Hotel Palacio de Villapanes boasts a formidable entrance of pale-coloured stone, topped by a heraldic crest. Inside, a red marble floor and imposing black pillars lead to the patio; the 18th-century palace’s historic pedigree (it was built by the 1st Marques de Torre Blanca del Aljarafe; the Villapanes title was taken by a descendant) is further evident from another massive coat of arms on the grand staircase.
Located in the Mudejar Pavilion of the 1920 Ibero-American exhibition devoted to the popular arts and traditions of Andalucia. There are exhibitions held in the basement here, including a permanent series of workshop scenes detailing crafts, such as leatherwork, ceramics and cooperage.
We bring you ten interesting titbits about the Andalucian capital, whether you´re visiting Seville for the first time, you´re already a seasoned expert, or you live here. Find out more about film, food, sport, history, religion and politics - plenty of key aspects of this historic city.
Seville has many excellent museums representing a wide range of subjects, historical periods and styles.
This neo-baroque theatre is named after the famous 16th century Spanish playwright, often called the Spanish Shakespeare, who wrote more than 1,500 plays. Like most of the buildings in this area of the city, it was designed for the 1929 Iberico-American Expo as the Pavilion of Seville, and was later used as a casino. It was converted into a theatre in 1980.
This botanical garden is full of species donated by countries in the Americas for Expo 92, and is divided into different areas, including palms, cacti (look out for the prickly pear, with its yellow flowers and reddish-yellow fruit), tropical and sub-tropical plants. Many succulents and other plants.
Built more as a traditional park, this is very close to the Jardin Americano, but you need to know exactly how to get there, it’s not signposted (which means it’s quiet and little-visited): leave through the gate at the lake end, turn left walk and along next to the cycle lane.
Roman ruins of Italica, near Seville, with remarkable mosaics and an impressive amphitheatre, are located 9 kilometres to the north of the city, just outside the village of Santiponce. Nearby you can also see a well preserved Roman theatre. Both are signposted from the the main road.
Situated in the basement of Metropol Parasol in Plaza Encarnacion, this is a modern, well-presented archaeological museum following a similar format to the Castillo San Jorge (Inquisition Museum), with sections of ruins visible through glass partitions, and underfoot along walkways.
This massive building is Seville's most impressive after the cathedral, for its sheer scale and grandeur. Love it or hate it - fabulous or fussy, magnificent or overblown, depending on your point of view - you shouldn't miss it when visiting the city.
If you are considering visiting Seville you may find our maps a useful tool, we provide three maps, one of the region of Andalucia with Seville highlighted. The second handcrafted map gives the location of Seville with the corresponding local road network
La Casa de Pilatos (Pilate's House) is the finest example of a civil (as opposed to royal) palace in Seville. The building is a mixture of Italian Renaissance and Spanish Mudéjar adorned with precious tiles, and has well-kept gardens.
By far the best way to get around Seville is on foot. The narrow alleys, lack of parking and infinite one-way streets make driving complicated at best, highly stressful at worst. Best avoided, unless your hotel has a car park or garage.
Famous for having its own strong identity - it's known in Seville as "the independent republic of Triana" - this district is celebrated for its azulejos (ceramic tiles), made in workshops here originally using mud from the river bank; its sailors, bullfighters and flamenco artists.
Next to the Alameda, this is an authentic Seville barrio; although many houses have been restored and smartened up in recent years to attract young professional types, thankfully it hasn't gone too chi-chi. You'll find trendy clothes shops, of the street-style skateboarder variety, as well as artists' communities. The food market on Calle Feria is one of the city's best and the "El Jueves" Thursday flea market is fun for bargain-hunting. The area is home to one of Seville's two favourite Virgins, the Virgen de Esperanza, a focus of intense adoration during Semana Santa.
Seville's parish churches display a fascinating variety of architectural styles. Several are converted mosques with belfries built over their minarets, others range through Mudejar and Gothic (sometimes in combination), Renaissance and Baroque.
This castle once housed the headquarters of the Catholic Church's "Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition". The impressive remains, located underneath Triana market, are now used as a stunning exhibition space.
