About Seville
Flamenco was born in Spain’s vibrant Andalusia region in such cities as Seville, or Sevilla, and is still practiced by the country’s passionate populace today. Locals and vacationers shop for colorful fashions, such as intricately designed shawls that cover colorful flamenco costumes, and other traditional souvenirs, amid Seville’s popular pedestrian walkways.
Explore Spain
Overview
The once powerful Moors ruled Seville from the Alcazar royal palace and exquisite gardens, which can still be visited today in the heart of the city, combining both Christian and Muslim designs. The historic Golden Tower was once the city’s major fortification and lookout.
Spain’s fourth largest city is still a major center of arts and culture. Host of the 1992 World’s Fair, much of the infrastructure created for that citywide event still exists. The Santa Cruz area houses Europe’s third largest church, built in 1401, decorated inside with gold leaf and colorful depictions of biblical stories. Many of the shady, narrow streets and whitewashed homes of Seville’s historic Jewish quarter can still be viewed. The 17th century protector of matadors, the Virgin of Macarena, can be seen at the Basílica de la Macarena in this flamboyant land of bullfights and flamenco.
What To Do
Stroll through the Plaza Nueva’s pedestrian walkways overflowing with visitors and charming shops. Visit the impressive Alcazar royal palace and Basílica de la Macarena. Roam the narrow streets of the historic Jewish quarter, lined with shady orange trees and whitewashed homes. Climb the Giralda tower for stunning views of the city.
Visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus, supposedly returned to the world’s largest gothic church in Seville.
See impressive bullfighting costumes and paintings at the Plaza de Toros museum, with its chapel and painting of the Virgin of Macarena, protector of matadors.
View the old city’s sixteenth-century mansion, Casa de Pilatos, a splendid blend of Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Visit Arcos de la Frontera outside Seville, with its old town center, castle and whitewashed houses decorated with colorful flowers sitting serenely atop local hills.
Enjoy delicious Spanish wine and seasonal delicacies in the tempting restaurants scattered throughout the region.
When to Go
The springtime, between March and May, is the best time to visit Seville, when hotel rates are a bit lower, temperatures milder and myriad festivals, such as Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, enchant visitors and locals alike. Dry, hot summers and cool, rainy winters offer a range of options for vacationers visiting Seville.
Fast Facts
During the week before Easter, Seville’s Holy Week celebrations include colorful processions.
The artwork of Spain’s major artists, such as Murillo, Velázquez, and Zurburán, can be seen at the Museo de Bellas Artes, a monastery transformed into art museum.
Citizens of Seville joyously celebrate during the April Fair with colorful outfits, drinking, dancing and rides. Myriad striped tents house private parties where friends and families celebrate.
The legend of Don Juan is alive and well and living in Seville amidst the former Jewish neighborhood, now known as the Barrio Santa Cruz. This fictional lady’s man first made his appearance in 1620 in a book called El Burlador de Sevilla (The Trickser of Seville), and has become a part of the world’s literary history ever since.
Travel Tips & Tools
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