Seville, Andalucia

Seville - Overview:

The beautiful and elegant capital city of Andalucia, Seville is built on the banks of the River Guadalquivir, only 60km from the sea, and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe. Located between Cadiz and Cordoba, Seville has a rich cultural heritage and its main attractions are conveniently situated near the city centre.

Its most famous landmarks are La Giralda, the minaret of the former mosque and its series of palaces collectively known as the Alcazar. The old quarter of Triana, La Macarena, Santa Cruz and San Bartolome, Las Sierpes, La Maestranza bullring, Maria Luisa Park and the riverside walks are also representative images of the vibrant and historic city of Seville.

For all its important monuments and fascinating history though, Seville is world-renowned for being a joyous town. While the Sevillians are known for their wit and sparkle, the city itself is striking for its vitality. It is the largest town in Southern Spain, the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro.

Seville - History:

According to legend Seville was founded by Hercules and, during Roman times, the emperors Hadrian and Trajan were born here. Seville was called Hispalis under the Romans and later re-named Isbiliya during the occupation of the Moors, who conquered Seville in 712.

Seville became the most important port in the world during the 16th and 17th centuries following the discovery of America.

Seville - Sightseeing:

Seville's 500-year Moorish heritage is preserved in the Alcazar, a beautiful series of palaces, courtyards and gardens which rival the Alhambra in Granada for their splendour. Within the vibrant city of Seville is La Giralda, the minaret of the former mosque and recognised as the symbol of Seville. The design of La Giralda was considered so perfect that it was preserved by the Christians when they built their Cathedral on the site.

Seville's Gothic cathedral is the largest in Spain and the numerous palaces and elegant buildings in the city reflect its great history. Part of its treasure include Casa de Pilatos, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies (where the historical records of the American continent are kept), the Fine Arts Museum (the second largest picture gallery in Spain) along with many convents and parish churches.

Nestled behind the Cathedral is the old Jewish quarter of Seville, the Barrio de Santa Cruz. This is a very picturesque area of narrow cobblestone streets, pretty whitewashed houses with colourful window boxes and sunny squares with open air cafes.

Seville - Fiestas:

The Sevillians are proud of their heritage and host various fiestas throughout the year, including their annual Feria de Abril, a week-long party of drink, food and dance which takes place day and night in more than a thousand especially erected tents. The men parade on their fine horses and the women dance in brilliantly coloured gypsy dresses.

Leading up to Feria de Abril is Holy Week, Semana Santa, a religious festival where hooded penitents march in long processions followed by huge Baroque floats adorned with images of the Virgin or Christ, surrounded by cheering crowds.

Seville - Gastronomy:

Seville is credited with the invention of Tapas and has more than a thousand bars where the choice of food is virtually unlimited - from seafood to ham and sausage, from vegetable to cheese. The Sevillians actually make a meal of them, moving from bar to bar sampling one dish after another.

Seville - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy privileged, sophisticated holiday destinations in Andalucia, including Seville. Privately owned villas, apartments, villas with pools and hotels, in beautiful coastal and rural locations, hand-picked for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Spain.

So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking in Andalucia's inland mountains; exploring Spain's fascinating white villages, rural towns and historic cities such as Jaen, Ronda or Seville; fancy a spot of sailing, SCUBA diving, wind surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great beaches (much of Spain's south coast is also ideal for a spot of winter sun); or you just want to simply escape the tourist masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to Spain, ferry travel and holiday car hire.