Seville has rightfully earned its place as the capital of the Spanish region of Andalucia, as this is where you will find the most authentic version of the Andalucian way of life.
Located on the Guadalquivir River banks, the city also stands as the cultural and financial hub of southern Spain. The city is a lover of festivals and has an undying devotion to the Catholic religion. Perhaps, the most revered and intense events observed in Seville are the Holy Week (Semana Santa) and the annual Feria de Abril.
An exploration of Seville brings you to a sea of landmarks like Baroque buildings, palaces, churches, theme parks and art galleries. The city also houses several captivating museums, including the Fine Arts Museum, Cathedral Museum and the Provincial Archaeological Museum. At city center lie some famous areas like the lively Campana Street, the rustic La Macarena district and the Triana district, which reflects the old seafaring tradition of the city.
A number of Seville attractions are situated in charming neighborhood of Santa Cruz. Here, you can find structures, which are hailed as World Heritage Sites, such as the Gothic Cathedral of Seville. Some Moorish structures still remain in the neighborhood, such as the spectacular Giralda minaret and the Orange Tree Courtyard.
After exploring the cathedral, head over to Reales Alcazares Palace. The interior of this impressive 9th century fortress is embellished with Mudejar decoration, while its exterior is surrounded by lovely gardens reflecting both Renaissance and Moorish styles. A tour around the palace will let you discover lavish rooms, grand halls and romantic courtyards.
Just nearby is the General Archive of the Indies, which is one of the most significant document centers in Europe. Its precious collections mainly pertain to the New World conquest and the emergence of Spanish Renaissance art. Other places of interest are the San Telmo Palace, Casa de Pilatos, the Plaza de EspaÃ’a, and the Torre del Oro.
Aside from visiting the landmarks, exploring the city means immersing yourself to its passionate and distinct culture. Learn more about the iconic Flamenco dance and watch electrifying performances by visiting the Museo del Baile Flamenco and Al Arenal Cultural Center. Catch a football game at Plaza Nervicon or witness a thrilling Bull Fight at the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza. Seville also boasts great tapas bars and the liveliest nightlife in all of Andalucia. Bars and clubs are scattered everywhere in the city but the most popular spots are Calle Betis, Plaza Alfalfa, La Alamede de Hercules and Isla Cartuja.
Some things to consider before planning a trip to Seville include the weather and accommodation expenses. The city experiences extremely hot weather during the months of July and August. The prices for accommodation go considerably high during festivals. If you decide to explore the city to its fullest, consider getting a Sevilla card, which provides you with some practical perks such as free admission to a number of notable monuments and museums, as well as unlimited use of sightseeing buses and boat rides for a certain period of time. The card also allows you to get substantial discounts on shops, restaurants and shows.
