As the capital of Andalucia, there are no shortage of things to do in Seville that demonstrate why many consider this the intense, passionate and sensuous soul of Spain. Below are just a few of my favourite neighbourhoods and must-sees.
My Favourite Things to Do in Seville
The Giralda
Seville’s most famous landmark is the beautiful Moorish Giralda. The tower is visible from outside the city, and would have completely dominated the skyline in Moorish times when it served as a minaret and watchtower. The Moors were so enamoured with their tower they planned to destroy it before it fell into Christian hands; thankfully it was left intact. The structure dates from 1184-96, but its full height of 96 metres includes the later Christian addition of the bell tower, the Renaissance balconies, and the 16th century bronze weathervane representing faith.
The Cathedral
The Seville Cathedral is the largest gothic cathedral, and third-largest church, in the world. Like many of Seville’s churches, it was originally installed in the old Moorish mosque. When the mosque was destroyed between 1402 and 1506, the Seville Cathedral was born in its place. One of the Cathedral’s main attractions is the huge Gothic retablo (devotional painting) in the Capilla Major. All that remains of the original mosque—apart from the Giralda—is the Patio de los Naranjos, which constituted the Moorish entrance court to the mosque.
The Alcázar
This fortified palace was occupied since Roman times by successive rulers, but it was not until the 11th century that it was expanded to form the great court of the Abbadid dynasty. Later, in the 12th and 13th centuries, the Almohads turned it into a citadel. Although some of the original walls remain, the greater part of the building dates from the time of the Christian conquest in 1248. For the next four hundred years, it became the favoured residence of the Catholic Kings, who expanded and elaborated its Mudéjar architecture.
El Barrio del Arenal used to be Seville’s busiest area, back when the port was established and the Guadalquivir River was the main mode of communication and transport between Seville and the world. Here you’ll find the Torre del Oro, a Moorish tower from the 13th century that now holds a maritime museum. You’ll also find the Teatro de la Maestranza, where you can enjoy international opera and classic dance. Further north, the Museo de Bellas Artes (The Museum of Fine Arts) hosts works from Zurbarán, Murillo and others; for many, the museum is reason enough to visit Seville.