It is the city that you must definitely visit once in your life. This is where the passionate flamenco dance was born and you will have the opportunity to see improvised performances in the streets! It is one of the most important metropolitan centers in Europe. Enjoy the famous ajulejos, the painted ceramic wall tiles influenced by Arabic art. The impressive architecture of the city will leave you speechless. It was the capital of Muslim Spain, the center of Spanish explorations in America and you will have the opportunity to see up close Moorish palaces, Gothic churches and medieval narrow streets that “travel” you into the past.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +34
Nearest airports from city center: Seville Airport (10km), Jerez Airport (94km), Faro Airport (202km) and Malaga Airport (215km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** REAL ALCAZAR DE SEVILLA (Patio de Banderas, 41004 Sevilla)
The once Moorish fortress is the oldest surviving royal palace in Europe. In 1987 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The royal family uses the upper floors of the palace and of course it is open to the public.
*** PLAZA DE ESPANA ( Av. Isabel la Católica, 41004 Sevilla)
This is the most famous square in the city and many of the buildings were designed in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition. It is in the Spanish Renaissance style, the shape is a semi-circle and essentially the exhibition was about symbolic peace with its former American colonies.
*** SEVILLE CATHEDRAL & LA GIRALDA TOWER (Av. de la Constitución, 41004 Sevilla)
It is the third largest church in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. It opened its gates in 1528, having been built on the site of a Moorish mosque. Here you will see the tomb of Christopher Columbus, many paintings and many treasures.
*** PLAZA DE TOROS (Passeo de Cristóbal Colón, 12, 41001 Sevilla)
Visit the largest bullring in Spain, built in the 18th century and with a capacity of 13 thousand. Its facade is impressive, it is baroque and dates back to the 18th-19th century. There you will also find the Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum) which has many paintings and artifacts about the evolution of bullfighting.
*** TORRE DEL ORO (Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, Seville)
It is the “Golden Tower” of the city. It is 36 meters high, was built in the 12th century and was part of the Moorish wall of Seville, controlling shipping in the Guadalquivir. It is called the “Tower of Gold” because when ships entered the city through the Guadalquivir, they unloaded their gold there. A part of it was also a prison. The naval museum (Museo Naval de Sevilla) will also be found there.
*** CASA DE PILATOS (Plaza de Pilatos, 1, 41003 Sevilla)
Definitely a must visit. Built in the 16th century, the palace is named after the home of Pontius Pilate and is located in the historic Santa Cruz district. Along with the Alcazar, it is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved buildings for five centuries! You will be impressed with its architecture, its fountains, its chapels, its corridors and of course its colorful garden.
*** PORTADA DEL ARCHIVO GENERAL DE INDIAS (Avenida de la Constitución 3, 41004 Sevilla)
In this building (opened in 1785) you will find priceless maps and documents relating to the Spanish Empire in America and the Philippines. The building and the archives included in it have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
*** MUSEO DE BELLAS ARTES DE SEVILLA (Plaza del Museo, 9, 41001 Sevilla)
It is estimated that after the Prado in Madrid, the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla is Spain’s second most important art museum and was opened in 1835. The greatest painters from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the 20th century have their works in the building.
*** PALACIO DE LA CONDESA DE LEBRIJA (Calle Cuna, 8, 41004 Sevilla)
Visit the palace, where it has the largest collection of mosaics. It is not only famous for its mosaics, but also for its heritage of artifacts from ancient times, such as amphorae and sculptures. The building has Arabic style arches that will leave you speechless.
*** MONASTERY OF SANTA MARIA DE LAS CUEVAS (Calle Américo Vespucio, 2, 41092 Sevilla)
The History of the Monastery takes us back to Moorish times, where an icon of the Virgin was discovered in a cave and the chapel was built. In the 15th century, the Franciscan Monastery was founded and became, among other things, a ceramics factory, winning many international awards. Inside the monastery is the contemporary art museum “Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (CAAC)”.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** One of your first choices should be a walk to the Santa Cruz district & Historical center
*** The Palacio de las Dueñas, built in the 15th century and containing works of art, is worth a visit.
*** The Metropol Parasol is the largest wooden construction in the world and a walk is required.
*** It has many Museums that, if you have time, are worth visiting like Hospital los Venerables, Andalusisches Zentrum für zeitgenössische Kunst, Museo Del Castillo De San Jorge, Casa de la Ciencia, Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares de Sevilla and the Archaeological Museum of Seville.
*** Puente de Triana is an iconic bridge of the city and you must walk it.
*** Puerta de la Macarena, Postigo del Aceite and Puerta de Córdoba have a special history, as they are the only three gates that remain today from the original city walls.
*** Visit Plaza del Cabildo and Patio de Banderas.
*** Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Savior Church.
FOOD AND DRINK
Andalusians have meat as the dominant element in their dishes. We would recommend you to eat some traditional foods such as Carrillada de cerdo which is pork cheeks, solomillo al whiskey which is pork with whiskey, cola de toro which is bull tail and Gazpacho. Also the fish/seafood have their price, such as Pescaíto frito, Chipirones a la plancha and Cod with tomato. If you like street food, then try Flamenquines and Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. Try the tapas, tortilla de patatas, bocadillos, jamon and the awesome calamari sandwich.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find relatively good value hotels near the city center. However, there are hotels in every neighborhood of the city for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** The city has several parks and spaces for play and relaxation, such as Isla Magica, Isla de La Cartuja, Parque del Alamillo, Plaza de América, Jardines del Prado de San Sebastián, Parque de los Príncipes and Jardines de Murillo.
*** If you like Flamenco, then you must visit the Museo del Baile Flamenco, which is one of the most beautiful museums and you can even watch a live flamenco show.
*** Acuario de Sevilla is a great option to spend some time watching sharks and other sea creatures.
*** For shopping visit Sevilla Fashion Outlet, Centro Comercial Torre Sevilla, Centro Comercial Los Arcos, Lagoh Sevilla. If you like antiques visit Populart and Antiguedades el Museo.
*** The streets that have many shops are Tetuan & Calle Sierpes, Calle Sagasta, Calle Cordoba, Calle Regina and Calle Feria.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike, metro or by bus.
CITIES NEAR SEVILLE
Major cities close Seville are Huelva (92km), Jerez (92km), Cadiz (120km), Cordoba (144km), Gibraltar (197km), Faro (199km), Malaga (205km) and Granada (248km).
