Seville Travel Guide
About Seville Tourism
Is the capital of Andaluca. It is located at the riverbanks of the Guadalquivir. With its around 700.000 inhabitants it is the largest autonomous city of Andaluca.
The city has been dominated by many peoples, Romans, Carthaginians, Greek, Phoenician and Moorish. The influences in the architecture are still to be found.
After the discovery of the Americas it became a very important city for trading.
Like many Andalucan cities Seville is also a city of flamenco dancers, bullfighting, processions, fiestas and tapas.
History of Seville
The Romans built in the ancient (205 B.C.) the city Itlica, where the emperors Hadrian and Trajan were born. The ruins can be found at about 10 km North West of the city. It is a big archeological site with many mosaics, an amphitheatre and some houses. A lot has to be explored although. Hispalis the Roman settlement of Seville has remnants like the aqueduct; it can be seen at the Callejn Del Agua in Barrio de Santa Cruz. Columns and statues of Hercule and Julius Cesar at the Alameda.
The Moorish came in 711 A.C. under command of the Muslim general Musa Bin Nusayr. He crossed the Strait of Gibraltar with his 18.000 army men. They called this south part of Spain Al-Andalus.
Catholic king Fernando III of Castile conquered the city in 1248.
The height of the city came in the 15th century after the discovery of the Americas. The river Guadalquivir was very important for the ships of among Christoforo Coln (Christopher Columbus), Ferno de Magalhes and Juan Sebastin de Elcano. Many monuments in Seville are paid by the enormous wealth brought from the Americas.
The 20th century had two climaxes, the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929 and in 1992 the world exhibition.
Culture of Seville
The influences of many different cultures have made this city worth to visit.
Also the food, architecture, shopping, and flamenco dancers you may not miss.
Things to do in Seville
The Cathedral and La Giralda
La Giralda is the highest tower and the symbol of Seville. At the highest point (94 m) you have a marvelous view over the city. The tower was built from 1184 1194 a.c. under Muslim rulers by architect Ali de Gomarra. It was the tower of the mosque, where now the cathedral stands. Later under the catholic rule of Hernn Ruiz the upper parts were built (7, 5 m) from 1558 till 1567 a.c.
You can visit the tower; it has no stairs nor elevator but ramps. In the old days when it was the minaret of the mosque the muezzin came by horse on top of the tower to call up the people for their prayer.
The Cathedral was built (1401 1506 a.c.) on the foundation of the old mosque Aljama. It is the third biggest cathedral, after Vatican City and St. Paul in London, in the world. You can enter the cathedral and tower when you walk through a courtyard with orange trees. Its built in Gothic and Renaissance style.
The cathedral has the largest altarpiece, with over 2500 kilo gold from Mexico and Peru. It took 35 years to make it. The architecture is of the Dutchman Pieter Dankert.
Alczar Real
This royal palace is a masterpiece of Mudejr architecture. Moorish professional work and Catholic symbols. Some things must see are:
– Patio de las Doncellas is a beautiful courtyard with arches.
– Saln de Carlos V with mahogany artesonade ceilings.
– Patio de las Muecas with its perforated room screens where the harem women and maids of honor could look through.
– Jardines del Alczar, next to the pond of Mercurius, beautiful aromatic plants and trees are found here.
Plaza de Espaa with the buildings for the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929.
Torre de Oro (the golden tower)
Isabel II bridge or Triana bridge
Royal Tobacco Factory, now a days part of the University of Seville
Casa de Pilatos courtyard with Mudjar architecture
Museu de Bellas Artes with ceramics, costumes is beautiful located.
Foods and Shopping guide of Seville
Food
Eating various tapas (small plate with some olives, garlic prawns, Iberian ham, meatballs, manchego cheese, anchovies or whatever you wish and many more to choose) in a bar at the old quartiers of the city La Macarena orTirana.
Gazpacho, cold tomato soup, really refreshing in the hot summer months.
Drinking sangria, red wine with orange, lemon, apple and lots of ice cubes, also very refreshing in the summer months.
Desserts like; rice pudding (Arroz con leche), tiramisu, caramelised egg pudding (Flan de huevo)
Shopping
There are 3 main shopping areas in the city: Triana, Nervin and the old quarter.
Calle Sierpes in the historic centre is the most famous. Jewellery, clothes, ceramics and more can be found here.
Calle Tetun is famous for the Spanish top brands of clothes like Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, but also shoes, banks and offices.
Triana especially Calle San Jacinto across the Trianabridge is famous for ceramics.
Nervin is famous for its shopping centres and franchising.
Markets:
Thursday mornings in the Calle Feria with books, antiques, furniture, second-hand clothes, paintings and more.
Sunday mornings in the Plaza del Cabildo coins and stamps.
Also on Sunday mornings at the Plaza de la Alfalfa a pet market, especially birds. Opening times: especially the major franchises and the shopping centres are open from 10.00 till 21.00. Traditional shops open from 10.00 till 13.30 and from 17.00 till 20.30 approximately.
How to reach Seville
By plane: Seville has its own airport, it is located 10 km north of the city.
A special bus connects the airport with the city and terminates from Prado de San Sebastin in the city centre.
Many Spanish cities as Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao and Barcelona are connected, but also European cities such as Paris, Milan, Rome, Amsterdam, London and more.
By car: The most import motorway (toll and free) is the A-4 which connect Madrid with Andaluca. The A-92 with the Costa del Sol, the A-66 to Mrida. Motorway A-49 is connected with Portugal, Cadiz with the A-4 and E-5.
By train: The high-speed train serves Seville since 1992 and is connected with Madrid, a journey of around 2 and a half hour. Inter-city trains serve many villages and towns.
By bus: Two bus stations are there, the main station is at the Plaza de Armas. It operates daily national and international.
Bus station Prado de San Sebastin operates regional.
Travelling in Seville
How to get around: The best way to explore the city is by foot. Strolling around the (narrow) streets gives you the best impression.
Other ways are: By bus, quick and efficient and run between approximately 06.00 and 23.30 and approximately 07.00 and 23.30 on public holidays.
By metro; operates from 06.30 am to 23.00, Monday to Thursday; 06.30 to 02.00 am Fridays and the eve of public holidays; 07.30 to 02.00 on Saturdays; and 07.30 to 23.00 on Sundays and public holidays.
By taxi: available 24 hours a day.
Travel Tips for Seville Trip
See a flamengo dance show in the old parts of the city.
Buy ceramic souvenirs.
Eating tapas in a bar.