Royal Tobacco Factory (Real Fábrica de Tabacos)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Popular with Locals,
Monument - Historical
To look up - and up - at the Real Fábrica de Tabacos is to get a sense of the scale of Seville's tobacco industry in the 18th century. This is one of the largest buildings in Spain (only El Escorial tops it in terms of surface area). It's used as a university building now, but you can still walk around it.
The reason most people visit is to get a vision of Bizet's doomed heroine, Carmen. This building is where she worked and these doors are where she lounged, fresh from rolling cigars on her thighs, to ensnare her lovers.
Carmen's wraith may be compelling, but the wraiths of the real cigar workers - nearly all of them women - also clamor for attention, as do the colonially themed bas-reliefs on the outside of the building.
Latest Reviews
Review by donald.waskett, December 2012
Doing what: Seville City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
My husband is in a wheelchair so it was good that we could see as much of the city as possible with out me having to push him around
Review by Agi M, October 2012
Doing what: Seville City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Excellent, a good way to get to know a new city. Drivers were always helpful and courteous.
Review by Lynda B, March 2012
Doing what: Seville City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
This tour is a fantastic way of getting your bearings when you first arrive in Seville. It takes around an hour and we found it best to stay on for the whole trip, from wherever you pick up the bus, and then go around again, getting on and off where you want to. The commentary is excellent.
Practical Info
The Real Fabrica de Tabacos lies to the south of the Alcázar's gardens.
