Seville, the capital of Andalusia, boasts a rich Moorish heritage that can be seen in the vibrant painted tiles adorning buildings, the lobed arches of palaces, and the famous Giralda tower, once a minaret.
Seville is also known for three quintessential Spanish experiences: Flamenco, tapas, and bullfighting. The best time to visit is in the spring, when the sweet scent of jasmine and orange blossoms wafts through the air. You can also witness the solemn Semana Santa processions or join in the lively festivities of the Feria de Abril.
Seville Cathedral
The Seville Cathedral is a massive structure that is a wonder to behold, with intricate architectural details, relics, and historical artifacts that will keep you mesmerized for hours. It is the largest cathedral in the world by volume, boasting 80 different chapels, and has been designated a World Heritage site. The Court of the Orange Trees on the north side provides glimpses of the mosque that once stood on this site.
La Giralda
Adjacent to the Cathedral is the iconic Giralda bell tower, which has its origins in Moorish architecture as the former minaret of the mosque. Instead of stairs, the tower has 34 ramps that were used by the Muezzin to ride his horse to the top while leading the call to prayer. Along the way, there are archaeological exhibits to break up the climb, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
Real Alcazar
The Real Alcázar is a magnificent palace complex that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is still in use by the Spanish royal family. Built in the Mudéjar style, it was developed by Pedro the Cruel in the 14th century and features beautiful courtyards, coffered ceilings, and sprawling gardens. Visitors can view the royal chambers, state rooms, and halls on the upper level for an additional fee, and the Patio del Yeso provides a glimpse of the original Almohad palace. The elevated Grutesco Gallery offers stunning views of the grounds.
Plaza de España
Built for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929, Plaza de España is a massive monument located within Maria Luisa Park. It’s a half-circle plaza that borders a canal and is overlooked by a large, curved palace that houses several of the city’s administrative buildings. However, the main attraction is the gallery that lines the plaza. You’ll find busts of important national figures and installations for each province in Spain. Using typical Sevillian azulejos (painted tiles), these displays showcase details like local cuisine and famous landmarks in each region of the country. It’s like a charming geography lesson that will keep you occupied for several minutes.
Maria Luisa Park
The largest green space in central Seville originally belonged to the nearby San Telmo Palace, which dates back to the 1500s. In the late 19th century, Infanta Luisa Fernanda donated the grounds to the city, and it took on its current form after undergoing renovations in 1911. Maria Luisa Park is one of those parks where you’ll discover something pleasant around every turn, whether it’s an ornamental pond, pavilion, sculpture, or tiled fountain. The park’s broad avenues have twin rows of tall palm trees, while the park’s body, woven with little trails, is a large botanical garden with unusual species from around the world.
Triana
Located on the left bank of the Guadalquivir, opposite the old city, is the Triana neighborhood. It’s a vital part of the city, credited with many of the things that people associate with Sevillian culture, such as painted ceramics and flamenco. The primary entrance is via the Isabel Bridge, which is close to the bullfighting arena. You’ll arrive at the Plaza de Altozano, which features a much-photographed statue of a flamenco dancer, a “monument to the flamenco art.” Take a look at the area’s Moorish revival and Baroque architecture and stop by one of the numerous tile and ceramics shops to purchase authentic azulejos tiles.
Right Bank of the Guadalquivir
Starting at the Isabel Bridge, you can embark on a delightful stroll along the southern bank of the Guadalquivir River towards the University of Seville. On sunny days (which are frequent in Seville), locals come out for walks, bike rides, jogs, or to simply sit on the stone walls and admire the view across the water to Triana. You can take a detour from the river to see the Plaza de Toros, the 250-year-old bullfighting arena. Further down, you’ll find the Torre del Oro, a magnificent watchtower constructed during the days of the Almohad Caliphate in the 13th century. It now houses a maritime museum.
Tablaos and Flamenco Shows
Regardless of the time of year, you can be certain that there will be flamenco shows taking place across the city every evening. A tablao is a wonderful way to experience a show, with live musicians and either bar or restaurant service. If you’re staying near the Cathedral, Tablao El Arenal is a great option, with two 90-minute performances per night and a choice of tapas or full dinner. Those visiting Seville in the spring or autumn can attend the Peñas de Guardia, a series of shows organized for local or emerging flamenco talent.
Archaeological Museum
This attraction is part of an ensemble built for the Ibero-American Exposition, showcasing the most important artifacts from archaeological sites around the Seville Province. The most exciting finds are from the Bronze Age, such as the Treasure of El Carombolo, dating back to the 8th century BC. This hoard of 21 pieces of gold jewelry belonged either to the local Tartessos Culture that lived on the banks of the Guadalquivir River or to the Phoenicians. After replicas had been on display for many years, the original items were installed in 2012.
Museum of Arts and Traditions
Also part of the Exposition is this surprisingly diverting museum covering Seville’s traditional industries, households, and customs. Here you’ll see everyday items from throughout Seville’s history, including ceramics from the 16th century and large displays of swords and knives forged in the city. One section leads you through the various workshops related to Seville’s historic trades, such as tile-making, metalwork, lacework, and barrel-making for the local sherry (fino).
Museum of Fine Arts
Walking around the older parts of the city, the buildings that don’t look Moorish have a highly ornate baroque style. This is because the 17th and 18th centuries were a time of great wealth for Seville, which gave rise to a whole cultural movement. At the Museo de Bellas Artes, you can see the painting and sculpture from the Sevillian School. Much of the work here is religious and comes from monasteries and convents around the city that were closed down in the 19th century and brought here. The building is also fabulous, with a series of peaceful courtyards.
Feria de Abril
The Feria de Abril takes place in Los Remedios, southwest of Seville. This five-day event starts on Tuesday and concludes with fireworks on Sunday. The fairgrounds feature around a thousand tents, where men and women dressed in traditional costume roam around. Women wear typical polka dot flamenco dresses, called “traje de gitano,” while many men wear short waistcoats and wide-brimmed hats. During the fair, people eat, drink, and dance traditional Sevillanas until dawn. The fair also offers horseback rides and classic fair amusements for children in the early evening.
Semana Santa
Seville’s Holy Week processions are Spain’s most famous. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, somber penitents march through the streets wearing sandals, robes, and pointed hoods. These groups belong to brotherhoods associated with churches across the city and carry large, decorative floats portraying passion scenes and weeping Virgins. The events culminate on Maundy Thursday when the central plazas erect grandstand seating, and women attend dressed in black. On this night, the processions slowly make their way around the center until morning.
Italica
Board a bus at Plaza de Armas station, and in less than thirty minutes, you’ll arrive at Italica, the birthplace of Roman Emperors Trajan and Hadrian. This vast archaeological site boasts an impressive amphitheater that once seated 25,000 spectators. Visitors can explore the tunnels beneath the terraces of seating and view the subterranean structure at the center of the arena. The foundations of mansions and temples, where complete mosaics are still visible, rest on what was once the seats of the ancient city.
Tapas
Seville is the birthplace of tapas, and numerous tapas bars are scattered throughout the alleys and winding streets around the Cathedral, Ayuntamiento building, and the riverside. Many of these bars specialize in one or two particular dishes, making it a fun experience to hop from one bar to another, trying something new at each stop. Some popular tapas include patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), deep-fried baby squid known as chipirones, queso manchego, cured ham, oxtail stew, and prawns with garlic. Additionally, there are several tapas tours available for those interested in exploring Seville’s culinary scene. For a sit-down restaurant experience, La Brunilda on Calle Galera offers exquisitely presented little dishes that add a modern twist to traditional favorites such as ham croquettes and pulpo (octopus).