Lights, Camera, Seville! A Movie Fan’s Dream Destination
03/2022 - Fernando Rey Acevedo
Seville is a city of many faces and names. Throughout history, it has been known as Hisbaal by the Phoenicians, Hispal or Hispalis by the Romans, Išbīliya or Ḥimṣ al-Andalus by the Mozarabs, until finally becoming Sevilla, or Seville as we know it today.
The city, however, has donned other names that may be less historical but that you might recognise. Names such as Naboo, Dorne, and Wadiya. Ring a bell? That’s because Seville is a prime location for movie and TV producers, and some of the most stunning scenes from iconic films and shows were filmed right here. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable!
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Anakin Skywalker and Queen Padme’s love story began on the planet Naboo, among the beautiful arches and columns of the Theed Palace. Now, their love story may not have had the best ending, but if you’re still keen on visiting a galaxy far, far away, you can just pop over to the Plaza España and delight yourself with some out-of-this-world scenery.
Game of Thrones
GoT is probably the most popular show of recent times. All seven (yes, SEVEN) seasons of it kept us all glued to our screens. Remember the beautiful Water Gardens of Dorne, home to House Martell’s ruler, Prince Dorian? Well, it’s right here in the heart of Seville. The Real Alcázar was chosen as the perfect spot for the majestic palace. In fact, many of the show’s most iconic locations were shot in Andalucia, not too far from Seville, and there are even tours that take you to them all.
The Dictator
The 2012 dark comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen tells the story of the more than eccentric dictator of the imaginary Republic of Wadiya. The dictator’s lavish palace was no other than the Plaza España, although, of course, with some digital alterations to match the bizarre leader’s personality.
Lawrence of Arabia
A classic of classics, winner of 7 (7!!!) Oscars and widely considered one of the most influential movies of all time. It tells the story of T. E. Lawrence and his experiences in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The movie was shot mainly in Jordan, but what about Cairo, Jerusalem and Damascus? Yep, they were all Seville. Due to production costs and outbreaks of illness within the crew, the production was moved to southern Spain, where the remnants of the Islamic rule provided the perfect scenery. You can visit the film’s Jerusalem and Damascus in the Maria Luisa Park or explore the palace where Lawrence and General Allenby held their meeting in the Casa de Pilatos. Of course, the Real Alcázar and the Plaza España couldn’t be left out of the movie and provided the perfect scenery for Lawrence’s arrival in Jerusalem, as well as many other scenes.
Mission Impossible 2
Ironically, the only film from this list that was actually supposed to be set in Seville, wasn’t shot in Seville at all. MI2, starring Tom Cruise, was almost entirely filmed in Australia, so if you’re looking for super spies and big explosions, you’ll have to head a lot further South.
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