Basilica de la Macarena, Seville
Exterior of the Basilica de la Macarena in Seville.
The beautiful statue of La Macarena, on her float for Semana Santa.
Side view of La Macarena during Semana Santa.
Location map and aerial view of Basilica de la Macarena. For a larger interactive view, see our Seville Map.
On the northern tier of central Seville, the Basilica de la Macarena possesses the most revered image in Seville, "The Virgin of Hope" (Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza) which locals call La Macarena.
La Macarena is the patron saint of matadors and a favorite of Spanish gypsies. The Seville-born matador Joselito spent a large portion of his fortune to buy four emeralds for her statue. When he died in the ring in 1920, the Macarena dressed as a widow for a month.
The statue of La Macarena is attributed to the sculptor Pedro Roldán and thought to date from the end of the 17th century. Seated in a place of honor in the basilica, the beautiful Madonna statue is dressed in magnificent robes and jewels. Five teardrops run permanently down her elegant cheeks.
Each year on Good Friday, the holiest day of Semana Santa, the fraternity dedicated to La Macarena appears in procession, leading her image through the city streets in mourning for the death of her son.
The basilica also houses a treasury displaying rare ecclesiastical relics.
Getting There
The church is best approached on foot or by taxi going along the outer ring from Colón to Torneo to Resolano Andueza.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Basilica de la Macarena |
| Location: | Seville, Andalusia, Spain |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Dedication: | Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Hope) |
| Categories: | Churches; Catholic Shrines |
| Date: | 17th century (statue) |
| Status: | active |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Puerta de la Macarena, La Macarena, Seville, Spain |
| Coordinates: | 37.402393° N, 5.989265° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Phone: | 95-490-18-00 |
| Opening hours: | Basilica: daily 9am-1pm and 5-8pm Treasury: daily 9:30am-1pm and 5-8pm |
| Cost: | Basilica: free; treasury: €3 |
Travel Resources
- Seville Map - our detailed interactive map of Seville, plus hand-picked links to more
- Seville Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Seville Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Seville
- Seville Car Rentals - enjoy more travel freedom by picking up a car in Seville
Article Sources
- Personal visit (April 3, 2007).
- Basilica de la Macarena - Frommers.com
- The Rough Guide to Spain 11
(2004), 304.
Last updated on January 5, 2010.
