Maestranza (Seville) facts for kids
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The Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is a famous bullring in Seville, Spain. It can hold about 12,000 people. Each year, during the Seville Fair, it hosts one of the world's most important bullfighting events. This bullring is part of the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla. This is an old group of nobles who used to train in cavalry, which means riding horses.
Many people visit this bullring. It is one of Seville's most popular tourist spots. For bullfighters, it is known as a very tough place to perform. This is because of its long history and the very demanding crowd.
History of the Bullring
Building this bullring started in 1749. It was built on Baratillo Hill. Before this, there was a square-shaped bullring there. In 1761, they began adding ochavas. These were like sections made of four arches. Francisco Sánchez de Aragón and Pedro y Vicente de San Martín were the first builders.
The inside part of the bullring, called the Palco del Príncipe (Prince's Box), was finished in 1765. This special box has two parts. One is a gate where successful bullfighters leave. The other is a private viewing area. It was made just for the Spanish Royal Family. The top of the box has four arches. Above them is a dome covered with white and blue tiles. A Portuguese sculptor named Cayetano de Acosta created the statues on top. This box was built for Prince Felipe de Borbón. He was the son of Felipe V and Isabel de Farnesio.
In 1786, King Carlos III stopped bullfighting events. This paused the building work. At that time, only one-third of the bullring was done. The old Palco de la Diputación (Herdsmen's Box) also dates from this time. It is located across from the Prince's Box.
After 34 years, more of the bullring was completed. This part was on both sides of the Prince's Box. You could easily see it from the cathedral and the Giralda tower. It appeared in many pictures from that time. By 1868, the Palco de la Diputación was in bad shape. An Italian sculptor named Augusto Franchy fixed it. He added a new area with a marble railing. He also put the crest of the Real Maestranza de Caballería there. Five balconies were added on each side of the Palco de la Diputación. The bullring's clock is now in this area. The entire bullring was finished in 1881. Two-thirds of it was made of stone, and the rest was wood.
Between 1914 and 1915, the stone stands were rebuilt with brick. A Sevillian architect named Aníbal González led this work. All the rows of seats were made smoother. They built ten to twelve rows of shaded seats. There were also fourteen rows in the sun. Three rows of barrier seats were added. A row of armchairs was built in the upper part of the shaded area. These were in front of the theater boxes.
Bullfighting Season
The bullfights in Seville during the Feria de Abril are very important. They are the biggest event in the city's bullfighting year. The regular season runs from March or April until late September. The start date changes based on when Semana Santa (Holy Week) is. Every year, the Real Maestranza asks an artist to create a poster. This poster announces the bullfighting season at the Royal Bullring.
Tours and Museum
You can take regular tours of the bullring. There is also a museum inside.
See also
In Spanish: Plaza de toros de Sevilla para niños
