Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla — Attraction in Seville

I'm not getting into the morality of the killing itself.

But this was grotesque.

1 confused bull, about 6 guys agitating it and hiding behind cover if the bull came close, before the 'star' struts in with the pretentious poise of a ballerina and radiating with smugness, groin thrust forward to show off his manliness to the applause of suited and booted young teanage boys who could be the face of a 'Make Spain Great Again' movement.

The first blood is drawn by a mounted guy with a spear, horse armoured as it can't dodge out the way like the men, before the gang proceed to get some six odd spikes into the bull for more blood.

No real danger for the men involved - we witnessed one getting knocked down and carried off by his cohort, honestly I was kinda hoping for a fatality to give some balance for the bull, but I could see more grin on his face over the attention, than blood on his tight little glittery outfit.

Not remotely a sport, and only as much an art as you could call a group kicking someone curled up on the floor a martial art.

Just group-machismo bullying by an armed and armoured pack against a lone, unarmoured and unarmed beast without the intellect to understand what was going on.

Apparently they don't even eat the bull after? What a complete waste.

If you like watching a gang taunt and murder an innocent this is for you.

I'd gone to witness a cultural thing but left genuinely repulsed a couple of rounds in. It was not a fight and shouldn't be called bull fighting.

Bull-baiting or bull-bullying would be more accurate.

There was no adrenaline, there was no excitement as you watch the slow unfolding of the inevitable.

Worst yet, the crowd where chatting away throughout, this was just a background to their social lives. Even the star matador sometimes seemed to lose interest and go have a chat ringside while his fluffers/toreadors stepped in momentarily to run the bull in a few more circles before the 'big' guy took over again.

A pretentious display of pretend machismo by a bunch of cruel sadists in sparkly outfits who have not matured, just grown, from ripping wings of flies as they did as children.

I could see the appeal if it was 1 lone matador with no cover if things went wrong vs a steroid-ripped bull full of 'roid-rage. That would be a fight, that would be sport. But alas, it was a pretentious display of very real toxicity but pretend masculinity.

How is this still legal in the eu? Elephants in circuses were better treated yet still banned decade's ago.

Anyone actively involved in this, should be volunteered to the front line Ukraine. If they returned it would be as a real man with a distaste for blood and if they didn't I would only be sad it wasn't at the hands or...

A Deep Dive into Spanish Tradition – Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, Seville

The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza in Seville is not just a bullring — it’s a living museum of Spanish heritage, architecture, and tradition. As one of the oldest and most iconic bullrings in Spain, it offers visitors a rich, nuanced insight into the country’s complex relationship with bullfighting, artistry, and cultural identity.

The architecture is striking. Built in the 18th century, the arena features beautiful Baroque styling and can hold over 12,000 spectators. Its white and yellow façade stands out against Seville’s vibrant skies, and the interior is equally majestic, with tiered seating, ornate details, and an oval-shaped ring that adds a unique charm.

Visitors can explore the on-site museum, which provides a thoughtful and detailed look into the history of bullfighting, including traditional costumes, paintings, and artifacts from legendary matadors. Whether you support bullfighting or not, the museum offers historical context and invites reflection on its evolution and significance in Spanish culture.

Guided tours are available in multiple languages and include access to the arena floor, the royal box, and even the chapel where matadors gather before entering the ring. The guides are knowledgeable and respectful, providing a balanced view of both the art and the controversy surrounding bullfighting.

Overall, the Real Maestranza is a must-visit in Seville for anyone interested in Spanish history, architecture, and culture. It’s a place that offers perspective — a glimpse into a centuries-old tradition that continues to provoke admiration, debate, and curiosity.

4.5 stars – A culturally enriching and thought-provoking experience in the...

Olé! Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza is a real site to see in Seville! We walked right in and bought tickets at the little desk in the entrace way-no lines, no advance purchase and we even somehow ended up with the place almost entirely to ourselves! The visit began in a small but captivating museum, where I was in awe immediately the matador costumes. The detail is extraordinary! Intricate embroidery and design, colors and sparkle! They were definitely the highlight of the museum demanding attention. I didn’t realize being in the Bullring as a matador was also part putting on a fashion show! The artwork was also very interesting to see different stories told in paintings and drawings. And then… the bullring. Surreal doesn’t even cover it! Standing on the golden sand, looking up at the tiers of stone, I felt transformed back in time walking through the big arches. We climbed all the way to the top, right near the royal section, imagining the view the spectators had centuries ago. A few people below were reenacting matador poses for photos and I couldn’t help but laugh at the extreme difference of past and present day.

So much has changed, yet the energy here is alive and undeniable! The thought that I was standing in the very heart of a Spanish bullring in Seville gave me chills. It was one of those moments in life where you step back and say "How cool is this?!!" So glad I made...