Arte Sacro in Three Acts

You go behind the scenes in two of three workshops to see how Seville artisans use centuries-old techniques to produce exquisite pieces for religious events and rituals. Bordado (embroidery): Visit the workshop of a renowned artisan to witness the meticulous creation of ceremonial vestments and regalia for processions of the fraternities in southern Spain, mainly centred around Semana Santa (Holy Week). Orfebrería (silversmithing): You meet a highly skilled orfebrero and learn about the stages of creating elaborate embossed pieces such as candlesticks and decorative panels for pasos (floats), which carry the religious statues in Semana Santa processions — all worked by hand. Imaginería (wood sculptures): Seville is famous for the quality of its extraordinarily lifelike statues. You visit a sculptor who creates religious imaginería in wood and clay, including for the tableaux of Christ's Way of the Cross. Which two of the three you visit depends on the artisans' availability.

Seville's Holy Week is one of the most extraordinary religious festivals in Europe, but almost nobody sees where any of it is made. These workshops are not open to the public or for tourist demonstrations — the artisans work on real commissions for the religious brotherhoods. Getting inside requires the right contacts, which Fiona has built over years of writing about Andalusian craft. Fiona interprets and translates as needed, and provides the historical and religious context that lets you understand the artistry you're seeing. Somewhere along the way, you'll stop at a local café to share stories over coffee and a tapa. The workshops run year-round, though the atmosphere shifts with the calendar; busier and more urgent in the months before Semana Santa, quieter after, when the focus turns to restoration and the following year's plans. Depending on availability, Fiona will pre-confirm the workshops you're visiting prior to the date.

Fiona Flores Watson is an English writer and translator who has lived in Seville for 20 years. She has written extensively about the city's gastronomy, history, and culture for publications such as Condé Nast Traveller, the Telegraph and Food & Travel, and co-authored a guidebook on Andalucia for Lonely Planet. She loves introducing visitors to the little-known heritage crafts of Andalucia — the same traditions that inspired the 2022 fiesta-themed Dior Cruise Collection, presented spectacularly in Seville.

This is a walking tour on cobbled streets — comfortable shoes are essential. In summer, bring water; Seville runs very hot from June through September.

Guided tour with rare access to two out of three artisan workshops specializing in embroidery, silversmithing, and religious sculpture. Insight into centuries-old techniques used in Semana Santa processional art. Personal interactions with master artisans in their working studios. A stop for coffee and a tapa during the experience.