As the capital and largest city of Andalusia, Seville is absolutely one of the must visit cities in Spain. From the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See to Royal Alcazars of Seville, I have rounded up 15 unmissable things to do and see while in town.
1) VISIT SEVILLA CATHEDRAL AND GO UP GIRALDA BELL TOWER
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A must see during your stay in Seville, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, best known as Seville Cathedral, is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church all over the world. Built during the 16th century to demonstrate the city’s wealth, here you can also visit Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’s grave. Our hint? Reach the cathedral roof: from the top you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, And don’t miss out on visiting also the Giralda, the bell Cathedral’s tower, once a minaret of the mosque that stood on the site under Muslim rule.
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2) FEEL LIKE A KING AT REALES ALCAZARES (ROYAL ALCAZARS OF SEVILLE)
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Once in Seville don’t miss out on visiting The Alcazàr of Seville, the royal palace, once a Moorish fort. Best known as one of the most beautiful in Spain, being one of the most representative examples of mudéjar architecture on the Iberian Peninsula. It was the birthplace of Infanta Maria Antonietta of Spain, daughter of Philiph V of Spain and Elisabeth Farnese.
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3) LOOK INTO FUTURE AT METROPOL PARASOL
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This futuristic wooden structure is called Metropol Parasol and it was designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer-Hermann, claiming to be the largest wooden structure in the world. The building is popularly known as Las Setas de la Encarnación. Organized in four levels, it houses an Antiquarium, a Central Market, an the open-air public plaza and panoramic terraces (including a restaurant), offering one of the best views of the city centre.
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4) WANDER AROUND PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
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And don’t forget to take a walk in wonderful Plaza de España (Spain Square). Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, it is a breathtaking example of the Renaissance Revival style in traditional Spanish architecture. Designed by architect Anìbal Gonzàlez, it’s a harmonic mix of 1920s Art Dec, “moc Mudeja” and Neo-Mudèjar styles. By its walls there are many tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain.
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5) ADMIRE TORRE DEL ORO (GOLD TOWER)
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The Torre del Oro is a military watchtower, built by the Almohad dynasty to control access to Seville by the Guadalquivir river. Built in the thirteenth century, it worked as a prison during the Middle Ages and derives its name from the gleam of lime mortar and straw that the building displayed.
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6) EXPLORE SEVILLE’S BARRIOS
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To better enjoy Seville’s spirit, you absolute have to take a walk through some of its most typical and characteristic barrios (neighborhoods). If Barrio de Santa Cruz, once the Jewish quarter of the medieval city, is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys dating back to the old judería (Jewish quarter), El Arenal once housed the city’s port from where you could see ships sailing to the New World. Nowadays it houses freidurias (fried fish takeaways) and lots of bars ad restaurants as well as The Gold Tower. Triana also worth a visit. Why? It is famous for its amazing azulejos (ceramic tiles), made in workshops here using mud from the riverbank. Once here don’t miss out on visiting its market (Mercado de Triana). You must head to Macarena, if you want to see an authentic Seville barrio. Once here, don’t forget to visit the food market on Calle Feria, one of the city’s best and the “El Jueves” Thursday flea market.
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7) HAVE A TASTE OF TAPAS WHILE DRINKING SANGRIA
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One of the most typical are called tapas, a term which indicates a variety of appetizers or snacks: from mixed olives to cheese tortilla, pulpo a La gallega, but also patatas brava and croquetas. If you want to enjoy some tapas head to Bar Blanca Paloma in Triana’s neighborhood but also Blanco Cerrillo one of the most typical places here to eat tapas in town. While if you are looking for restaurant to eat Sevilla’s most traditional dishes, go to Michelin starred Abantal, or go to Taberna Sol y Sombra. Absolutely delicious!
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8) ENTER THE RING LIKE A PRO MATADOR AT PLAZA DE TOROS
When construction began around 1760, little did those involved foresee a construction process that would last over 120 years. Finally, the last detail to this cardinal temple was completed in 1881, becoming hailed as the most beautiful example of bullfighting architecture as well as playing a major part in the evolution of the bullfighting festival. With a gracious mix of late-baroque and early classicism, the grand exposed-stone ring is dotted with curious decorations of men, animals and vegetables.
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9) WALK THROUGH HISTORY AT PARQUE MARÍA LUISA
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Stretching along the Guadalquivir river, these former gardens of the Palace of San Telmo were opened to the public in 1893, after being donated by the occupant Infanta Maria Luisa Fernanda. Visitors can expect to discover Moorish-inspired tiled fountains, pavilions, wall decorations, as well as various ponds, benches and other hidden gems. the park is famed for the sheer number of doves that have taken residence there. Make time to visit the monuments dedicated to the likes of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, Miguel de Cervantes, and the century old Fountain of Lions.
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10) CRUISE DOWN THE GUADALQUIVIR RIVER AND TAKE IN SEVILLE’S SIGHTS
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Fancy experiencing the Parque Maria Luisa and the city’s plentiful cityscape by other means? Then hop on a boat tour of the Guadalquivir River, which will show you the most beautiful panoramas and reveal more of the UNESCO World Heritage old town, as well as sailing around the Parco di Maria Luisa. Great stuff.
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11) IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PASSION AT THE FESTIVAL OF FLAMENCO IN SEVILLE
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Get your castanets out, your dancing shoes on, have a bit of hotel vocal practice, and get yourself ready to annoy the locals at the world famous Bienal de Flamenco, a festival that has been going since 1980. For the 18th addition, Seville becomes a hotbed of activity between 12 September until 5 October and be prepared to discover all the different ways in which flamenco is expressed.
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12) HOLY MOLY, SEVILLE’S CHURCHES THAT HAVE GOT TO BE SEEN
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First up, there is Salvador Church found on Plaza del Salvador, which began construction in 1674, and is based on the remains of Mezquita Mayor, the ancient mosque of Seville. Next, the Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes, founded in 1676 for the poor and completed in 1695. As well as its inviting courtyard and terrace, its real beauty is found in the adjoining church, the Iglesia del Hospital de los Venerables. The church is decorated from floor to ceiling in the most illuminating and joyful colours, including a golden organ that towers high above its visitors.
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13) STEP ONTO THE ‘WRONG’ SIDE OF THE GUADALQUIVIR RIVER IN TRIANA
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Located on the west bank of the river, Triana is separated from the main city, classed as an almost-island but narrowly linked to the mainland in the north. Step away from main Seville and you’ll find the ‘trianeros’ are very welcoming and come with a community vibe that isn’t as tight knit in the main city. Along with its eye-catching Moorish Revival chapel, Triana is steeped in as much history as it is bars and places to eat. This colourful old quarter shouldn’t be overlooked and with a little luck, you’ll find yourself rubbing shoulders with locals in popular haunts like Las Golondrinas and Altozano de Triana.
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14) MARVEL AT DIEGO VELAZQUEZ’S PAINTINGS AT CASA DE PILATOS
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Get yourself over to Casa de Pilatos to seek out Diego Velazquez’s painted ceiling, which will be wrestling for your attention over the house’s pristine Islamic tile-decorated courtyard and stuccos. The house alone, with its mix of Europe and Africa, Christian, pagan and Muslim influences, is a force to be reckoned with as well as bearing the stunning ceiling work by Velazquez.
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15) A PEEK OF PRIVACY BEHIND THE DOORS OF PALACIO DE LEBRIJA
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The Palacio de Lebrija is famous for its collection of mosaics that were rescued from the nearby Roman city of Italica. Here you’ll an eclectic mix of styles, including mudejar architecture that originates from the 12th to 16th centuries and is heavily influenced by Moorish workmanship. The house itself is very unassuming from the outside and is found on one of Seville’s busiest streets, Calle Cuna, meaning that after you’ve doused yourself in history.
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Written by Claudia Baroncelli and Ben Taylor
