Neighbourhoods · Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz quarter: what to see and a walking route

Seville’s old Jewish quarter, beside the Alcázar: alleys, orange-tree squares and a look that owes as much to the Middle Ages as to the 20th century.

By María Ramírez, Official Tourist Guide · Reviewed on 25 September 2026

The Santa Cruz quarter was Seville’s Jewish quarter after 1248. Today it is a maze of alleys and squares beside the Alcázar and the Cathedral. Walk it in about an hour: Plaza de Doña Elvira, Callejón del Agua, Plaza de Santa Cruz and the Venerables.

Essential history

Date	Milestone
1248	After the Castilian conquest, the area beside the Alcázar is assigned as the Jewish quarter.
1391	The assault on the Jewish quarter destroys much of Seville’s Jewish community.
1492	The expulsion of the Jews closes that chapter for good.
17th century	The Hospital de los Venerables, the quarter’s Baroque gem, is founded.
1810	During the French occupation, the church of Santa Cruz is demolished.
Early 20th century	The quarter is renovated and beautified ahead of the 1929 Exposition.

What defines the quarter

For more than a century Santa Cruz was Seville’s Jewish quarter, with its synagogues and its own enclosure. After the assault of 1391 the community disappeared and the synagogues became churches. The following centuries brought noble houses, convents and hospitals.

In the early 20th century the quarter was renovated and beautified through the eyes of the time, partly with the 1929 Exposition in mind. Much of its «old» charm — tiles, ironwork, little squares — dates from then. Knowing this takes nothing away: it adds another layer.

Suggested walking route

About 60–75 minutes at a gentle pace. Start next to the Giralda.

Calle Mateos GagoThe way in, with the Giralda behind you.
Plaza de los VenerablesA Baroque hospital and one of the most harmonious squares.
Plaza de Doña ElviraOrange trees, tiled benches and shade.
Callejón del AguaAlong the Alcázar wall.
Plaza de Santa CruzSite of the church that held Murillo’s tomb.

Editorial map. The quarter’s streets are easy to walk.

Five places explained

Hospital de los Venerables
Founded in the 17th century to house elderly priests, it is one of the city’s great Baroque ensembles.
Calle Susona
Named after the legend of a young woman who betrayed her family for love. A tile recalls the story.
Callejón del Agua
It runs along the Alcázar wall, where the palace’s water pipes once passed.
Plaza de Santa Cruz
The church of Santa Cruz stood here until it was demolished in the early 19th century. Murillo was buried inside; his remains were never recovered.
Murillo Gardens
At the edge of the quarter, by the wall, a green space to rest after the walk.

When to go

Early morningEmpty streets and good light for photos.
At duskLess heat, lamps lit and more quiet.
MiddayCoincides with the Alcázar and Cathedral queues: the quarter is busiest.

Mistakes and clichés

Assuming it is all medievalMuch of what you see comes from the 20th-century renovation.
Sticking to the main streetThe best is in the alleys leading off it.
Forgetting people live hereRespect courtyards, doorways and residents’ rest.