Seville
Spain
Backpacking Seville
Information on Seville, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Welcome to one of the most charming cities in Spain, Seville, the capital city of Andalusia. Located in the South of Spain, Seville, or Sevilla in Spanish, is one of the largest Spanish cities with over 700,000 inhabitants. Seville occupies the valley of the Guadalquivir river. The river, with 60 navigable kilometres, was an important harbor during the Spanish conquest of the American continent. Silver and gold from the New World arrived to Sevilla through the river and were distributed throughout the country from here. The city of Seville is famous worldwide for its culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage. This is the birthplace of Flamenco and the city where the most amazing Easter processions take place. It’s a city full of architecture, history, and wonderful food. The city has some famous churches, winding streets, and great flamenco bars. This is also a big university town and is extremely popular with people studying abroad. Seville is the artistic, cultural and financial center of the South of Spain and is a city full of life and possibilities.
Must See
The Plaza de España - The Plaza de España (picture above) is easily the most beautiful and extravagant plaza in Seville. Situated in the Parque de Maria Luisa, it was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition. The landmark blends Renaissance and Moorish Revival architecture styles. Today, it's a great spot for people-watching and general leisure.
Seville Cathedral and La Giralda Tower - Seville’s cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the world, and the largest Gothic building in the world (pictured left). It contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The cathedral was built over the ruins of an Almohad mosque and some of the elements in its structure are still of Arab style, like the wonderful tower on the back of the cathedral, La Giralda, which is in fact one of the few Almohad minarets surviving in the world. You can climb to the top of La Giralda for excellent views of the city.
Santa Cruz - The picturesque barrio of Santa Cruz is well worth a visit. This neighborhood is the heart of Seville, with its narrow streets, white houses, flowers and iron grilles; it is the typical Andalusian barrio. Don't miss the Casa de Pilatos, a charming palace dating from the 15th century.
Real Maestranza - If the history of bullfighting is interesting to you, visit the bullfighting museum at the bullring. The oldest bullring in the world, Real Maestranza, has an adjacent museum that includes costumes, photographs, and paintings dedicated to the spectacle.
Must Do
Explore the Real Alcázar de Sevilla - The palace is UNESCO-listed and the oldest occupied royal palace in Europe. It is not only one palace but several palaces combined, you will be astonished at the incredible combination of different architectural styles. Here, Muslim, Mudejar and Christian constructions fuse together. You can also stroll through the gardens of the Alcázar, where fountains, ponds, colorful flowers and the fragrance of aromatic plants will take you to another time.
Explore Maria Luisa Park - Located just in front of the Plaza de España, this large public park offers the opportunity for a day filled with gardens, patios and sculptures.
Nightlife
Seville’s nightlife has dedicated party-goers dancing until as late as 6 or 7 o’clock in the morning. With clubs for those with never-ending stamina, late bars that play music all night, and outdoor terraces to enjoy the summer air, there’s something for everyone. Areas to check out include Calle Betis, El Arenal, Alfafla, and Alemeda. Here you will find all sorts of entertainment including bars, clubs and patios. Alternatively check out a Flamenco show. Rooted in soulful expressions of emotion, Flamenco is a living art form native to the Andalusian area of Spain. A typical Flamenco includes high paced musical strumming by a guitarist, hand-clapping and foot-stomping dance, and high-pitched emotional singing.
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