Tourist guide over Sevilla Andalucia

Situated in west Andalusian, about 3 hours driving from Marbella on Costa del Sol or 2 hours from Cadiz on Costa de la Luz, the population in the city of Sevilla has little over 700.000 people. Sevilla is also the capital of Andalusia and of the province of Sevilla, or Seville which many people spell it.
Sevilla is one of Spain’s most romanticised cities and, is one of the towns with so much of history and culture to offer you.

Sevilla History

In the 12th century Christopher Columbus set sail from Huelva Port, west of Sevilla to discover the Americas, bringing back tobacco and exotic merchandise, instigating the great trading revolution creating vast wealth and making Sevilla one of Spain’s most important cities. This opulent wealth was reflected in the architecture, the trading houses, the parks, the palaces and the culture.

Opera Carmen by Georges Bizet

Georges Bizet set his legendary opera Carmen (1875) against such a backdrop, using the famous tobacco factory, which is still there today, as a setting for his romantic story. Passion exudes from every pore of this steamy city, from the exotic gypsy music to the fiery spectacle of flamenco. Together with the heady scent from the abundant orange trees which line the streets, Sevilla today still maintains an intoxicating atmosphere.

Best way to see everything

The best way to see around this colourful metropolis is to hop on one of the open-top tour buses, or join one of the many walking tours. Driving is not recommended as the traffic system is chaotic and frantic. If you take the bus you will be given a set of headphones which will talk to you through a very comprehensive history of the city and point out all the most interesting features.

The main tourist attractions tend to be quite near each other but to see the site of the 1992 Expo you have to cross over the river, so it’s a good idea to stay with the bus to see everything and ten decide which attractions you want to visit. The walking tours are definitely worth doing, because the bus doesn’t go into the old city, and if you walk around on your own you will miss out on the most interesting details.

NO 8 DO signs in Sevilla

One detail that is impossible to miss is the NO 8 DO or NO-8-DO. Do signs which you see on manhole covers, signposts and municipal buildings. This strange sign which reads as “no me ha dejado” – literally, “she never abandoned me” –was famously uttered by Alfonso the Wise after the city remained loyal to him in battle during the 13th century. The phrase still conjures up pride in people of Sevilla, and this has become a symbol of the city.

The Romans and the Moors architecture in Seville

As with many Spanish cities Sevilla and the river Guadaquivir was controlled by Romans and then Moors from Gibraltar and Granada, who were ultimately conquered by the Christians. Religious upheaval and change is characterised by the many different styles of architecture. A perfect example of this is the magnificent Cathedral Giralda, Sevills’s huge cathedral which is surrounded by the ancient walls of the 12th century Almohad mosque. The Puerta del Perdon, impressive bronze doors inscribed with the Koran, stand at the entrance to the cathedral, which is reputedly the largest in the world.

Across the Plaza del Trufo, a short distance from the Giralda, is the spectacular Puerta de Leon, the entrance to the grand palaces of the Alcazar. Built as a fortress for King Pedro the 1sr – known as “the Cruel”- the palace contains some of the finest 14th century Moorish architecture. If you purchase a set of headphones on your way in, a guide will take you through the scented and beautifully designed gardens, into the breathtaking stately living quarters – re-creating enthralling historical stories of a bygone era.

Parque de Maria Luisa

There are so many fascinating places to visit in Sevilla, but one stop on the tour which I definitely recommend is the delightful Parque de Maria Luisa, and the impressive Plaza de España. The Plaza will provide you with a perfect photo opportunity; as the fountain, which is situated in the middle, catches the sunlight a brilliant rainbow appears before your eyes – catch that on your digital!

The Plaza is made up of a semi-circular complex of buildings, in front of which individually designed tiled seats have been created – representing the forty provinces of Spain. The tile work is stunning. It is worth taking time out from your tour to walk around this beautiful area, and watch the elegant horse-drawn carriages driving around the plaza.

Plaza de Toros de La Maestranza, The bullfighting arena

If you’re into bullfighting, Plaza de Toros de La Maestranza is regarded as the most beautiful and important bullring in the world. You can take a guided tour through the bullfighting museum, which is crammed with memorabilia. The bullring itself has incredible acoustics, and was another setting for Bizet´s Carmen. However, there are gory pictures on the walls and a fully equipped operating theatre for the unlucky matador – it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Art, Museum / Museo de Bellas Artes

If you love art, then the Museo de Bellas Artes houses works by some of the most famous Spanish artists, as El Greco, Pacheco, Velázquez and Alonso Cano. Religion dominates many of the paintings, as Juan de Vales Leal, Francisco de Zubaran and Esteban, but Sevillian Romanticism is also reflected in the work of artists such as Bejarano and Valeriano.

Best food, Flamenco and Guitar shows in Seville

The best eating in Sevilla is in the many taps bars. Those found in the tourist areas will be more expensive than those around the back streets. Some of the best are in the areas surrounding the Giralda and in La Juderia, the old Jewish quarter. It is here also where some of the best flamenco shows can be seen.

You just can’t visit Sevilla without seeing flamenco. We found a brilliant, authentic guitar and flamenco show in the Casa de la Memoria, a tiny cultural centre down a side street in La Juderia. We sat in an open-air courtyard and were mesmerised by the passion of one single flamenco dancer accompanied by the most exquisite guitar playing. It was just magical.

Shopping and hotels in Sevilla

There are lots of the usual tacky souvenir shops which reflect the sevillanos´ love of flamenco, selling a multitude of flamenco dresses, which hang from doorways and windows. In the main shopping areas you will find the best Spanish designer shops, especially good for those who love shoes and handbags.

There is a good choice of hotels in Sevilla. We stayed at a small contemporary boutique hotel which was within walking distance of most attractions. Casa Romana, recently built in traditional Andalusian style around an open courtyard, is the perfect city hotel. Chic and elegant, it combines excellent service, and luxury accommodation, with a warm and friendly ambience. Perfectly situated, this hotel comes highly recommended.

Sevilla is a wonderful destination for a short or longer holiday, but summer is not the time for touring as it gets unbearably hot. April is highlighted by the most colourful gypsy festival, celebrating flamenco and music. And Semana Santa (Easter) is a celebration of religion with fantastic floats and parades in the streets.