Royal Tobacco Factory
Real Fábrica de Tabacos
One of Europe's largest industrial buildings in the 18th century, and the tobacco factory where Carmen worked in the opera. It now serves as the main building of the University of Seville.
The tobacco factory was built between 1728 and 1770 and was once one of Europe's largest industrial buildings, where thousands of women rolled cigarettes. Mérimée's novella and Bizet's opera Carmen are set against this backdrop. Since the 1950s, it has housed the university's rectorate and the Faculty of Arts. Its Baroque gate, moat and several courtyards are free to enter, mainly on weekdays during the academic term. It sits south of the Royal Alcázar and north of Plaza de España, so it is an easy detour.
Opening hours
Weekdays about 08:00–21:00 (during term), free entry
Nearby sights
- General Archive of the Indies
- Real Alcázar of Seville
- Barrio de Santa Cruz
- Hospital de los Venerables
- Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
- Plaza de España, Seville
- Torre del Oro
- María Luisa Park