
La Macarena (Seville) is an incombustible neighborhood, with tradition and full of life. It is easy to think that the Macarena gets its name from the popular virgin. Wrong: against all odds it is the image that receives the name of the neighborhood. According to historians, its etymological origin could come from Macaria, the daughter of Hercules.
Dozens of streets make up this traditional neighborhood in which one breathes an air of brotherhood and warmth that deserves to be valued. The must-sees of the neighborhood come together in this list that will make you fall in love with the Macarena, the heart of Seville.
1. Hospital of the Five Wounds
Doña Catalina de Ribera y Mendoza founded this space that until 1750 only fulfilled sanitary functions. From 1750 it was used as a hospice. The hospital faced a crisis in 1649 with a plague epidemic that devastated the city and is currently the seat of the Parliament of Andalusia and can be visited.
2. Basilica of the Macarena of Seville
The headquarters of the Brotherhood of Hope Macarena is an essential stop for any tourist. It is a work of the Sevillian architect Aurelio Gómez Milán, declared a Minor Basilica by a bull granted by Pope Paul VI, thus being the first Sevillian temple that holds this dignity.
It is possible that it is not necessary to remember it but the interior of this temple shelters the Macarena, an image that arouses devotion throughout the planet. In short, one of the essential places to see in the Macarena beyond devotion.
3. Church of Santa Marina
This Gothic-Mudejar temple is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to approximately 1265. The Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 caused cracks and damage and in 1864 a fire caused it to be closed for five years. However, fortunately today we can still enjoy this jewel of the Macarena neighborhood.
4. Church of San Marcos
If we had to choose one word to define the church of San Marcos it would be “survival”. The church was reduced to rubble in 1356 and a Gothic-Mudejar style church was rebuilt. On the other hand it suffered a fire during the struggles of the Guzmanes and the Ponce de Leon.
The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 also took its toll, although it was in 1936 when it suffered another fire in response to the military actions carried out by Queipo de Llano. However, despite all these vicissitudes the church was restored and still stands to admire its beauty.
5. Door of the Macarena
Along with the Puerta de Córdoba and the postigo del Aceite are the only three accesses that can be seen today of the walls of Seville. The gate is due to an extension of the wall carried out by Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf in the twelfth century, but its appearance is due to a remodeling in which they replaced the Islamic elements by classicist ones.
Kings such as Alfonso XI of Castile, Isabella I of Castile, Charles I of Spain and Philip IV have entered the city through this gate.
6. Cordoba Gate
It is one of the access doors of the wall of Seville. Its importance is due to the fact that since the late Middle Ages it has been related to San Hermenegildo, a character who was imprisoned and tortured in this place.
We include this small trace of Seville’s often unknown past as one of the most notable historical gates of the city. It is, therefore, another landmark of the Macarena neighborhood.
7. Church of San Luis de los Franceses
This church is one of the greatest exponents of Baroque art in Seville. The land was ceded by Doña Lucia de Medina to the Society of Jesus so that the temple would be consecrated to San Luis and that she would be buried in the main chapel. By the way, if you like ghost stories, the Church of San Luis de los Franceses is known for its ghostly legends.
8. Where to eat in the Macarena neighborhood
Salvaje
Salvaje is an urban oasis in the Macarena, an ode to fish, meat and mountain: to good produce. The name of this restaurant located on Resolana street offers an approximation of what we will find visually and gastronomically speaking: an explosion of flavors and exoticism.
Its lounge, full of flowers and greenery, gives off an untamed atmosphere in which to let yourself go. Possibly it is the very essence of Salvaje that traps the diner between visual stimuli and tasty creations. It is perfect for a special occasion without leaving the Macarena.
📍 c/ Resolana, 40
El Colmao de Gascón Rubio
In the vicinity of the Hospital de la Macarena is this lifelong bar. It retains the charm and tradition of the temples of always while offering an omelette capable of bringing anyone back to life. XXL potato omelettes in one of the most traditional neighborhoods of Seville.
📍 c/ Antonio de Buero Vallejo, 13
Yebra
In the heart of the Macarena neighborhood, located next to the wall, is one of the best places to try authentic Seville and Andalusian food in general. Tapas at a good price and atmosphere full of tradition. A succulent dish of cheeks is one of the best alternatives to whet your appetite.
📍 c/ Medalla Milagrosa, 3
The Andalusian walker
It is one of the best bars in the Macarena for tapas and in summer its terrace at night is an oasis of peace in Seville. The sirloin with whiskey that they prepare is quite good, but nothing can compete with the star dish of the menu: the san jacobo.
It is XXL in size, so don’t even think of ordering it if you don’t want to share. Not only does it stand out for being as big as your head, but it is also spectacularly good.
📍 c/ José Díaz, 8
El Tremendo
El Tremendo is an unfathomable beer temple. It is not very attractive, but it is one of the main places to go if you visit Seville. Here you will kill time with solera and you can order to eat blind (spoiler: everything is delicious).
In their less crowded place in Macarena they offer delicious Andalusian food: snails, ensaladilla and a great variety of tapas to taste in their high tables or in their terrace.
📍 c/ San Felipe, 13 | c/ Previsión, 10