Sierpes Street

Welcome to Calle Sierpes, one of Seville’s main shopping streets.This narrow pedestrian street is one of the busiest and most popular spots in the city. It’s lined with elegant old-fashioned shops, lively café terraces, local boutiques and international brands. From June, large white canopies are stretched above the street to offer shade from the sun. The name Sierpes, which means “serpents,” comes from a local legend. According to the tale, a monstrous snake once lurked here, snatching and devouring children. A prisoner named Melchior Quintana—locked up in a nearby jail—was said to have earned his freedom by slaying the beast. That prison really did exist, and it once held none other than Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. He began writing his masterpiece behind those very walls. Today, Sierpes Street plays a central role in Seville’s famous Semana Santa, or Holy Week. All of the city’s major religious processions pass through here—so depending on the timing, it’s up to you whether you want to be in the thick of it… or find a quieter route!