Seville was important in Phoenician times and favoured by the Romans. It continued as the major city of southern Spain under the Visigoths. It fell to the Moors in 712 and became a prominent centre for culture and commerce. After a drawn out siege it was captured by the Christians in 1248. Some 300,000 Moors are reputed to have fled the city following it’s capture. Seville entered its greatest period of prosperity with the discovery of the Americas and was the main trading port with the new colonies. In 1718 a sandbar closed the port to shipping and Seville went into a steady decline. The French sacked the city in 1810. Throughout the civil war Seville was held by the Nationalists. Today Seville is both capital to the province and the region of Andalucia. Standing on the river Guadalquiver, which connects it to the Atlantic, it has returned to be a port of note accessible to ocean going vessels. Exports include minerals, cork, fruit, olives and wines. Armanents, chemicals, explosives, machinary, perfume, pharmaceuticals, porcelain, textiles and tobacco are all manufactured locally. It is a major cultural and tourist centre. Seville has kept much of its Moorish aspect and one of the world’s largest cathedrals occupies the site of a former mosque. The Giralda tower and the court of oranges remain from the original Moorish structure. You will also find the tomb of Christopher Columbus within the cathedral. The 14th century Alcazar, built by Moorish artisans stands next to the cathedral and is superseded only by Granada’s Alhambra Palace. It is recognized as Spain’s leading centre for bullfighting.
Seville, the capital city of Andalusia in the province of Sevilla is known as the artistic, cultural and financial capital of the South of Spain. It has a natural beauty, being found on the River Guadalquivir and a rich history of over two thousand years. It is a vibrant town with a reputation of being lively and colorful.
The city also houses the Alcazar Palace which was a Moorish palace whose building began in the 14th century. It is worthwhile to visit the Casa de Pilatos, the beautiful 16th century palace; the Torro del Oro, the 13th century tower whose top, it is rumored was once covered in gold; the old Town Hall; the Archive of the Indies and the Museum of Fine Arts. One of the most charming areas of Seville is the old Jewish Quarter. Full of small winding streets, it surrounds the area of the Cathedral. The Parque Maria Luisa was built in 1929 and contains many delightful monuments and museums. There are many other monuments and beautiful buildings in Seville that are worthwhile to visit.
The nightlife in Seville is vibrant and fun. No other city in Europe has as many bars per capita, as Seville does. If you are visiting during the summer months, you should visit Isla Cartuja at night and you can find many open-air discos. There are a number of annual festivals and other entertainment that happens during the year in Seville.
Remember, Seville is the one of the last places on earth you’ll find people in a rush. And you should be no exception! Don’t feel you have to see everything at once – especially when the temperatures are fierce. So when the sun beats down don’t be afraid to toss the itinerary away and indulge in one of those delicious siestas Andalucian style. Adjusting your pace to that of the laid back Sevillanos is in itself an essential part of the experience when visiting this endlessly fascinating, charming city.
Barrio Santa Cruz
Whitewashed buildings. Orange trees along the plazas. Windy cobbled streets. This picturesque part of town is understandably a favourite with tourists, in that it encapsulates all that is most romantic and beautiful about the city. Stroll through the gardens, explore the hidden and labyrinthine alleys, take tapas in one of the many cafes and watch an unhurried world pass gently by. If you have only ever visited Seville in your imagination then the Barrio Santa Cruz is probably what you had in mind
Seville Cathedral
Built on the site of a great 12th century mosque, the Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in the world, so prepare to be staggered by its sheer size and opulence. It is also notable for its altarpiece – a masterpiece of Gothic carving fashioned from mind-boggling quantities of gold.
The cathedral also houses a famous tomb – and one that undoubtedly deserves a visit – that of certain Christopher Columbus. And if you want to enjoy some fantastic view of the Seville, make the effort to climb to the top of the Giralda – the cathedral’s magnificent minaret – the most visible, and many would say, the most memorable landmark in the entire city. It is a must-see from an architectural and historic point of view. The minaret is now the bell tower of the Cathedral and is a symbol of Seville.
Alcazar
The Alcazar of Seville was built under Christian rule and yet the Moorish influences are so plainly evident that in may ways it is reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada. The vast halls and courtyards are a joy to pass through, as are the gardens, whose blend of horticultural styles mirrors that of Seville’s varied architecture.
Casa de Pilatos
So named because it is said to resemble the home of Pontius Pilate, the combination of Moorish style courtyard, Gothic balustrades and Roman statues gives this house a charm and ambiance that is pure Seville.
Museo de Bellas Artes
A real treat for art lovers, this recently renovated museum houses an outstanding collection of works from the likes of Velasquez, El Greco, Murillo and Torregiano.
Seville
Seville was important in Phoenician times and favoured by the Romans. It continued as the major city of southern Spain under the Visigoths. It fell to the Moors in 712 and became a prominent centre for culture and commerce. After a drawn out siege it was captured by the Christians in 1248. Some 300,000 Moors are reputed to have fled the city following it’s capture. Seville entered its greatest period of prosperity with the discovery of the Americas and was the main trading port with the new colonies. In 1718 a sandbar closed the port to shipping and Seville went into a steady decline. The French sacked the city in 1810. Throughout the civil war Seville was held by the Nationalists. Today Seville is both capital to the province and the region of Andalucia. Standing on the river Guadalquiver, which connects it to the Atlantic, it has returned to be a port of note accessible to ocean going vessels. Exports include minerals, cork, fruit, olives and wines. Armanents, chemicals, explosives, machinary, perfume, pharmaceuticals, porcelain, textiles and tobacco are all manufactured locally. It is a major cultural and tourist centre. Seville has kept much of its Moorish aspect and one of the world’s largest cathedrals occupies the site of a former mosque. The Giralda tower and the court of oranges remain from the original Moorish structure. You will also find the tomb of Christopher Columbus within the cathedral. The 14th century Alcazar, built by Moorish artisans stands next to the cathedral and is superseded only by Granada’s Alhambra Palace. It is recognized as Spain’s leading centre for bullfighting.
Seville, the capital city of Andalusia in the province of Sevilla is known as the artistic, cultural and financial capital of the South of Spain. It has a natural beauty, being found on the River Guadalquivir and a rich history of over two thousand years. It is a vibrant town with a reputation of being lively and colorful.
The city also houses the Alcazar Palace which was a Moorish palace whose building began in the 14th century. It is worthwhile to visit the Casa de Pilatos, the beautiful 16th century palace; the Torro del Oro, the 13th century tower whose top, it is rumored was once covered in gold; the old Town Hall; the Archive of the Indies and the Museum of Fine Arts. One of the most charming areas of Seville is the old Jewish Quarter. Full of small winding streets, it surrounds the area of the Cathedral. The Parque Maria Luisa was built in 1929 and contains many delightful monuments and museums. There are many other monuments and beautiful buildings in Seville that are worthwhile to visit.
The nightlife in Seville is vibrant and fun. No other city in Europe has as many bars per capita, as Seville does. If you are visiting during the summer months, you should visit Isla Cartuja at night and you can find many open-air discos. There are a number of annual festivals and other entertainment that happens during the year in Seville.
Remember, Seville is the one of the last places on earth you’ll find people in a rush. And you should be no exception! Don’t feel you have to see everything at once – especially when the temperatures are fierce. So when the sun beats down don’t be afraid to toss the itinerary away and indulge in one of those delicious siestas Andalucian style. Adjusting your pace to that of the laid back Sevillanos is in itself an essential part of the experience when visiting this endlessly fascinating, charming city.
Barrio Santa Cruz
Whitewashed buildings. Orange trees along the plazas. Windy cobbled streets. This picturesque part of town is understandably a favourite with tourists, in that it encapsulates all that is most romantic and beautiful about the city. Stroll through the gardens, explore the hidden and labyrinthine alleys, take tapas in one of the many cafes and watch an unhurried world pass gently by. If you have only ever visited Seville in your imagination then the Barrio Santa Cruz is probably what you had in mind
Seville Cathedral
Built on the site of a great 12th century mosque, the Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in the world, so prepare to be staggered by its sheer size and opulence. It is also notable for its altarpiece – a masterpiece of Gothic carving fashioned from mind-boggling quantities of gold.
The cathedral also houses a famous tomb – and one that undoubtedly deserves a visit – that of certain Christopher Columbus. And if you want to enjoy some fantastic view of the Seville, make the effort to climb to the top of the Giralda – the cathedral’s magnificent minaret – the most visible, and many would say, the most memorable landmark in the entire city. It is a must-see from an architectural and historic point of view. The minaret is now the bell tower of the Cathedral and is a symbol of Seville.
Alcazar
The Alcazar of Seville was built under Christian rule and yet the Moorish influences are so plainly evident that in may ways it is reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada. The vast halls and courtyards are a joy to pass through, as are the gardens, whose blend of horticultural styles mirrors that of Seville’s varied architecture.
Casa de Pilatos
So named because it is said to resemble the home of Pontius Pilate, the combination of Moorish style courtyard, Gothic balustrades and Roman statues gives this house a charm and ambiance that is pure Seville.
Museo de Bellas Artes
A real treat for art lovers, this recently renovated museum houses an outstanding collection of works from the likes of Velasquez, El Greco, Murillo and Torregiano.