Seville: City of Queens, Nuns, Sex Work & Witches

A Different Side of Seville: City of Queens, Nuns, Sex Work & Witches

If you’ve ever thought about the stories behind Seville’s beautiful streets and iconic landmarks, this tour offers a fresh perspective. For $101 per person, in about two hours, you’ll explore the city through the lens of its influential and often overlooked women—queens, nuns, sex workers, and witches—all brought to life by engaging guides like Abby and Nico. Starting at P.º de las Delicias and weaving through the city’s top sites and hidden corners, this guided walk provides a unique narrative that goes beyond the usual sightseeing.

What I love most about this experience is how it combines history with storytelling, making each monument and neighborhood come alive with tales of real women who shaped Seville’s past. The focus on local stories, like the cigar girls at the Old Tobacco Factory or the mysterious Calle Susona, adds depth and intrigue. Plus, the small group size—limited to eight—means you get personalized attention and plenty of chances to ask questions.

A possible consideration is that, with a packed itinerary and a focus on narrative, this tour might be less suited for those seeking a leisurely stroll or detailed historical explanations of every site. It’s more about the stories and the atmosphere than exhaustive history.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an authentic, storytelling-driven experience that reveals how women influenced Seville across centuries. If you’re curious about the city’s lesser-known history and enjoy engaging guides, you’ll find this tour both enlightening and fun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Unique Perspective: Focuses on women’s roles in Seville’s history, offering fresh stories not often covered in traditional tours.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits major sites like Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park, along with hidden spots like Calle Susona.
• Engaging Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Abby and Nico make the stories memorable and accessible.
• Authentic Stories: Learn about cigar girls, queens, nuns, and witches, adding layers of understanding to Seville’s rich cultural tapestry.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
• Value for Money: At $101 for two hours, it offers a rich, story-driven experience that complements typical sightseeing.

Exploring Seville Through the Eyes of Its Women

Seville is a city famous for its radiant architecture, lively plazas, and historic landmarks. But beyond the obvious tourist sights lies a collection of stories that often go untold. This tour, designed by Not Just a Tourist, takes you on a walk through the city’s streets, revealing tales of women who wielded influence or faced hardships that shaped the city’s character.

Starting at P.º de las Delicias, the tour kicks off with a visit to the Pabellón de Estados Unidos, part of the 1929 Exposition. Here, you’ll learn about the women connected to this event, including perhaps the female architects or organizers who left their mark. The next stop at the Costurero de la Reina (Queen’s Sewing Box) is where the story of the cigar girls unfolds. These women, often young and working-class, played a vital role in Seville’s nightlife and economy—something you might not find in the usual guidebooks.

From there, you’ll meander through the Parque de María Luisa, one of the city’s most beautiful parks, where stories of women connected to its design and history come to life. The guide might share about the women behind the sculptures or those who played a part in its creation. Moving on to the Glorieta de Doña Sol, a small square with a story to tell about Seville’s aristocratic women, and then to the Plaza de España, where a guided 10-minute stop reveals the influence of women in Seville’s diplomatic and cultural history.

The tour continues into the Antigua Fábrica de Tabacos, once the largest factory in Europe, where women workers made cigarettes by the thousands—highlighting the historical role of female labor in Seville’s economic development. Then, a stroll through Calle Susona, which links to stories of Jewish women and the city’s multicultural past, before ending in the Santa Cruz district, full of narrow alleyways and stories of nuns, witches, and secret societies.

Throughout the walk, the guides emphasize storytelling over dry facts, ensuring each site is filled with human tales. Many reviewers praise the guides for their enthusiasm and knowledge, with one stating, “Nico was funny and responsive to our needs. He told us many very funny and interesting stories about Seville and Spanish history.” Others appreciate how the stories leave a lasting impression—highlighting the experience’s educational and entertaining value.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes It Special

Each stop on this tour is thoughtfully chosen for its storytelling potential and historical significance. Here’s what you can expect:

Pabellón de Estados Unidos: Built for the 1929 Exposition, this pavilion symbolizes Seville’s international aspirations. Guides often share stories about women involved in the event, giving a broader context of the city’s modern history.

Costurero de la Reina: This hidden gem ranks high among favorites. It’s here you’ll learn about the cigar girls, who brought a dash of glamour and grit to Seville’s nightlife. Reviewers note that guides like Abby make these stories come alive, making the past feel very close.

Maria Luisa Park: Walking through this lush, sprawling park, you’ll learn about women connected to its creation and maintenance. The park’s architecture and sculptures seem even more meaningful after understanding the stories behind them.

Glorieta de Doña Sol: A brief but evocative stop that brings to life the aristocratic women of Seville’s past—sometimes regal, sometimes rebellious. The guide’s storytelling makes the history stick.

Plaza de España: The star of many Seville visits, this impressive square is also a stage for stories of women diplomats, artists, and social figures. The guided tour here offers a concise yet vivid narrative.

Antigua Fábrica de Tabacos: Once bustling with female workers, this site exemplifies women’s labor contributions. Many reviews highlight how the guide’s storytelling makes these stories memorable.

Calle Susona: The narrow street with the story of a Jewish woman, offering a glimpse into Seville’s diverse past. The atmosphere here feels especially evocative after hearing the stories.

Santa Cruz District: The tour ends in this charming neighborhood, with its labyrinth of alleys and whispers of nuns, witches, and secret histories. It’s a perfect spot to reflect on Seville’s layered past.

What’s Included and Practical Tips

This tour includes a professional guide, a map of the city, and insider tips to help you continue exploring on your own. With a small group—limited to eight—you’ll enjoy personal attention and plenty of chances to ask questions or request specific stories.

The tour lasts around two hours, making it an excellent choice for a mid-morning or late-afternoon activity if you’re short on time but craving depth. The meeting point at Costurero de la Reina is central and easy to find, and the tour ends back at Plaza Nueva, so you’re well-positioned to continue your exploration afterward.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later—perfect for travelers with fluid plans. The guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clarity regardless of your language preference.

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Authenticity and Value

At $101, this tour offers a lot of value for anyone interested in a more nuanced view of Seville. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy storytelling, local history, and discovering the city’s hidden corners. The small group size guarantees a more intimate and engaging experience, which many reviewers praise.

While it’s a focused walk—covering important sites and lesser-known stories—it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing tour. Instead, it complements your time in Seville by adding depth and context that often go unnoticed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy learning about real people behind the landmarks and appreciate guides who can tell captivating stories, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid generic tours and instead dive into local legends and forgotten histories. The stories of women—be they queens, nuns, or workers—add a fresh layer to the typical Seville visit.

Travelers with an interest in cultural history, social change, or simply those curious about the city’s diverse past will find this tour especially meaningful. The relaxed pace and small group format also make it suitable for travelers looking for an immersive, yet manageable, experience.

FAQ

• How long does the tour last? The tour is approximately 2 hours.
• Where does the tour start? At the monument Costurero de la Reina on P.º de las Delicias.
• Is the tour suitable for children? While not specifically mentioned, the storytelling style could appeal to older kids and teenagers interested in history.
• Can I cancel the booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Is the tour in English? Yes, the tour is available in both English and Spanish.
• How many people are in each group? Small groups are limited to 8 participants.
• What is included in the price? A guided walk, a city map, and insider tips.
• Are there stops for refreshments? The tour does include a refreshment stop at a local bar, offering a chance to relax and chat.
• Can I book this tour last minute? Yes, but it’s recommended to check availability beforehand.
• Is the price worth it? Given the in-depth storytelling and personalized experience, many reviews suggest it offers excellent value.

Final Words

This Seville tour is a wonderfully crafted experience for those eager to understand the city through the stories of women who played pivotal roles—whether as queens, nuns, sex workers, or witches. It’s a guided walk that combines scenic sites with compelling narratives, told by engaging guides who bring each story to life.

For travelers who love authentic stories, local insights, and a bit of offbeat history, this tour delivers. The small group setting ensures a personal touch, making it ideal for those who want to connect more deeply with Seville’s layered past. Though it’s not a lengthy tour, it packs in enough to leave a lasting impression and perhaps change the way you see the city.

If you’re curious about the stories behind Seville’s streets and want a memorable, story-driven experience, this tour offers a compelling, heartfelt look at a city of queens, nuns, and witches — all through the eyes of the women who shaped its history.

You can check availability for your dates here: