There are plenty of tapas bars in Seville, but not many of them have a story that’s worth telling.
Cerveceria Giralda is the exception.
Located at 1 Calle Mateos Gago, just a short walk from the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower, this unsuspecting bar blends in with the rest of the tapas places on the street. You wouldn’t know it’s any different until you walk in!
But let’s go back to the beginning.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the building was part of a complex that was used as a hotel. It was at this time that the original fragments and ornaments were hidden. Since 1923 the building was used as a traditional Spanish bar, and from 1934 it carried the name Giralda, as it is today.
In 2007, the change of owners prompted a discovery of documents published in 1956 by a professor at the University of Alexandria, who suggested, after an investigation, that the building is, in fact, a hammam from the 12th century. These were supposed to be the most lavish bath frequented by the Sevillian high society at that time.
It took another 10 years to find the right time and team to undertake the project of uncovering the jewel that hides in the brewery bar. In 2017, the architect Fran Díaz started the work and uncovered several layers of plaster hidden from the view, and uncovering one skylight after another, until all 89 appeared.
Nine centuries after its creation, and after nine months of restoration works, the Hammam is now restored to its former glory.
It’s the best preserved Almohad hammam in the Iberian Peninsula, and if that’s not a great reason to venture in for a refreshing drink, I don’t know what else is!
The original vaulted ceilings are beautifully preserved along with all the skylights and architectural details on the walls. On the crossing from the main room to the smaller one, you will see a small photo depicting the original layout and function of the Hammam (I shared a photo below).
While staying in Seville, I visited Cerveceria Giralda twice, and it was always packed. I haven’t had the pleasure to taste the food, only went out for a drink, but from what I read it must be pretty good.
If you’re visiting Seville, don’t miss out on this gem! Now, the most important thing: photos! =)
I have added details on their opening hours and the location at the end of the post, enjoy!
Source for research of the history: tendencias hoy
Cerveceria Giralda, Seville
Location: Calle Mateos Gago 1, 2 min walk from Giralda Tower
Bookings: recommended for dinner, book here
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, noon to 1am
Menu: check here
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Most Popular Experiences in Seville
Here are some highlights you can experience while staying in Seville.
- Seville Cathedral, Royal Alcazar & Giralda Entrance with a Guided Tour – skip the line entrance for both locations, save a lot of time and enjoy an informative guided tour.
- Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower Skip Line Tickets Only – save a ton of time with these skip-the-line tickets (no tour guide)
- Entry Ticket to Royal Alcazar Only – buy online and skip the line at the gates
- Guadalquivir River City Cruise – enjoy the stunning views and historic bridges on a city cruise.
- Casa de Memoria Flamenco Show – Seville’s most celebrated Flamenco show, in an authentic setting.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.
