22
SOLTIMES JANUARY 2013
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
THE SPAINIAC | Plaza de España (Seville) | Candice Parsons
Until physically facing the building up close, the grandiosity of Plaza de España lies almost hidden on the edge of Parque de María Luisa’s lush and leafy gardens. With its construction beginning in 1914 and design overseen by Sevillian architect Aníbal González, the Renaissance/neo-Moorish styled landmark was built specifically as the centerpiece of the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 (‘Expo 29’). Located next to Avenida Isabella La Catolica, Plaza de España was designed to showcase both the industrial and craft talents of Seville. The initial idea was that this presence and hosting of the world Expo would enhance and modernize the image
of the city, and thus increase its civil works, employment and international relationships. Due to the outbreak of both World War I and political issues between Spain and Morocco, the completion of the site was delayed. Its progress also faced aesthetic criticisms and financial difficulties caused from Seville’s poor economic status during the construction period. In 1926 Gonzalez resigned from his position in the project and was replaced by Vincente Taverner, who oversaw its final completion in 1928. Taverner added the central fountain to the site, where King Alfonso XIII
inaugurated Expo 29. Today, Plaza de España houses government offices and the regional army’s general office. Measuring 50, 000 square metres, the plaza covers the size equivalent to five football pitches. The two tall towers at each end, connected by a long and curved colonnaded gallery structure, all echo a majestic awe within and throughout the whole site. Known as the ‘Venice of Seville’, Plaza de España is surrounded by a 500-meter canal with four bridge crossings, all intricately decorated with ceramic tiles. Small rowing boats can also be rented along the canal for around five euros per 45 minutes, or the motorboat, Enriqueta, for nine euros. The curved wall following along the canal holds 48 alcoves; of which each of their benches represent the different provinces of Spain. The alcoves boast relevant tableau and maps, illustriously designed using colorful azulejos. Over the decades, Plaza de España has been used as a filming location for several movies, including Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia, and more recently, The Dictator with Sasha Baron-Cohen. As both an emblematic site of Seville, and a significant representative for Spain and Spanish history, Plaza de España is a landmark not to be missed in this city. Candice Parsons is a writer and avid Spain and Spanish culture lover from Melbourne, Australia. ‘Like’ my Facebook page: www.facebook. com/pandemicrhapsody and follow me on Twitter @MiLlamoCandi
LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR
If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com
Q: I have heard that a new law has been passed that is going to permit the obtention of title deeds for many of the “illegal houses in the Almanzora Valley” What you have heard about is a new law passed in February of last year. This law has indeed established different certifications that town halls can issue depending on the situation of a property with ought a building license, and which under certain circumstances will offer access to a title deed to the house and access to the property register (this will not be the solution to all illegal properties). These documents are going to have a cost attached to them. (Which could vary between 2 and 5% of the building cost of the property depending on the town hall). Many town halls have not decided yet on the percentage that they will be charging. In addition most town halls will not issue these certificates until they have established the exact situation themselves of all the properties built with ought a license in their territory. Not all illegal houses are the same and not all town halls and registrars will interpret the norm in the same way (specially at this early stage). We suggest consulting how the law may affect your particular situation as soon as possible
CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEFICIT: TAX AUTHORITIES ARE HOT AT COLLECTING NON- RESIDENT INCOME TAX
(Do not confuse with your rates /IBI which are generally paid by direct debit) Do not forget that if you are a non-resident of Spain (and you are making no income). You must present a non-resident income tax return every year. It is obligatory, and if you are not doing so you must start. If you wish to receive a full explanation about this tax, please email me and I will send you the article... Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.