Sevilla
Cathedral and La Giralda
Moorish Real Alcázar
Bars and bullfighting
Semana Santa (Easter Week)
This lively southern city on the Guadalquivir River combines the glories of Moorish and Christian Spain in its great cathedral and La Giralda, its bell tower, and in the lavishly decorated royal palace of the Real Alcázar.
Visitors also flock to Seville to relish the exciting atmosphere, particularly in the whitewashed streets of the Santa Cruz quarter and, when there’s a fight on, in the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, Spain’s most famous bullring.
Seville is even more animated during the intense celebrations of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the passionate April Fair that follows, when the city hums to the sound of Sevillanas, its own brand of flamenco.
The parade of the Virgin during Semana Santa, Seville
Seville is located in the Southeast of Spain. A provincial capital, seat of the government and parliament of the Comunidad Autónoma de Sevilla (Regional Government). It has more than 700,000 inhabitants, nearly half the population of the whole province. The city of Seville is located on the plain of the Guadalquivir river which crosses the city from North to South. The river can be navigated from Seville all the way to its outlet near Sanlúcar de Barrameda, on the Atlantic coast. In the past the port of Seville played an important role in commerce between Spain and the Americas and it remains today one of the most active river ports of the Iberian peninsula.
The Tartessians were the original founders of Hispalis. Next to this settlement, in 207 B.C., the Romans built Itálica. It was the centre of their Western Mediterranean dominions for seven centuries until the Roman empire was overrun by Northern barbarians at the beginning of the 10th century. The long Moorish occupation of the Iberian peninsula, from 711 A.D. to 1248 A.D., left indelible traces in Seville as in all of Al-Andalus. La Giralda, the tower of an important mosque, is the most well-known of the remaining Islamic monuments. In 1492 Seville played an important role in the discovery and conquest of America. The 17th century was a period of artistic splendour in Seville. Painters such as Velázquez, Murillo and Valdés Leal, and sculptors like Martínez Montañés were born in Seville and left behind important works. The city also assumed an important role in world literature and was the birthplace of the myth of Don Juan. On two occasions in the 20th century Seville has been in the spotlight of the world's attention. In 1929, it hosted the Latin American Exhibition, which left important urban improvements in the city. More recently, Expo 92 reinforced the image of Seville as a modern and dynamic city.
Don't miss out on the tapas. The city is credited with the invention and has more than a thousand bars where the choice of food, is virtually unlimited, from seafood to ham and sausage and from vegetable to cheese. The Sevillians actually make a meal of. them, moving from bar to bar and trying one dish at a time.
The most amazing attractions in Seville
Located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the gorgeous city is one of the largest historical centers in Europe. The southern Spanish capital is well known for its historic churches, lush green gardens, and Moorish palaces. Ideal for travelers who appreciate the glare of history between strolls along narrow streets and relaxing meals at chill-out cafes. Popular destinations include Royal Alcázar of Seville, Setas de Sevilla and iconic Plaza de España.
In Seville you will find some beautiful attractions that you just cannot miss! Places like Seville Cathedral, Alameda De Hercules, and Setas De Sevilla and many more.
Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Seville, Andalusia
11520 square meters
The Cathedral, which was built in Gothic and Renaissance styles and encompasses seven centuries of history, was founded in 1403 on the site of a medieval mosque. It is the world's fourth biggest church and the world's largest Gothic church. Seville Cathedral surpassed Hagia Sophia as the world's biggest cathedral after its completion in the early 16th century, a distinction the Byzantine church had held for almost a thousand years.
Seville cathedral in Seville city of Spain is the largest cathedral in the world. The cathedral has an internal area of 11520 square meters. It is also one of UNESSCO world heritage sites in Spain and third largest church in the world. The cathedral is also the final resting place of great Genoese explorer Christopher Columbus.
The cathedral was built to commemorate the power and wealth of the city. The cathedral was constructed between 1402 and 1528 on the site of Almohad mosque, to mark the power of the city after reconquista of Iberia from Moors. The enormous cathedral was designed by the French architect Rouen Cathedral.
The central nave of the Seville cathedral stands 42 meters in height. The vast interior has grand decoration with gold. One of the major attraction of the cathedral is 45 wooden carved scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. It is the biggest altarpiece in the world. The Seville cathedral also has enormous chapels and choirs The La Giralda, minaret of the Almohad mosque still stand beside the cathedral.
Alameda de Hercules
The Alameda de Hércules is an oval-shaped garden square or mall in Seville, located in Spain. The 480 m long and 80 m wide square is filled with multiple rows of white poplar trees, fountains, benches, lamp posts, and pergolas. It is situated in the northern half of the city's historic district between the Guadalquivir River and the Macarena neighborhood. At one end there are Roman columns with statues of Hercules and Julius Caesar while on the other end there are columns surmounted by statues of lions. It has been renovated and remodeled between 2006 to 2008 and in 2009 is was open to the public.
Setas de Sevilla
Designed by the renowned German architect Jürgen Mayer, it is one of the most iconic attractions in Seville. Comprised of six large, mushroom-shaped parasols, this remarkable structure is truly one-of-a-kind and an architectural marvel worth visiting.
A View of The Bullring The Real Maestranza
The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballera de Sevilla is a bullring in Seville, Spain, with a capacity of 12,000 spectators. One of the most well-known bullfighting events in the world takes place during the annual Seville Fair in Seville. The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballera de Sevilla is a bullring in Seville, Spain, with a capacity of 12,000 spectators. One of the most well-known bullfighting events in the world takes place during the annual Seville Fair in Seville.
Iglesia de San Isidoro
The first Church was erected on the remnants of a temple to the Roman deity Mercury during the pre-Arab period. The monarchs of León founded a convent of Benedictine women on the site in the 10th century. The church was rededicated to Saint Isidore of Seville in 1063. Isidore was the archbishop of Seville and the most distinguished intellectual and theologian of Visigothic Spain before to the Arab invasions.
Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador
This baroque cathedral, which overlooks Plaza del Salvador, was erected between 1674 and 1712 on the site of Muslim Ishbiliya's main mosque. Its Mannerist red-brick front conceals a vast, light-filled interior topped by a towering dome and brimming with lavish gold altarpieces.
Maria Luisa Park
Maria Luisa Park, located in Seville, offers a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors would surely feel at ease since the park features a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Towering orange trees and palms surround the park and numerous flower beds could be seen. Truly the Maria Luisa Park is the perfect place for visitors to just unwind and relax.
Palace of The Countess of Lebrija
Perfect for those who want to learn more about history, the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija is the perfect place to be. It is an old palace built in the 16th centuries and was remodeled over the years. It features an extensive collection of art pieces with major historical significance. Visitors would surely feel as if they are back in the past as the museum features interior designs prevalent in the past.
Giralda
The Giralda is the bell tower of the Cathedral in Seville, Spain. Many centuries ago, it is a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville. It was used to sing and call people for prayers. It was built in Almohad style by architects Ibn Basso and Ali de Gomara. Standing 104.1 m in height it is one of the tallest towers in the world and an iconic symbol of the city as it has been since the Middle Ages. Previously there were four bronze spheres crowed on the tower resembling a unique structure of a mosque, but later they were destroyed. Church bells were placed in the location of the spheres. The tower is a visual image of the past that Catholics overpowered Muslims in Seville.
The Alcazar Gardens
Housed within the Alcázar of Seville, one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the world, the Alcazar Gardens are a visual delight. Featuring several varieties of fragrant flowers and garden orchards with fruit trees, these gardens are so beautiful that they have been featured in several popular movies and TV shows.
Metropol Parasol
The Metropol Parasol is a wooden building located in the old city of Seville, Spain, in La Encarnación plaza. Jürgen Mayer, a German architect, designed it, and it was finished in April 2011. The structure is known as Las Setas de la Encarnación. The four-story urban parasol has become a new landmark in Seville.
General Archive Of The Indies
General Archive of the Indies, located in the ancient merchants' exchange of Seville, Spain, is perfect for those who want to learn more about the history of Spanish empire. This is because it is the repository the country which contains thousands of documents. The place also boasts a captivating architecture that guests would surely love.
Plaza de España
Built in 1928, this breathtaking structure exemplifies Regionalism Architecture (which includes a fusion of elements of the Renaissance Revival, Moorish Revival (Neo-Mudéjar) and the Baroque Revival styles). It is located in the scenic María Luisa Park and draws several thousand visitors each year.
Plaza de America
The Plaza de America, located in the Parque de María Luisa, is flanked by the Museum of Popular Arts to the north, the Archaeological Museum to the south, and the Royal Pavilion to the east. It is a nice, green park and suitable for just about anyone wishing to take a break from the noise and pedestrian traffic of busier places, such as the neighboring Plaza de Espana There are some attractive buildings around this area. It was very lovely with the various ponds and fountains. The flowers and shrubs were nice to look at too, as were the buildings surrounding the plaza. It is largely unshaded so whilst perfect for some January sunshine, may be too hot to linger at in the summer.
The symbolism of the Spanish Steps in Seville
The Spanish Steps were built following a strong symbolism. In fact, its semicircular shape represents the embrace of the motherland towards its former colonies. In addition, the square is oriented toward Guadalquivir, the river that runs through Seville, the place from which the journey to America, i.e., the former colonies, began.
Why there are 48 benches instead of 50
Arranged in a semicircle within the plaza are 48 benches all finely decorated representing the Spanish provinces, which nevertheless number 50. How come? The Canaries were represented with only one bench, because Las Palmas and Santa Cruz did not become provinces until 1927, when the benches were probably already built. Also, there is no Seville bench, but instead there are four busts representing scenes from Seville.
Spanish Steps excludes the Arab-Iberian period
Arab rule in Andalusia (Andalusia comes from the Arabic Al-Andalus, as do all Spanish words beginning with -al) lasted a full eight centuries and left huge furrows throughout the region, including Seville. Four bridges, covered with majolica tiles, representing the Spanish kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, Leon and Navarre, were built within the square. The bridges form a perfect symmetry in the plaza.
The fountain was not included in the original design
The fountain present in the center of the square was not in the original design, but was added in 1928 by Vicente Traver, who was given the direction of the project after the resignation of the architect designated at the beginning, namely Annibale Gonzalez. For many, this fountain broke the lonely feeling of the square, and it was criticized for this.
Flamenco shows every day
One of the most beautiful «attractions» of the Spanish Steps are the street performers, who in the middle of the square or under the arcades give flamenco shows in a unique setting. Many people gather every day to admire the Iberian dance, with one of the most impressive buildings in Europe behind it.
The river is navigable
It is not uncommon to see especially loving couples enjoying a ride on the waterway that runs along the Spanish Steps. At 500 meters long, it is a very romantic situation and perfect for making an impression.
Spanish Steps in the history of cinema
The Andalusian plaza has also been the set of some very successful films. It has been shown in both the Star Wars franchise (2002's Episode II: Attack of the Clones), and also in Lawrence of Arabia (1962).