How long does it take to walk the Isla de la Cartuja route?

A full walk takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. The distance is roughly 4-5 kilometers, so allow extra time if you plan to enter the museums or gardens.

What is the best walking tour in La Cartuja?

A self-guided walking route focusing on the transformation from the monastery to the Expo 92 site is ideal. This allows you to explore at your own pace without the constraints of a group.

Is the area safe to walk alone?

Generally yes, but it can be very quiet during the day and even quieter at night. It is recommended to explore during daylight hours when students and office workers are around.

Can I see the Expo 92 pavilions today?

Many pavilions still stand, though most have been converted into offices or university buildings. This walking route passes several major remaining structures.

What should I bring for this walk?

Sun protection is vital as the island is very open. Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and a fully charged phone for your audio guide.

Is this walk suitable for children?

It can be long for small children, but the Jardín Americano and the wide-open spaces are great for families. The Pavilion of Navigation also has interactive maritime exhibits.

How do I get back to Seville city center from the end of the walk?

From Torre Sevilla, you can take the C1 or C2 bus, or simply walk 15 minutes across the bridge into the Triana neighborhood.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the crowded historic center of Seville and cross the river to Isla de la Cartuja, a unique island where 15th-century monastic silence meets the bold optimism of the 1992 Universal Exposition. This self-guided walk explores one of the city's most fascinating transformations, taking you through a landscape of avant-garde bridges, lush botanical gardens, and historical monuments that have been repurposed for the modern age. The route begins at the iconic Alamillo Bridge, a masterpiece of structural engineering that redefined the city's skyline, and leads you through the heart of the Expo 92 site. As you follow this walking route, you will discover how a former Carthusian monastery—once a retreat for Christopher Columbus—became a world-renowned ceramics factory and eventually the Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art. The island is a living museum of late 20th-century architecture, featuring pavilions that showcase the creative heights of international design. You will explore the Jardín Americano, a quiet green oasis filled with exotic species brought to Spain for the world's fair, and conclude your journey at the base of the Sevilla Tower, the city's first true skyscraper. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those interested in the intersection of history and modernity. While many visitors stick to the Giralda and the Alcázar, this audio walk offers a deeper look at Seville’s contemporary identity. You will learn about the massive urban planning project that redirected the Guadalquivir River and prepared the city for the global stage. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this self-guided adventure provides the context needed to understand Seville's evolution from a colonial gateway to a modern European hub. Because the island is vast and open, this route allows for a peaceful, independent exploration far from the typical tourist trails.

Highlights

Marvel at the harp-like design of Santiago Calatrava’s Alamillo Bridge

Walk through the Jardín Americano, home to over 350 exotic plant species

Discover the monastery where Christopher Columbus planned his voyages

See the striking architecture of the Pavilion of Navigation

Witness the contrast between historic kilns and the modern Sevilla Tower

Tour Stops (6)

Alamillo Bridge

Welcome to the northern gateway of Isla de la Cartuja. Standing before you is the Puente del Alamillo, designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava for the 1992 Universal Exposition. This bridge isn't just a way to cross the water; it's a structural revolution. It is a cable-stayed bridge with a single pylon, tilted at 58 degrees to counterbalance the weight of the 200-meter span without the need for back stays. At the time of its construction, it was a symbol of the 'New Spain'—forward-looking, daring, and technologically advanced. From here, you can see how the bridge acts as a focal point for the city's northern expansion, connecting the old city with the once-isolated island.

Puente de la Barqueta

As you move south along the riverbank, you encounter the Puente de la Barqueta. While the Alamillo Bridge is about height and tension, the Barqueta is about the elegance of the arch. Originally built in a workshop and floated down the river into position, this bridge served as the main entrance for visitors arriving at the Expo from the city center. Its name comes from the 'Barqueta' gate that once stood in the city walls nearby. Notice the large suspended deck; the design allows for completely unobstructed views of the river, symbolizing the transparency and openness that the 1992 world's fair aimed to project to the international community.

Jardín Americano

Take a moment to enjoy the shade of the Jardín Americano. This botanical garden was created specifically for Expo 92 as a tribute to the plants of the New World. It contains over 350 species, many of which were gifts from American nations. As you wander the paths, you are walking through a living legacy of the age of exploration. The garden was neglected for many years after the Expo but was beautifully restored in 2010. It represents the 'green' ambition of the island, providing a habitat for local birdlife and a cooling microclimate against the intense Seville sun. It’s a peaceful transition point between the technical bridges and the historic monastery ahead.

Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo

You are now at the Monasterio de la Cartuja, perhaps the most layered site on the island. Founded in the 15th century, these walls have seen Carthusian monks in silent prayer and served as a retreat for Christopher Columbus. In the 19th century, an Englishman named Charles Pickman bought the abandoned monastery and turned it into a world-famous ceramics factory. You can still see the iconic bottle-shaped brick kilns rising into the sky alongside the Gothic chapel. Today, it houses the CAAC, Seville’s contemporary art museum. This site perfectly encapsulates the theme of our walk: the constant reinvention of space where the medieval, the industrial, and the modern coexist.

Pabellón de la Navegación

Looking toward the river again, you see the Pavilion of Navigation. Designed by architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra, this building was one of the most popular attractions during Expo 92. Its sleek, metallic roof resembles the hull of a ship, a nod to Seville's golden age as the monopoly port for trade with the Americas. The pavilion was designed to tell the story of maritime exploration, from the first wooden caravels to modern oceanic research. Even if you don't enter the museum today, take a moment to admire the Schindler Tower nearby—the slender observation deck that offers one of the best perspectives of the river's original path.

Sevilla Tower

Your journey ends at the base of the Torre Sevilla, designed by César Pelli. Standing 180 meters tall, it is the tallest building in Andalusia. Its construction was highly controversial, as many feared it would overshadow the historic Giralda tower across the river. However, it now serves as the anchor for the southern end of the island, housing offices, a hotel, and a shopping center. It represents the final chapter in the island's transformation: the shift from a temporary fairground into a permanent business and cultural district. From here, you are just a short walk across the Isabel II bridge back into the heart of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it offers a fascinating contrast to Seville's traditional center. It is the best place to see modern architecture, the legacy of Expo 92, and the historic Carthusian Monastery.