Seville, Spain . . .

While Granada has the great Alhambra and Córdoba has the famous Mezquita, it is said that Seville has the “Soul” of Andalusía.

Historically, in the 16th century the city of Seville boomed when Spain did. Explorers like Amerigo Vespucci and Ferdinand Magellan sailed from its great river harbor, discovering new routes and sources of gold, silver, cocoa, and tobacco. In the 17th Century, Seville became Spain’s largest and richest city and local artists like Diego Velázquez, Bartolomé Murillo and Francisco de Zurbarán made it a cultural center. Today, Spain is the fourth largest city and is Andalusía’s leading destination. Sevilla has its share of impressive sights, but the real magic is the city itself. Famous writer, James Michener wrote, “Sevilla doesn’t have ambience, it is ambience.” – Rick Steves (Spain 2008)

Seville, the capital of Andalusía is a compact city with most of its’ major sights located within or very near to the city centre which is on the east bank of the Río Guadalquivir. Major sights include: the great Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, Reales Alcázares, Museo de Belas Artes, Baillica de la Marcarena, the Palace of Casa de Pilatos and Seville’s bullring (Plaza de Toros de la Maestanza).

Among the highlights of my stay will be visiting the great Seville Cathedral, which took over a century to build and is considered the largest in Europe. The Cathedral is located on the site of the great mosque built by the Amohads in the late 12th century. In addition to viewing the Gothic immensity and works of art in its chapels and treasury, I will also get to climb La Giralda (the bell tower) for some superb views of the city. I’m going to enjoy spending time exploring the Barrio Santa Cruz and doing some relaxing tapas bar hopping, which I am finding out is considered a “must do” in not only Seville but in most of the cities/towns I’ll be visiting. But the absolute highlight for me will be getting to watch my first live Flamenco performance at Tablao Flamenco Los Gallos. (Thank you María for the inspiration and recommendation.)

I am learning that Sevilla has this wonderful energy, spirit and vibe to it and I am really looking forward to my visit there.

I tried to find a really cool video just like I found for Madrid and Córdoba, but all I could find was this pretty decent touristy one. So you know what that means, don’t you? I’m just going to have to make a really cool YouTube video myself when I return! :)