The Royal Tobacco Factory

The Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville

The Royal Tobacco Factory is an imposing eighteenth-century building, one of the first great industrial buildings in Europe. The Seville audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this monument, made famous by the opera Carmen and become the seat of the university.

From the tobacco factory to the university

The Real Fábrica de Tabacos is the former tobacco factory of Seville, one of the first great industrial building projects in Europe, built in the eighteenth century. Vast and richly arranged, it employed many female workers, the cigarette makers, one of whom inspired the heroine of the opera Carmen. Today, the building houses part of the University of Seville, giving it a new life.

What to see

You admire the imposing eighteenth-century architecture, the courtyards and the façades of the former factory, today a university. The place evokes the industrial past of Seville and the universe of Carmen. It is a stop for lovers of history and architecture, near the María Luisa park.

Practical information

The Royal Tobacco Factory lies in the heart of Seville, near the María Luisa park, reachable on foot. As the building houses the university, access to the public spaces is according to the conditions of the establishment; the façades and some courtyards can be admired during the visit. It is best to enquire before coming.

Why is the Royal Tobacco Factory famous?

It is one of the first great industrial buildings in Europe, made famous by the opera Carmen; it today houses part of the University of Seville.

Where is the Royal Tobacco Factory?

In the heart of Seville, near the María Luisa park.