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The oldest bullfighting arena is the La Real Maestranza of Seville. Construction of the La Real Maestranza commenced in the year 1761 by the architect Vincente San Martin, on a square wooden plaza which was the remnants of the former bullring. The work was completed in 1881 by Juan Talavera de la Vega. Thus the construction took more than a century to be completed and had the inputs of many architects.
The annexe house of the bullring was completed by Anibal Gonzalez and in 1928 it came to be used as the central office of the Maestranza. The bullfighting arena is located on the Christopher Columbus Promenade which is also recognized as the Flea Market Square. It formerly used to be a flea market where pledges were exchanged by the travelers and sailors.
While it is normal for most of the bullrings to be circular in shape, the Maestranza is oval. Bullfighting is an integral part of Spanish culture which is carried on with all the attendant pomp, tradition ceremony and romanticism. So even if one is not an ardent fan of bullfighting it is worthwhile to pay a visit to the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza for its architecture and to get an insight in the history of Spanish bullfighting. While inspecting the bullring one cannot miss the survey of the four gates. The Prince’s Balcony designed by Cayento de Acosta requires mention for the sculptural work. Below this is the impressive Iron Gate designed by Pedro Roldan. The bullfighters consider it as a prized achievement to walk through this door.
The tour of the bullring also includes the infirmary, the chapel and a well done museum. The bull fighters offer their last prayers in the chapel before the commencement of the bullfight. An operating table is ready in the hospital room to treat those who get injured in the bullfight. The museum is the best place to gain knowledge of the history of bullfighting as a national festival. It showcases photographs, posters, trophies, attire of renowned bullfighters besides objects of interest used in bullfighting. The exhibits include a cape done by Picasso.
There is an interesting shop with souvenirs and many mementoes which is worth visiting. The Feria de Abril in Sevilla , a world-renowned bullfighting festival takes place annually in the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza. On the whole it is exciting to see the arena covered with ochre sand and from above the bright sun blazing forth in the blue sky making the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza a fitting venue to watch the traditional bullfighting in Sevilla.
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