Visit Seville
Beneath the Andalusian sun in Seville, sunshine filters through orange trees and the air carries the perfume of flowers. The Giralda towers over the city, a reminder of its Moorish past. Streets wind through the historic centre. Opening onto hidden courtyards, fountains and lively plazas. Flamenco music drifts from small bars and squares.
The old town is full of narrow alleys and whitewashed houses. Colourful ceramic tiles decorate walls and staircases. Cafés spill onto sunlit squares, where locals linger over coffee or a glass of sherry.
Walk along the river Guadalquivir and the city opens differently. Bridges connect Triana, famous for its ceramics and flamenco history, to the city centre. Boats glide along the water while cyclists and pedestrians follow riverside paths. Sunset turns the river golden and the city even more alive.
The Alcázar glimmers with intricate Moorish designs. The Cathedral dominates the skyline. Streets and plazas showcase centuries of culture, from Roman and Moorish roots to Renaissance and Baroque highlights.
Seville provides endless discovery. Every step reveals another layer of the city. For road trippers, Seville is a place to feel the rhythm of Andalusia at its fullest.
Top sights to visit
- Real Alcázar of Seville A a magnificent royal palace, famed for its breathtaking blend of Christian and Mudéjar (Moorish-influenced) architectural styles. Its most famous area is the Patio de las Doncellas and the peaceful gardens.
- Seville Cathedral and Giralda The largest Gothic cathedral in the world. It was built on the site of a former mosque. Climb the Giralda (the cathedral's bell tower, which was once the mosque's minaret) for a view of the city. It’s a gentle ramp, not stairs!
- Plaza de España A spectacular crescent-shaped architectural complex built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. It features tiled benches representing each province of Spain and four decorated bridges crossing the moat. It is an unforgettable photo spot and a favored spot for rowing a boat.
- Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) Affectionately known as "The Mushrooms". This massive modern wooden structure provides shade over a public square. It's the largest wooden structure in the world and you can walk across its rooftop walkway for great views of the historic center.
- Barrio de Santa Cruz Located adjacent to the Alcázar. This neighborhood is famous for its whitewashed walls, colorful flowerpots and hidden plazas. Perfect for getting lost and discovering traditional tapas bars.
- Triana District A riverside neighborhood famous for flamenco, ceramics and traditional tapas. Its colorful streets and bridges provide a perfect mix of culture and local life. Triana is ideal for exploring authentic Seville away from tourist crowds.
- Archivo de Indias A historic building housing important documents from Spain’s colonial period. You can explore manuscripts detailing the history of the Americas. Its architecture and cultural significance make it a hidden gem in Seville.
- The Alameda de Hércules A tree-lined pedestrian boulevard in the northern part of the city. Once a neglected area, it is now the epicenter of Seville's contemporary nightlife and dining scene. Lined with trendy bars and tapas spots. Popular with younger locals.
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History of Seville
The city began as the Roman settlement of Hispalis. Streets and walls from this era still influence the layout of the old town. Roman mosaics and ruins can still be found near the Alcázar and Calle Mármoles.
In 711, the Moors conquered Seville. It became an important city in Al-Andalus. They built the Alcázar, the Giralda and palaces. Water channels and irrigation systems shaped the land. The city became a hub for trade, learning, and culture.
In 1248, Christian forces led by Ferdinand III captured Seville. Churches replaced mosques, but Moorish architecture remained. The Cathedral and Alcázar expanded. The city’s wealth grew through trade with the Americas after 1492. Ships loaded with gold, silver and exotic goods arrived in Seville’s port.
The 16th and 17th centuries were Seville’s golden age. It became the commercial heart of Spain. Guilds, palaces and public squares flourished. Art and music thrived. Yet the city faced plagues and competition from Cádiz.
In the 20th century, tourism, festivals, and preservation projects revived its historic districts. Flamenco, Semana Santa and architecture drew global attention. Today, walking its streets, you see centuries of trade, conquest and culture.