Torre de los Perdigones & Camera Obscura Seville
Seville's historic Ballpoint Tower, now a unique camera obscura offering 360° city views and a glimpse into industrial heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Torre de los Perdigones & Camera Obscura Seville
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seville's historic Ballpoint Tower, now a unique camera obscura offering 360° city views and a glimpse into industrial heritage.
"A unique perspective on Seville, but check hours carefully!"
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Many visitors report finding the tower closed unexpectedly. Double-check current hours online or by calling ahead.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to reach the top for the best views and camera obscura experience. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Camera Obscura Experience
Top of the tower
Witness a live, panoramic view of Seville projected onto a screen using a clever optical device.
Industrial Heritage
Base of the tower
Explore the history of the 'Ballpoint Factory' and its unique manufacturing process.
City Views from Above
Observation deck
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Seville, a unique vantage point over the city.
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours Before You Go
Ascend for Panoramic Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Many visitors report finding the tower closed unexpectedly. Double-check current hours online or by calling ahead.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to reach the top for the best views and camera obscura experience. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the top are spectacular. Don't forget your camera to capture the cityscape. :camerawithflash:
💡 Learn About its History
The tower's past as a ballpoint factory is fascinating. Read up on its industrial heritage before you visit. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Many visitors report finding the tower closed unexpectedly. Double-check current hours online or by calling ahead.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to reach the top for the best views and camera obscura experience. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the top are spectacular. Don't forget your camera to capture the cityscape. :camerawithflash:
💡 Learn About its History
The tower's past as a ballpoint factory is fascinating. Read up on its industrial heritage before you visit. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the unique camera obscura experience and the stunning panoramic views of Seville from the tower. However, many reviews highlight significant issues with inconsistent opening hours and unexpected closures, leading to frustration for those who travel to visit.
"Located in the San Gil neighborhood of Seville, next to the Barqueta Bridge, the main access to Expo '92, the Torre de Perdigones - Cámara Oscura (Ballpoint Tower) is a tower that was part of the old San Francisco de Paula factory, popularly known as the Fábrica de Perdigones (Ballpoint Factory).
As its name suggests, the factory was one of the many foundries that existed in the city and was fully dedicated to the manufacture of ballpoint (a task carried out in the tower), bullets, and sheet zinc for the production of zinc tubs, very famous in their time. Built in 1885, it was owned by Manuel Mata.
Ballpoint was manufactured by melting lead in a furnace and, using large ladles, pouring it into sieves of different calibers (depending on the size of the ballpoint). The windows, which let in air, did the rest: due to the effect of gravity, the ballpoints fell like rain. Around the time of Expo '92, it was restored thanks to a well-known department store that subsidized the project, and in August 2005, it was restored again thanks to the City Council.
It was inaugurated as a camera obscura in 2007, one of the few existing camera obscuras in the world, allowing a view of the city from a height of 45 meters, almost half the height of the Giralda."
restitutio integrum
"2024. View of the entire city. Edit February 2025 Unfortunately, the facility is closed in February. No information. The entrance is filthy and dirty. It's clear there's no human presence. I just wasted my time."
Karol Kopeć
"It's a site that could attract quite a few visitors if it were open, given its location and location, whether for individual visits or small groups, or for school trips.
But, like everything, the decline and political disinterest are evident."
Miguel Ángel García Tomás
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Torre de los Perdigones is located in the San Gil neighborhood, near the Barqueta Bridge. You can reach it by public bus, with several lines stopping nearby. Walking from the city center is also feasible, offering a pleasant stroll along the Guadalquivir River. :bus: :walking:
Street parking in the San Gil neighborhood can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or consider a nearby parking garage if you are driving. :car:
Many visitors suggest approaching from the Barqueta Bridge for a good view of the tower and its surroundings. The walk along the river is also scenic. :river:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on ticket prices can be inconsistent. It's best to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing. :ticket:
Opening hours have been reported as unreliable, with some visitors finding the tower closed even during advertised times. Always confirm current hours before your visit. :clock:
It's advisable to check if advance ticket purchase is available, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and avoid potential disappointment. :computer:
The tower involves climbing stairs to reach the camera obscura and viewing platforms. Accessibility for individuals with mobility issues may be limited. :wheelchair:
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the top are the main draw for photographers. Capture the cityscape, the Guadalquivir River, and the surrounding neighborhoods. :camerawithflash:
Photography inside the camera obscura itself might be restricted to preserve the experience for others. Check for any signage or ask staff for guidance. :noentrysign:
Late morning or early afternoon often provides good natural light for clear, vibrant photos of the city. Golden hour light can also be beautiful if the tower is open. :sunriseovermountains:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware that the tower involves numerous stairs, which might be challenging for very young children or strollers. It's also essential to confirm opening hours beforehand, as unexpected closures have been reported, which could lead to disappointment for eager young explorers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While the camera obscura itself might have restrictions on photography, the observation deck is ideal for capturing stunning cityscapes. Consider visiting during the late morning or early afternoon for optimal natural light. The industrial architecture of the tower itself also presents interesting photographic subjects. :camerawithflash:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Industrial Past: From Ballpoints to Views
After the factory ceased operations, the tower stood abandoned for a period. Fortunately, it was restored, notably around the time of Expo '92 and again in 2005 by the City Council. This preservation effort transformed it from a relic of the past into a modern attraction, allowing visitors to connect with Seville's manufacturing heritage while enjoying contemporary experiences.
Today, the tower serves a dual purpose: it houses a camera obscura and offers a spectacular observation deck. This transformation underscores how historical structures can be repurposed to offer new perspectives and educational opportunities, blending the old with the new.
Experiencing the Camera Obscura
Visitors can observe the bustling streets, the flow of traffic, and the architectural details of the city as they unfold in real-time. The experience is akin to looking through a giant, living photograph. It provides an intimate and detailed view that might be missed from a standard panoramic viewpoint.
While the camera obscura offers an incredible visual experience, it's important to note that the tower's operational hours can be inconsistent. Some reviews mention finding the facility closed unexpectedly, so verifying opening times is crucial to ensure you don't miss out on this unique attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit