Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, Seville
Written by official guides
Step inside the Cathedral of Bullfighting with an expert guide who takes you along the same route the bullfighters follow before every corrida.
You will discover the Bullfighting Museum with 33 original etchings by Goya, tread the albero sand of the ring where Joselito and Belmonte fought, see the Bullfighters' Chapel with its votive offerings and admire the only bullring in the world with a 30-sided polygonal shape.
You will see up close the Puerta del Príncipe (through which the triumphant are carried out on shoulders), the Painting Rooms with works from the 18th to the 20th centuries, the Patio de Caballos where the cuadrillas wait, and you will understand why this bullring of the Real Maestranza de Caballería (founded in 1670 with the King as its elder brother) is the supreme temple of bullfighting alongside Las Ventas. An Asset of Cultural Interest since 1984, with 12,500 seats and 260 years of history.
Itinerary of the visit
Daily departures: 10:00 · 11:30 · 13:00 · 16:00 · 17:30 · 19:00
First part – Entrance and historical context (10 min)
Statue of Curro Romero. We are welcomed by the "Pharaoh of Camas", the Sevillian bullfighter with 42 Puertas del Príncipe. Your guide explains the Real Maestranza de Caballería, a noble corporation founded in 1670 by Charles II. The King has been its elder brother ever since.
Late Baroque main façade. We admire the 1765 portal with its Solomonic columns and the coat of arms of the Maestranza. Work began in 1761 on the old wooden ring and finished in 1881, creating this irregular 30-sided polygonal shape, unique in the bullfighting world.
Second part – Bullfighting Museum: Painting Room (20 min)
Painting collection, 18th–20th centuries. Oils on bullfighting themes from the Romantic period: country scenes, portraits of famous bullfighters. Works by Gutiérrez de la Vega, Eugenio Lucas (his "Fatal goring of Pepe Hillo" is striking), the Domínguez Bécquer brothers and John Phillip.
The Dukes of Montpensier. An 1852 painting of them presiding over a corrida. Antoine of Orléans, son of the French king Louis-Philippe, was a great aficionado and patron of bullfighting in Seville.
Third part – Print Room with the Goyas (20 min)
33 original etchings by Francisco de Goya. From his "Tauromaquia" series (third edition, Paris 1876). "The very skilful student of Falces", in which the bullfighter outwits the bull while wrapped in his cloak. Each print tells a story of 18th-century bullfighting.
Graphic evolution of bullfighting. Complete series from 1790: Antonio Carnicero (royal painter), Romantic series by Victor Adam and Gustave Doré, and the earliest known bullfighting image, "Corrida caballeresca" of 1578.
Fourth part – Patio de Caballos and Chapel (15 min)
Patio de Caballos. Where the cuadrillas wait before the paseíllo. The picadors prepare their mounts, the sword handlers finish the last details. Contained tension before entering the ring.
Bullfighters' Chapel. Presided over by the Virgen de la Caridad (not the Virgen del Rosario, as some say). Dozens of votive offerings: donated suits of lights, crutches, prints. Everyone prays here before fighting, believers or not. A tradition respected since the 18th century.
Fifth part – Exhibition Room (10 min)
Historic bullfighters' costumes. The one worn by Joselito el Gallo at his last corrida in Talavera (1920). Parade capes embroidered in gold, monteras, swords.
Historic posters. On silk from the 18th century, lithographed in the 19th. The one from the 1881 inauguration, and corridas of the April Fair since 1847.
Bronzes by Benlliure. Sculptures by the great Mariano Benlliure: busts of Juan Belmonte and Joselito, and the quite group.
Sixth part – The Ring (10 min)
The albero of the Maestranza. We tread the same 63-metre-diameter ring where Pedro Romero, Pepe-Hillo, Cúchares, Lagartijo and Manolete fought. The architect Rafael Moneo described it: "The bullfighter feels the roundness of the Earth".
Puerta del Príncipe. Through which the triumphant who cut two ears are carried out on shoulders. Facing the Guadalquivir, with the Torre del Oro as witness. Only 200 bullfighters have crossed it in 260 years.
The stands and boxes. 12,500 seats on granite tiers. The Royal Box with its canopy. The upper neo-Mudéjar arcade added in 1914. Shade and sun, barrera and tendido: the social geometry of the ring.
On days with corridas (April–October) the opening time is reduced to 15:00. We confirm availability 24 hours before.
DETAILS OF HOW THE VISIT TO THE MAESTRANZA WORKS
You will explore the most important bullring in the world after Las Ventas, with full access to the Bullfighting Museum, which holds one of the best collections of bullfighting art in Spain.
Length
About 1h 15min (includes museum, chapel, Patio de Caballos and ring)
Languages available
Spanish and English. French on request with 48 hours' notice.
Includes:
Skip-the-line entry to the Maestranza bullring
Official guide specialising in bullfighting history
Full access to the Bullfighting Museum (3 rooms)
Visit to the Painting Room (18th–20th centuries)
Print Room with 33 original etchings by Goya
Patio de Caballos and Bullfighters' Chapel
Access to the ring (treading the albero)
Explanation of the Puerta del Príncipe
Availability
Every day from 9:30 to 19:30. On corrida days only until 15:00
Meeting point
Paseo de Cristóbal Colón 12, main entrance next to the statue of Curro Romero
Confirmation and voucher
Electronic, by email. WhatsApp 24 hours before with the exact spot and the guide's contact.
Important:
During the April Fair and the San Miguel Fair there are corridas almost daily, with reduced opening times
Free dress code, but respect in the Chapel
Photography allowed except with flash in the Goya rooms
CANCELLATION FOR THE VISIT TO THE MAESTRANZA
Book without worries: we understand plans change when you visit Seville.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Full refund, no questions asked. If you cancel with less notice, we refund 50%. No-shows are not refunded.
Date changes: allowed up to 24 hours before at no cost, subject to availability. The Maestranza has several daily slots, which makes rebooking easy.
Special situations:
Corrida days: if the visit coincides with an unexpected bullfight, we rebook or refund
Groups of 10+ people: free cancellation up to 48 hours before
Bad weather: the visit is 80% indoors and goes ahead in the rain
If you arrive up to 10 minutes late, the group waits in the museum. After that, you join on your own.
MEETING POINT FOR THE BULLRING TOUR
Start: Paseo de Cristóbal Colón 12, main entrance
End: the ring or the souvenir shop
The tour starts next to the statue of Curro Romero at the main entrance. It is on the riverside promenade, impossible to miss: look for the white and albero-coloured façade with the Baroque portal.
Your guide will be waiting with a red and white umbrella (the colours of Seville). 24 hours before you receive a WhatsApp with an exact photo of the spot and direct contact.
The bullring is in a privileged location: the Torre del Oro 400 m away, the Cathedral 300 m, the Triana bridge opposite. Perfect for combining with other monuments.
The tour ends in the ring, where you can take photos, or in the official shop with historic posters and bullfighting souvenirs.
How to get there:
Metro: L1 Puerta de Jerez (10 min walk)
Bus: 3, 21, 41, C4 – Paseo Colón stop
From the Cathedral: 5 min along Av. Constitución
Parking: Paseo Colón (€15/day)
REVIEWS OF THE GUIDED VISIT TO THE BULLRING
Verified reviews from visitors who have already discovered the Maestranza with us. They especially highlight the 33 original etchings by Goya, the thrill of treading the albero of the ring where the great figures fought, and the guides' knowledge of bullfighting history and anecdotes about the ring.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MAESTRANZA BULLRING
Why is it called the Cathedral of Bullfighting?
Because of its historical and architectural importance in the bullfighting world. Alongside Las Ventas in Madrid, it is the most prestigious ring. This is where the great figures are consecrated: if you do not triumph at the Maestranza during the April Fair, you are nobody in bullfighting. Its unique architecture (30 polygonal sides) and its 260-year history make it the sacred temple of tauromachy.
When are there bullfights at the Maestranza?
Main season: Easter Sunday to October. April Fair: 15–20 consecutive corridas (April–May). San Miguel Fair: 3–4 corridas (late September). Corpus Christi: 1 corrida (June). Out of season there are no bullfights, only tourist visits.
Is the tour suitable for people who do not like bullfighting?
Yes, it is a cultural and historical visit, not a bullfight. The museum has exceptional artistic value: Goya, 19th-century paintings, sculptures by Benlliure. The Baroque architecture is magnificent. 40% of our visitors are not bullfighting fans but enjoy the monument and its history.
Can it be visited during the April Fair?
Yes, but with reduced hours until 15:00 because there are corridas in the afternoon. We recommend going early (10:00). During the fair the atmosphere is special: you will see the preparations, the posters of the day, more activity.
What is the difference from the Ronda bullring?
The Maestranza (1761–1881) is 75 years older than Ronda. It has a unique polygonal shape versus Ronda's circular one. It is an active ring with a bullfighting season, whereas Ronda is more touristic. The Maestranza museum is superior: 33 original Goyas versus replicas in Ronda.
Are the 33 Goya etchings originals?
Yes, they are original prints from the third edition (Paris, 1876) of his "Tauromaquia" series. They are not reproductions. It is one of the most valuable collections in the museum, valued at millions. They are kept under controlled temperature and light.
Why does it have 30 sides instead of being round?
Progressive construction over 120 years (1761–1881), adapting to the land available between the walls and the river. Each master builder added sections. The result: an irregular 30-sided polygon, unique in the world. It gives it its special character and perfect acoustics.
Can I buy tickets for bullfights on the tour?
No, the tour is a cultural visit only. For bullfights, buy at the official box office or on the website realmaestranza.com. Prices: €5–150 depending on location (sun/shade, barrera/tendido). Tip: the April Fair sells out months in advance.
Who are the most important bullfighters of the Maestranza?
18th century: Pedro Romero, Pepe-Hillo, Costillares. 19th century: Cúchares, Lagartijo, Frascuelo. 20th century: Joselito, Belmonte (they revolutionised bullfighting), Manolete. Today: Curro Romero (42 Puertas del Príncipe), Morante de la Puebla. All of them have to triumph here to become figures.
What is the Puerta del Príncipe?
The main gate through which bullfighters who cut two ears are carried out on shoulders. The supreme triumph. It faces the Guadalquivir river. Only about 200 bullfighters have crossed it in 260 years of history. Curro Romero holds the record: 42 exits. It is every bullfighter's dream.
CONFIRM YOUR VISIT TO THE MAESTRANZA
Book 100% online with secure payment (card, Bizum, PayPal) and receive instant confirmation by email and WhatsApp.
Your guarantees:
Scheduled access (without going through the box office, depending on the day's operations).
Direct WhatsApp to the coordinator for any question.
Changes up to 24 h before the visit.
Refund if the ring closes for an unexpected bullfighting event.
Bullfighting season notice: during the April Fair (15–30 April) and San Miguel (late September), visits end at 15:00 because of afternoon corridas. Book the first slots of the morning.
Capacity is a maximum of 25 people per slot. The original Goyas are visited in controlled groups for conservation reasons.
Book your guided tour
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