Seville, the capital of the province of Seville, Spain and
of the autonomous area of Andalusia, epitomizes everything that people love
about Spain. Whether it’s being
mesmerized by the intense and passionate flamenco dance, enjoying the tasty
tapas, or getting an adrenalin rush while watching the raging bulls, the city
offers all of these experiences and more.
Although Seville is about 3,000 years old it is not a very large
city. Its small size makes it quite easy
to navigate and explore. It is a
wonderful place to venture out on your own, walking from one historical landmark
to the next while stopping at an occasional open air café or restaurant along
the way.
You’ll find that the various civilizations that have passed
through Seville have given the city a distinct personality. Although it has a strong baroque, renaissance
and medieval heritage, Seville was also substantially influenced by Arabic
culture.
If you lose your bearings while walking look for the La
Giralda’s minaret. Locate it and you’ll
soon be able to figure out the way to go.
If you’d like you can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy a bird’s
eye view of the city to help you to get your bearings.
While there enjoy the impressive workmanship and elaborate details
of the minaret. You certainly won’t be
able to ignore the huge cathedral that it right next to it. This imposing gothic structure is believed to
be one of the biggest of its type in the world.
After getting your bearings follow the narrow cobblestone
alleyways that lead from the cathedral.
They will take you to the Old Jewish Quarter or the old quarter of Santa
Cruz. The stroll towards Santa Cruz is a
delight in itself. You’ll pass small,
charming squares and beautiful houses whose balconies are full of blooming
flowers.
If you would like to see extraordinary architecture and
stunning gardens your next destination should be the Reales Alcazares (the
Royal Palaces). Their medieval gardens
may be some of the oldest, most stunning gardens in the world.
Romantic pools, beautiful fountains, cypresses, palms,
magnolias and oranges are scattered throughout the gardens. The Palace is a mixture of Gothic, Baroque
and Moorish designs.
Are you looking for an adventure? Then head over to the Plaza de toros de la
Real Maestranza de Caballeria, which is the oldest bullfighting arena in the
country. This bullring was built in
1749. It’s still one of the most
exciting bullfighting venues in the world today. Although the name can be a tongue twister,
all you need to remember is “La Maestranza” or “plaza de toros” and somebody
will show you how to get there.
Next, a short walk will bring you to Torre del Oro (the
Tower of Gold). This thirteenth century
Moorish watchtower has served as a depository for treasures and gold in the
past.
Before leaving Seville you’ll want to stop by the Plaza de
Espana. Ornamented with several bridges
and a striking fountain, bordered by a complex of buildings, this large public
square is a favorite spot for photos. Once
you see the brightly colored tiles of the Alcoves of the Provinces you’ll
understand why.
Steve Schulman loves to travel and write about some his
favorite spots in the world. He recently
began a journey that focuses on how to learn Spanish and other languages.
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