Triana, Seville

The iconic Puente de Triana (Triana Bridge)

Triana is a neighborhood in the city of Seville, Spain, across the river Guadalquivir from the center, and in fact the majority, of the city. Triana shares what is effectively an island (sitting between two arms of the Guadalquivir except for a narrow strip to the north where it is canalized under the ground) with Los Remedios to the south and Cartuja to the north. The island is also named Isla de la Cartuja, and has been home to human settlement since before the Romans colonized Hispalis (Seville).

Traditionally, residents of Triana consider the neighborhood to be an entity separate from the rest of Seville, as a result of its popular sense of identity. In reality, Triana forms an integral part of Seville, its culture, and its tradition. Triana is sometimes credited with the invention of flamenco music, and while that is a weak claim, it has certainly been home to a number of flamenco dynasties, usually of Gypsy origin. A more solid claim would be one linking Triana to the development of Sevillanas, which is a dance and music genre native to Seville and popular throughout western Andalusia.

Triana has traditionally housed a large population of Gitanos (Roma), usually living in the old corral style communal homes. This image of Triana, however, is no longer accurate. Calle Betis, for example, is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the province, and indeed in the region as a whole, and much of the neighborhood is considerably well-to-do.

Monuments and Points of Interest

• Iglesia de Santa Ana, this parish, which dates to 1280, is the oldest in Seville and was founded by the order of Alfonso X.
• Iglesia de San Jacinto, built by the architect Matías de Figueroa, dates to 1775.
• Convento de San Jacinto, established in 1676 by the Order of the Dominicans.
• Restos del Castillo de San Jorge located beneath the Triana Market, on Plaza Altozano. It was the seat of the Inquisition from 1481.
• Puente de Triana, popular name for Puente Isabel II, spans the Guadalquivir, constructed in 1845 and 1852 by Gustavo Steinacher, Ferdinand Bennetot.
• Cerámica Santa Ana, located on Calle San Jorge, has housed one of the longest-running ceramic factories, since 1870.