Experience
Spain

BUCKET LISTE TRAVEL : SEVILLE

All things Andalusian

The capital of Andalusia is the perfect example of Andalusian charm, culture and art. With the waters of the Guadalquivir river running through it, Seville’s flamboyant and charismatic city is one of the best representations of Spain’s colonial past. Seville and its province are simply spellbinding and offer a wealth of architectural treasures like palaces, haciendas and white farmhouses.

SEVILLE’S HISTORY AND GRAND TRADITIONS

Seville’s beauty can be appreciated through its history and traditions. Conquistadors once walked the winding streets of the El Arenal area, counting their colonial riches. It was the city’s centre of maritime activity up to the 17th century and is now a lovely district with a path along the Guadalquivir river.

Board a boat to see the city from the water. Just one street east of the river is Hospital de la Caridad, an old charity hospital founded in the 17th century by Miguel Mañara, a notorious libertine who drastically changed his morals after having a vision of his own funeral. Now transformed into a museum, this masterpiece of Baroque architecture is home to paintings that witness Seville’s artistic grandeur in the Golden Age.

El Arenal is also home to the Teatro de la Maestranza theatre and the Maestranza bullring. The Seville bullrings are the country’s oldest and most prestigious, some of which saw the rise of bullfighting at the start of the 18th century. Today, they host the stars of the Feria de Abril during Holy Week.

Holy Week celebrations transcend religion and constitute an internationally renowned festival and cultural event. For eight days and nights, the people of Seville celebrate and admire the elaborately decorated altars and their honoured statues during unbelievable parades.

Seville is a vibrant city, alive with the sound of dancing, singing and guitars. The Triana district, with its narrow streets packed with traditional bars and cafés, is the birthplace of the most famous flamenco music. Triana still has clubs for flamenco enthusiasts which hold concerts and several dance academies which train the future stars of this Andalusian art form.

Must-sees in Seville

PLAZA ESPAÑA

A haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Plaza De España is in María Luisa Park. Two large brick towers bookend a collection of balconies and a waterway you can boat on. Each group of tiles is in honour of one of the Spanish provinces and depicts an event in their history.

THE GIRALDA

An iconic monument, the Giralda, is the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, which took a century to build. Ramps were built inside the tower, so guards could reach the top on horseback. They make it easier to climb today, and the views of the city from the top are spectacular.

ALCÁZAR

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alcázar includes several palaces with sumptuous interiors and beautiful patios and gardens. A highlight of Mudéjar architecture, this utter marvel was built in 913 as a fort for the Cordovan governors of Seville.

METROPOL PARASOL

This wooden superstructure towers above Plaza de la Encarnacíón square, one of Seville’s most historic commercial areas. Its honeycomb roof is supported by several pillars, which make it look like giant mushrooms. This earnt the building its nickname, Las Setas de la Encarnacíón (the mushrooms of the incarnation).

TORRE DEL ORO

On the river banks, this 13th-century Almohad watchtower is topped with a dome once covered in gold, giving it the name Torre del Oro (tower of gold). It was here that conquistadors stored their loots of colonial treasures when they returned from the New World. It’s now home to a naval museum.