In a previous blog post we discussed five of the best squares in Andalusia and we warned: there could be many others. So here are five more that, due to their beauty and uniqueness, are well worth a visit. And we could continue with many more posts, as these beautiful public spaces are present in almost every town in the region. Take note and if your route passes near any of them, do not hesitate to make a detour to discover them in person.
Plaza de San José, in Aguilar de la Frontera
In the first post we included an octagonal square, the one in Archidona. But despite its surprising layout, it is not the only one of this type in Andalusia: in the Córdoba town of Aguilar de la Frontera we find this other one, also with eight sides and a design that impresses with its perfection and symmetry, both in its façades with entrance arches, three aligned floors, balustrade and even a triangular-patterned pavement. A masterpiece of neoclassicism, by architect Juan Vicente Gutiérrez de Salamanca in 1806.
Plaza del Cabildo, in Seville
It is not the most famous nor the oldest nor the largest in the city, but it is located just a few meters from the cathedral and the Archive of the Indies. And it surprises with the perfection of its layout in another geometric form: the semicircle. It emerged in the mid-20th century with a design by architect Joaquín Barquín Barrón, featuring an evocative colonnaded gallery and mural decoration. Its straight side is a 50-meter section of the Almohad wall (12th century), forming a kind of open-air theater where coin and stamp exchanges take place among collectors.
Plaza de la Corredera, in Córdoba
The finest example of the main squares built throughout the country during the Habsburg monarchy, Plaza de la Corredera emerged in the late 17th century, incorporating two earlier buildings: the current Mercado de Sánchez Peña (former prison) and the houses of Doña Ana Jacinto. Its quadrangular shape with four floors and continuous balconies was perfect for that society where the theatrical prevailed. And, in fact, it was used as a venue for autos-da-fé, theatrical performances and even bullfights, hence its name.
Plaza de las Flores, in Estepona
In the southern tip of the region are located some of the best squares in Andalusia. And although each one is different in its own way, many share common features. For example, their fondness for landscaped spaces in the center, with fruit trees and flower beds, which burst with color in the warmer season. Such is precisely the Plaza de las Flores in Estepona, on the Málaga Costa del Sol, conceived almost as an Andalusian garden with four quadrants and a fountain in the center. Dating from the 19th century, among the main buildings of radiant whiteness stands the Casa de las Tejerinas, now the tourist office.
Plaza de España, in Vejer de la Frontera
We close this top 5 of the best squares in Andalusia with the Plaza de España in Vejer de la Frontera, which is also formed by whitewashed buildings and imposing trees in its interior. But in this case they are date palms, which give it a very characteristic exotic and southern touch. Here you will also find the Town Hall and the historic Torre del Mayorazgo. In the center, a monumental fountain decorated with Sevillian tiles, with sculptures of frogs spouting water. Among the locals, it receives the colloquial name of Fuente de los Pescaítos or even Plaza de los Pescaítos due to the now-discontinued custom of children releasing goldfish into it. In any case, do not be surprised if your nose catches precisely an irresistible aroma of fried fish, one of the specialties of the restaurants in the area.
