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The temperamental Spanish city of Seville, located in one of the most interesting ancient provinces – Andalusia, today is the center of tourism: every year thousands of people who come to these lands come to see the many-sided sights of Seville. Literally every corner of the city, saturated with colors and possessing a burning temperament, is fraught with authentic beauty: in the labyrinths of streets you can find shops with fans, colorful robes and castanets, in the eminent arena you can watch an exciting bullfight, in cultural institutions you can admire the aesthetics of passionate flamenco dance. There is something to see in Seville among architectural monuments – graceful palaces, monumental cathedrals and ancient museums largely shaped the architectural appearance of the city.
What to see in Seville in the first place
For those who have the lucky opportunity to visit Seville, it is sometimes not so easy to choose from all the variety of attractions. When choosing what to see in Seville in 1 day, you should start from the very heart of the city, its historical part. An overview of the most interesting places given in this article will help to form and streamline a plan for a future trip to colorful Seville.
1. Plaza de España
View of the magnificent Plaza de España in Seville
The rating opens with a central place in Seville – the stunningly beautiful Plaza de España. This is not only a popular holiday destination, but also a kind of symbol of the city. Initially, the square was intended to host the world Ibero-American Exhibition, which was so significant for the country that a whole architectural complex was built for it, reflecting the socio-economic progress of Spain. Outwardly, the square has the shape of a semicircle, around which a canal passes with openwork bridges thrown over it. A huge fountain is organized in the center of the square, divided by bridges into 4 sections according to the number of the most ancient kingdoms of Spain.
Official website: http://www.andalucia.org
2. Alcazar of Seville
Exquisite Alcazar of Seville surrounded by beautiful green gardens Maxim B.
Columns and arches with rounded corners in the Moorish style in the interior of the Cat Alcazar
A real gem among the city attractions of Seville is the palace complex of the Alcazar of Seville. Sometime in the 10th century, during the era of Arab domination of the Iberian Peninsula, there was already a Roman fortress here. In the 12th century, the Almohad Palace was erected on the site of the fortress. A significant part of the buildings of the complex, which have survived to this day, was built under King Pedro the First. The monarch, being a lover of the Moorish style, embodied its features in his buildings. And today, the openwork Arabic architecture of the Alcazar of Seville strikes the imagination with grace and lightness of forms.
3. Santa Cruz quarter
One of the streets historic quarter of Santa Cruz in Seville
Right at the walls of the Alcazar of Seville there is an amazing quarter, which has concentrated many priceless sights of the city. This entire area was built up by Jews who fled from Toledo due to religious persecution. Stepping into these narrow ornate streets, it is like stepping into the past: patios, historical squares, ancient temples in the Gothic and Baroque styles impress with their beauty and authenticity. The very name of the quarter came from the name of the square located here and decorated with a beautiful finely forged cross.
4. Triana quarter
View from the river Guadalquivir to the embankment of the quarter of Triana Jebulon
In contrast to the peaceful silence of the Santa Cruz quarter, the Triana quarter is noisy and lively, and the buildings are somewhat chaotic. This area also has its own rich history, and the noisy atmosphere inherited from its indigenous people, because the area was previously inhabited by temperamental flamenco dancers and gypsy communities. A trip to Triana should certainly include an acquaintance with its main attractions – such as a colorful food market, a ceramics center, a cathedral, an old bar, Betis street, stretching along the Guadalquivir River.
5. Seville Cathedral
Southeast Facade of the Seville Cathedral or Cathedral of Maria de la Sede Ingo Mehling
Tomb of Christopher Columbus in Seville Cathedral Pepe Becerra
The real pride of any excursion in Seville is the cathedral, striking in its size and grandeur. This place is simply impossible to miss when in Seville, because in addition to its size, it is also remarkable for the fact that the tomb of Christopher Columbus is located in the cathedral. The building of the cathedral was laid back in the 15th century, on the site where before that, since the time of the Reconquista, there was an Arab mosque. The great shrine has absorbed a number of architectural styles, but Gothic is predominant. The interior decoration is also striking in its splendor, colored stained-glass windows, a huge chapel with a flaming vault, sculptures of the iconostasis based on the gospel plots deserve special attention.
Official site: http://www.catedraldesevilla
See the beautiful places of Seville in this wonderful video!
6. Giralda Tower
Moorish quadrangular Giralda tower in Seville Ingo Mehling
The openwork-patterned Giralda Tower, about a hundred meters high, majestically rises above the other buildings of the historic center of Seville. Now the Arab building, which dates back to the 12th century, serves as the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral, and once, during the time of the Moors, it was a minaret that belonged to the Seville mosque. The top of the tower, consisting of 3 tiers, is covered on the outside with an openwork stone pattern, the interior space is occupied by lifts, and a 24-bell carillon is installed at the very top. All this grandiose structure is crowned with a rotating statue-weather vane Giraldillo, symbolizing the triumph of faith.
7. Basilica de la Macarena
The main entrance in the form of a triumphal arch to the Basilica of Our Lady of Macarena in Seville Frobles
Ceiling with religious scenes of the Basilica de la Macarena Carolus
The landmark of Spain, the Basilica de la Macarena, which is especially significant for local residents, is known for the image of the Most Pure Virgin of Macarena, which has long been revered throughout the country. Every year, with the beginning of Passion Week, the holy image is taken out of the church, and members of the brotherhood make a procession with it through the city streets. The basilica itself is relatively young – its construction was completed in the middle of the last century. However, the main shrine of the temple – the statue of the Blessed Virgin – is really ancient, and so much so that even the name of the master who created this image is unknown. The collection of religious objects housed in the temple is also highly valued.
8. Salvador Church
Main facade of the Church of Salvador Anual
The Church of the Savior of the 17th century is located on the square of the same name in the old center of Seville. Over time, a century later, it was decided to restore the temple, and it acquired a new architectural look in the Churrigueresque style. This style originated in a talented family of architects, bearing the name of Churriguera, in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was the trends introduced by the Churrigers in the design of buildings that brought some important details to the Baroque style. The temple attracts not only with the splendor of its facade, but also with a beautiful gilded altar, light painted ceilings and walls that convey important religious stories.
9. De los Venerables Hospital
When choosing what to visit in Seville, it is worth paying attention to one more building of its old city – the former hospital of the 17th century. In those days, a religious brotherhood founded a home for the elderly and sick ministers of the church. Later, the house was converted into a hospital, a small but very beautiful church was added to it, the inner walls of which were painted by eminent Spanish artists. To this day, this complex has retained its former splendor and beauty of baroque architecture. Since the 19th century, due to financial difficulties, the hospital fell into decay, and in the 80-90s of the last century the building was restored, since then the Cultural Foundation of Seville has been located in the hospital.
Official website:< /em> http://www.fundacionfocus.com
10. Torre del Oro
Moorish tower Torre del Oro on the banks of the Guadalquivir River
The Golden Tower is another well-known symbol of Seville, thanks to its rich history, unusual architecture, and the fact that it is one of the few buildings built during the reign of the Moors. Initially, there was a guard post here, and after the conquest of the city by the Spaniards, the tower began to be used for other purposes – for example, as a storehouse, an office for maritime services, and even a prison. Today, all the premises of the tower are occupied by the Maritime Museum. When looking for where to go in Seville, travelers do not have a question – a 37-meter tower rises above the low buildings of the city, and its spire already attracts attention from afar.
Official website: http ://www.visitasevilla
11. Museum of Fine Arts of Seville
Room V of the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville in the old church of the Convento de la Merced Anual
The most important art gallery in Spain, the Museum of Fine Arts, located in the historic center of Seville on the Museum Square, has made its glorious contribution to world culture. Initially, the museum was located in the same place in the building of an ancient monastery, but the fire of 1810 destroyed almost all the buildings, and 15 years later everything was rebuilt almost from scratch in the style of classicism. Initially, the museum's funds were replenished with exhibits from nearby temples and monasteries, so the core of the exposition is made up of religious subjects. Today, along with them, the collection includes masterpieces of painting from the 15th to the 20th century, created by eminent Spanish artists.
12. Archaeological Museum
A small artificial lake in front of the Archaeological Museum in the Maria Luisa Park
Today, this institution is considered one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. The Archaeological Museum in Seville was opened in the middle of the 19th century, and the reason for the opening was simple – it was necessary to store somewhere the values and relics left over as a result of the abolition of some Seville monasteries. Over time, the collection grew, the expansion of the area was required, and in the 20s of the last century a new building of the Museum was erected – the Renaissance pavilion in the Maria Luisa park. The most ancient exhibits on display date back to the Paleolithic – objects of culture, everyday life and various evidence of Greeks, Carthaginians, Carthaginians, Visigoths, Arabs and other ancient peoples living on the Spanish peninsula.
13. San Telmo Palace
The facade of the San Telmo Palace with the main portal, made of white stone
A magnificent example of baroque architecture is the palace of San Telmo. Sometime at the end of the 17th century, the palace was built by a local talented architect, and within its walls there was a seminary for sailors. The palace was named after St. Telmo, the patron saint of all sailors. Later, the seminary was closed, and the palace repeatedly passed from one to another owner until it became the official residence of the President of the Andalusian Autonomous Community. Reviews testify that the most magnificent part of the palace attracts the most attention – its main portal, richly decorated in the Churrigueresco style. The facade is decorated with figures of 12 famous personalities in the history of Seville.
Official website: http://www.andalucia
14. Pilate's House
Courtyard of Pilate's house, surrounded by a gallery
One of the most beloved palaces of Seville by tourists is the House of Pilate, which is the best example of Spanish architecture that combined Arabic Mudéjar and Spanish Renaissance. The beginning of the history of the palace dates back to the end of the 15th century, when the royal manager set about building his own palace. Later, the son of the manager, impressed by the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, as well as a cultural trip to Italy, began to work on giving the palace a unique thematic look. Ancient statues, graceful two-tiered arcades crowned with Mudéjar decor, a beautiful fountain and other decoration elements together create a unique and attractive appearance of the palace.
Official website: http://en. fundacionmedinaceli.
15. City Hall
City Council building in Seville Anual
Any guide in Seville will confirm that the City Hall building is one of the most beautiful in the city, and after seeing it, everyone will understand this. The relief façade of the Plateresque building is richly decorated with stucco, the motifs of which convey various mythological plots – you can look at them for a long time and with rapture. These bas-reliefs are carved so finely that every detail needs to be looked at closely. The building of the town hall was built in the 16th century in honor of the wedding of the Castilian king, and since then, all these years, the city administration has been invariably located here.
16. Archive of the Indies
Top view of the General Archive of the Indies in the city of Seville Anual
Another interesting institution in Seville is the repository of the most valuable documents of Spain. This is the Archive of the Indies, originally built in the 16th century to house a trading exchange. Until that moment, trading activity was carried out in the courtyard of the Cathedral, but with the introduction of a ban on trade in holy places, it became necessary to erect a building intended for these purposes. This is how the building of the Archive of the Indies appeared – however, two centuries later, instead of trade, meetings of the Academy of Arts began to be held here, and a few more years later it was customary to arrange an archive here. Today, the Spanish Renaissance building houses the most important historical documents of the country.
Official website: http://www.mecd.gob.
17. Royal Tobacco Factory
Main entrance of the Royal Tobacco Factory in Seville Carlosrs
The Royal Tobacco Factory is considered one of the best sights of Seville for a reason – once thousands of Seville women made cigars for Europe and the whole world here, and the opera Carmen took place on the factory square. The construction of the factory building was carried out by a military architect from Holland, so the facade of the building looks very restrained, and the moat dug around the perimeter of the building gives the structure a resemblance to a military fortress. And the factory itself was once under armed guard. Today, the spacious buildings of the old building house the University of Seville.
Official website: http://www.us.es/eng
18. Bullring Maestranza
Seville's Maestranza Bullring on Cristofor Columbus Boulevard Vincenzo venditti
The Maestranza Bullring is one of the most spectacular places in Spain
Arena Maestranza is considered the most popular of the Spanish arenas for bullfighting. From spring to autumn, an impressive spectacle takes place here – extreme bullfights. It was in this arena that the first matador once began to fight with an unarmed bull, and it was from Maestrans that all arenas that had previously been rectangular in shape became round. The monumental ring of the Seville arena impresses with its appearance and size – it can accommodate about 14 thousand spectators. Not surprisingly, the construction of the Maestrans took over a hundred years to complete by the end of the 19th century. Next to the arena there is a chapel for the prayers of bullfighters before the battle, and an infirmary for the victims of the battle.
Official website: http://www.realmaestranza.com
< h3> 19. Parasol Metropolis
Wooden structure by architect Jürgen Mayer-H at the Plaza de la Encarnación Rainerkruckenberg
For uninformed tourists who first saw the Parasol Metropol, the question immediately arises – what kind of futuristic structure is this? Once upon a time there was a city market in its place, which was later demolished, and during the demolition, the ruins of Roman buildings were discovered. As a result of the competition for the creation of a new architectural project, the work of a German architect won, and it was also brought to life. The metropolis is divided into several levels, on the lowest of them there is a museum with Roman ruins, on the next one there is a market, on the roof of the market there is a platform for events, and the upper level is a viewing terrace. The Metropole's location near a number of Seville hotels makes this all-in-one attraction especially popular with guests.
20. Alamillo Bridge
Alamillo suspension bridge across the Guadalquivir river at night
As a result of the active preparation of Spain for the international exhibition Expo, held in 1992, a new spectacular attraction appeared in the country – the Alamillo cable-stayed bridge connecting Seville with Cartuja island. It is an ingenious Constructivist masterpiece that has been the inspiration for many suspension bridges built later in various locations around the world. Its main architectural feature is that the 200-meter bridge deck is supported by only one powerful support – a pylon connected to the bridge deck by a network of cables. So the bridge with a snow-white pylon, as if soaring up, became a symbol of Seville's desire for development and progress.
Sights of Seville: what else to visit in Seville?
Authentic little Seville has a small area, and once in its historical center, you can explore the main sights of Seville briefly, without spending too much time on transfers – almost everything is within walking distance. And with the savings of time comes the opportunity to learn something else. Other sights of Seville, photos with names and descriptions of which are below, will help to uncover the new secrets of this Spanish town step by step.
21. Magic Island Theme Park
Magic Island theme park attractions CarlosVdeHabsburgo
On the island of Kartukha, on a spacious territory of 36 hectares, Europe's largest urban theme amusement park is located. Magnificent water rides, fountains, ponds and much more related to water – all these entertainments cause genuine delight not only among young visitors, but also among adults. Numerous theatrical performances, performances and stereo cinema sessions that are held here follow a single mission – to recreate for visitors the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, when many aspired to adventure and great discoveries. In total, the park has 8 thematic zones, as well as cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Official website: https://www.islamagica
22. Gardens Murillo
Monument to Christopher Columbus in the picturesque Murillo Gardens from Seville
A real masterpiece of gardening art is the Murillo Gardens, created by a group of Seville landscape designers at the beginning of the last century. Once this territory belonged to the famous Alcazar Palace of Seville. Today, on the territory of about 9 thousand square meters in the very heart of the city there are picturesque flowering gardens, in the shade of which numerous paths wind and magnificent fountains sprinkle with life-giving coolness. The abundance of trees, lush bushes and bright flower beds creates an atmosphere of peace and comfort, so you can endlessly walk along the alleys of the garden. The famous landmark of the garden is a monument to the famous discoverer Columbus.
23. Maria Luisa Park
A secluded corner of the main city park of Seville – Maria Luisa Park
The following recommendations apply to another green corner of Seville – Maria Luisa Park, which is considered the main park of the city. A very cozy and beautiful park, stretching along the Guadalquivir River, with dozens of picturesque alleys, an abundance of greenery and water, gives citizens and guests refreshing coolness on the hottest days. The area of the park is also decorated with numerous sculptures, fountains, monuments, and carved pavilions and ceramic benches are provided for relaxation. A favorite place for visitors to the park is Mount Guru, on which an artificial waterfall was created.
24. Seville Fair
The Fair is an annual spectacular event in Seville Sandra Vallaure
In the midst of spring, joy hovers in the atmosphere of Seville in anticipation of the traditional city holiday – the Seville Fair. The origins of this annual festival date back to the mid-19th century, when resourceful locals decided to bring a touch of Spanish fun to the trading process. Since then, the Seville Fair has become an annual event: it starts on the night of the Monday of the Easter week and continues until Sunday. The fun begins with a parade of carts and a bullfight, the residents dress up in national costumes. During the week, all kinds of entertainment await the participants of the celebration – from incendiary dances to carriage rides, and everything ends with festive fireworks.
25. Flamenco Dance
Flamenco dance at Palacio Andaluz in Seville Diego Delso
The review is completed by a passionate, bright and dramatic Spanish dance – flamenco. It is no longer possible to trace the origins of flamenco today – it is believed that the traditions of this dance, having appeared in ancient Andalusia, were formed gradually, and the participation of different nationalities and the influence of eras gave art versatility. Today, the flamenco tradition has become an integral part of the Spanish soul, and the dance itself is expressed through three components at once – through music, singing and dance. The heart of flamenco is considered to be a song that follows certain rules for composing verses. Despite the long history, flamenco was elevated to the status of art only in the 20s of the last century.
It is in autonomous Andalusia that you can see true Spain in all its glory, while Seville is the capital and real pride of Andalusia. The city of Carmen and passionate flamenco will be remembered for its low-rise old buildings in the Mudéjar and Baroque styles, over which rises several outstanding monuments and towers, romantic parks immersed in greenery and flowers, the tart aroma of citrus fruits and excellent Andalusian wine.
Read also about the sights of Madrid and be inspired to travel further in Spain.