar of Seville, which is an opulent palace that was originally built for King Peter of Castile. The landmark is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and features Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. After admiring the intricate design details of the palace, you’ll move on to see the Plaza Nueva, which is the main square of the neighborhood.

On this historic square, you'll find a towering black statue of Ferdinand III of Castile, who conquered the city for the Christians in the 13th century. The monument itself dates back to the first half of the 20th century and showcases the now-sainted Ferdinand on horseback.

Continuing on, you’ll make your way to the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador — the Church of the Divine Savior. While today this religious site is one of the most important churches in the city, it once served as the first mosque of Seville during Muslim reign.

Stroll through both the Plaza de San Francisco and the Plaza de las Cruces to reach your final destination — the Murillo Gardens. Here, you’ll find fragrant orange and jasmine trees, as well as spectacular water fountains and monuments.

Santa Cruz nighttime walking tour in Seville

Take to the streets after dark to see Santa Cruz in a new light.

This historical walking tour in Seville takes place after the sun has set on Seville and you’ll discover a wide range of the neighborhood’s sites. You’ll learn about the diverse history of the district and what sets it apart from other areas of the city.

Throughout the tour, you’ll visit the Plaza de Santa Cruz, which features colorfully painted buildings and beautifully manicured gardens, as well as Callejón del Agua which leads to the Murillo Gardens.

Roam the Patio de Banderas, from which you can gain a perfect view of the Giralda, and marvel at several of the city’s iconic squares. These include the Plaza de Los Venerables, which is a vibrant hub of restaurants and bars, as well as the Plaza de Doña Elvira, which is surrounded by charming artisanal boutiques and fruiting trees.

Santa Cruz private walking tour plus flamenco show

On this private Santa Cruz tour in Seville, you’ll wander through the neighborhood with your professional guide who will show you several celebrated landmarks, including the Torre del Oro and the UNESCO-listed Seville Cathedral.

After a detailed walking tour through Santa Cruz, you’ll enjoy a traditional flamenco show, where talented dancers will dazzle you with their passion and skill.

Which places are visited?

Real Alcázar of Seville

The Real Alcázar of Seville was built on top of the site of an older Islamic fortress — the Abbadid Muslim Alcázar — which was destroyed after the Christian conquest of the city in the 13th century.

Despite its reconstruction, the alcázar still shows nods to the Islamic faith in its design. The building was transformed into a royal residence and was the birthplace of Infanta Maria Antonietta of Spain, the daughter of the 18th-century king Philip V of Spain.

Murillo Gardens

The Murillo Gardens were originally owned by the Real Alcázares of Seville before being donated to the city in the 19th century. This green haven was redesigned at the beginning of the 20th century by local architect Juan de Talavera. The park features a myriad of walkways where visitors can take a peaceful stroll and enjoy the numerous water features.

Torre del Oro

The Torre del Oro — translated to the Tower of Gold — was originally built as a military watchtower and construction began in the 13th century. A second level was added by King Peter of Castile during the 14th century and the third was erected 300 years later. However, this storey had to be rebuilt after being destroyed by a powerful earthquake.

The main floor of the Torre del Oro is built in a unique dodecagonal shape and the monument was named after the gold sheen it reflected on the river.

How much do Santa Cruz tours in Seville cost?

If you're on a budget, it's possible to join a free walking tour in Seville of Santa Cruz. You can tip the guide at your discretion afterwards.

Alternatively, both daytime and nighttime Santa Cruz walking tours in Seville cost between €10 and €20 per person.

If you combine your walking tour with a flamenco show, you can expect to pay approximately €150 each. This will often be a private tour as well.

What is included?

Santa Cruz tours in Seville include a knowledgeable guide to show you the Jewish Quarter through the eyes of a local. They will educate you on the history of each monument and provide you with interesting tidbits of knowledge about the city. If you opt for a combination tour, your admission to a flamenco show will be included.

Where does it start?

Jewish Quarter tours in Seville usually begin at an easy-to-reach destination in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. These are often well-known landmarks, such as the Torre del Oro, and are easily reached using Seville’s reliable public transportation system. You’ll be able to see the starting location of each tour before booking so that you can arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time.

How long does it last?

The majority of Santa Cruz walking tours in Seville last between 1 and 2 hours, which gives you plenty of time to explore the primary attractions of the district. If you choose an excursion that includes a flamenco show, you can expect your tour to last approximately 3 hours instead.

When is the best time for a Santa Cruz tour in Seville?

Santa Cruz is the main neighborhood in Seville and provides visitors with a historical background on the Spanish city. As such, you should consider booking your Jewish Quarter tour in Seville for the first or second day of your vacation. This will enable you to become more familiar with the city and decide on which attractions you wish to revisit.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Seville?

• Guadalquivir tours in Seville
• Segway tours in Seville
• Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Seville
• City tours in Seville
• Game of Thrones tours in Seville

Travel tips

• Most Santa Cruz tours in Seville take place on foot so ensure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
• Seville experiences scorching conditions during the summer months. Consider booking your vacation during the balmier spring months between March and May, or the fall months of October or November instead.
• When weighing up different walking tours, consider selecting one that lasts 2 hours as this will give you a more comprehensive view of the city.