Seville is a city steeped in history
Seville is a city steeped in history. Throughout the narrow streets and main avenues - in fact, virtually everywhere you cast your eye, there are magnificent monuments and buildings which stand as a legacy to this city's fascinating heritage. Many of these date from the time of the Moorish conquest (712), such as the Giralda, the Alcazar, and the Cathedral which was originally built as a mosque by the Almohads in the late 12th century, and later became the largest Gothic church in the world.
search hotels in Seville, great rates
One of the richest areas of the city, in terms of the sheer number of monuments, is the Barrio Santa Cruz which is very much in character with Seville's romantic image, its streets narrow and torturous to keep out the sun, with houses brilliantly whitewashed and barricaded with iron grilles behind which girls once kept chaste evening rendezvous with their novios. Almost all the houses have patios, often surprisingly large and in summer these become the principal family living room.
Near here is the Plaza de España, designed as the centrepiece of the Spanish Americas fair, and on the edge of the beautiful Maria Luisa Park.
On a much smaller scale are the tranquil gardens of the Casa de Pilatos which, despite being built well after the Moslem period, demonstrates how long the interest in Mudejar architecture continued.
Those interested in the history of this graceful city will be interested in the old city walls and gates.
Museums are, not surprisingly, well represented in Seville, including the spectacular Museo de Bellas Artes which is a treasure house in this city of artists where such masters as Velazquez have founded whole styles of art that have been very influential in the world of painting.
| Alcazar |  |
Barrio Santa Cruz |
| It's easy to be fooled into thinking this is a Moorish palace, some of the rooms and courtyards seem to come straight from the Alhambra. More > |
This is the first barrio (area or neighbourhood) tourists head for, and with good reason. More > |
|
| Casa de Pilates | |
Cathedral |
| Called the House of Pilate because it was thought to resemble Pontius Pilate's home in Jerusalem. More > |
Seville's Cathedral occupies the site of a great mosque in the late 12th century. More > |
|
| City Walls & Gates | |
Giralda |
| As you arrive in the city, look out for remnants of ancient stone walls marooned in the centre of busy roads. More > |
The cathedral's minaret was the culmination of Almohad architecture and served as a model for those at their imperial capitals of Rabat and Marrakesh. More > |
|
| Maria Luisa Park | |
Metropol Parasol |
| Now that the trees and shrubs have reached maturity, the genius of the landscapers can be appreciated - this is one of the loveliest parks in Europe. More > |
The most ambitious, expensive and controversial urban project in Seville since Expo 92, this is nothing short of a modern icon. More > |
|
| Museo de Bellas Artes | |
Plaza de España |
| Once a convent, this magnificent art museum has been lovingly restored and is now one of the finest in Spain. More > |
The Plaza de España and adjoining Maria Luisa Park are among the most pleasant - and impressive - public spaces in Spain. More > |
Min: 20C