Visitors to Plaza de España, the highlight of the southern Spanish city of Seville, could soon pay an entrance fee.
The lavishly decorated attraction has become popular after featuring twice in the Star Wars film franchise, once in 1999 in Episode I – The Phantom Menace and again in Episode II – Attack of the Clones, released in 2002.
Thousands of international visitors flock to the square daily, exploring on foot or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. The Plaza is also at the heart of city life, hosting concerts, fashion shows and plays for local residents.
“We are planning to close the Plaza de España and charge tourists to finance its conservation and ensure its safety,” Seville’s Mayor, José Luis Sanz, wrote on X last week.
The post was accompanied by images of broken tiles and rubbish discarded on the ground, reports euronews.com.
Sanz did not disclose how much the fee would be or when it would be introduced, but said the income would help pay for maintenance and conservation of the structure and 24-hour surveillance of the square.
