Seville Travel Guide

Introduction to Seville

Rife with a mix of Renaissance and Moorish influence, as well as elements of modernism added in recent decades, Seville is Andalusia’s top tourist destination.

With one of Spain’s most beautiful palaces, one of the largest churches on the face of the Earth, and a cultural scene that will cause you to linger for longer than you planned, you’ll soon figure out why this is the case.

Cultural Experiences in Seville

Start your tour of Seville by visiting The Alcazar. A grand palace that was originally developed as a home for Moorish kings in the region, it eventually fell into the possession of the Spanish Royal Family, who still uses it as their base whenever they are in Seville.

When they aren’t around though, visitors are free to explore the grounds of this national treasure, which is often regarded as one of the best enduring examples of mudejar architecture in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Courtyard of the Maidens, the Alcazar Gardens, and the many examples of Islamic design will transfix you throughout your time here, so be sure block off an entire morning or afternoon for this popular attraction.

Those that are wishing to view one of Spain’s most spectacular public squares will be able accomplish this by visiting the Plaza de Espana.

Constructed for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929, it combines Renaissance and Moorish Revival styles to create a grand plaza encircled by government buildings (some of which now house museums – check out the archeology one) and a reflecting pool in the style of a river.

A fountain stands at the centre of the plaza, and along its edges, the Alcoves of the Provinces make for a perfect photo opportunity for you and your travel companions.

If you are a fan of churches at all, be sure not to miss seeing Seville Cathedral during your time in the city.

Being the largest cathedral and the third largest church in the world, its grandeur gives the visitor plenty to discover; whether its the interior arches or the exterior bell tower that captures your awe will have to wait until you see it for yourself.

The latter point of interest was converted from a minaret after Crusader forces took Seville from the Moors; as a result, it contains a significant amount of Islamic influence in its present design.

Want a great photo of the surrounding city? The climb can be quite tiring for those that aren’t in top shape, but you’ll be rewarded with an amazing panoramic shot of the region once you reach the pinnacle of this iconic tower.

Other Attractions in Seville

Seville has many old structures dating back from Medieval and Moorish times, but if your tastes verge towards the modern end of the scale, the ambition that the Metropol Parasol displays will resonate well with you.

Designed by German architect Jurgen Mayer, it is thought by many to be one of the largest wooden works of modern art in the world, as it stands at 85 feet high at its apex, and measures 490 feet long by 230 feet wide.

Built to resemble giant mushrooms, they offer visitors more than just a place to admire expensive public art, as there is a museum dedicated to Roman and Moorish artifacts found during construction and in the years prior, a market, restaurant and viewing platforms that offer great views of Seville.

Looking for a place to chill out if the Spanish heat is getting to you? The leafy environs of Maria Luisa Park is a great place in which to take refuge.

Stretching out along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville’s principal green space used to belong to the Spanish Royals, but it was detached from the grounds of the Palace of San Telmo in 1893 by the Duchess of Montpensier for use as a public park.

It is used as a botanical garden these days, as it contain plants from all over the world, all of which compliment the pavilions, fountains and sculptures left over from its days as a possession of the Crown. Keep your eyes open for doves and green parrots, both of which make their home in this park.

Traveling with kids? If they are getting restless from the cultural attractions that you have been taking them to over the past few days, end off your trip to Seville by visiting Isla Magica. This theme park was built atop the remains of Expo ’92, and contains the first inverted roller coaster to run in Spain, as well as a virtual reality theatre and a 4D cinema. Have a blast!