The capital of Andalusia and the cultural, artistic, and business capital of southern Spain, Seville is the country’s fourth largest city and is home to more than 700,000 permanent residents. As the original seat of the Spanish crown, Seville is unquestionably one of the most historic towns in the region, offering no shortage heritage-based attractions as well as cultural ones and those with religious significance.
The city’s Jewish Quarter or Juderia is a quaint but charming little district where narrow cobblestone streets interconnect in an intricate maze within which are some fine restaurants and tapas bars where the food is second to none. Nearby also is the Plaza de Espana, a scenic area complete with fountains and gardens and the perfect place to relax or engage in a spot of people watching.
Sightseers looking to visit the city’s most significant landmarks should be careful to include the likes of the Cathedral of Seville, the Real Alcázar, the Hospital de los Venerables, the Universidad de Sevilla and the Casa de Pilatos on their lists. The Torre de Oro is also worthy of note, being a thirteenth century tower, said to have once being gilded from top to bottom and now home to a small maritime museum. The Museum of Fine Arts, located at Plaza del Museo, is a must for those who enjoy immersing themselves in aesthetic delights.
Highlights
The Cathedral of Seville: built in the 15th century, Seville’s cathedral is one of the world’s largest churches and is built on the site of a former mosque. The central nave, standing proud at 42 metres high, is among the church’s most notable features. The remains of Christopher Columbus are housed in a crypt in the church.
The Real Alcázar: this splendid palace was built in the Mudéjar style and construction was attributed initially to Pedro I the Cruel, though others were responsible for its completion.
Parque María Luisa: initially landscaped for the purpose of housing the 1929 Iber-Americano Fair, this attractive park is now home to open green areas, monuments and museums.
Casa de Pilatos: this 16th century palace is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent buildings in the city. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the palace is home to some notable Greek and Roman statues.
Real Fábrica de Tabacos: built between 1750 and 1766 and made famous by its role in the opera Carmen, this old tobacco factory is a must for Bizet fans and anyone with an interest in local history.