The City

Seville is the artistic, cultural and financial capital of Southern Spain.  The city is renowned for its warm climate and friendly culture, making it an ideal setting for language learning and cultural integration. A stroll through the city's winding cobblestone streets reveals a wide array of bustling sidewalk cafes and tapas bars, spontaneous flamenco performances and an active nightlife. Internationally known for the grandeur of its Easter Week processions and April Fair, Seville offers a variety of rich cultural experiences set against a historical collage of Roman, Muslim, and Jewish influence.

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City Map

Sights

Originally a Moorish fort built in 913, this breathtaking building and its lush gardens were converted into a royal palace when the Christian monarchs captured Seville in 1248. A stunning work of mudejar architecture it is Seville’s Alhambra, smaller but equally as beautiful. Built on the site of a former mosque in 1402 to demonstrate the growing wealth and importance of the Seville, it is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral as well as the 4th largest church.  This massive and intricately adorned structure houses the remains of Christopher Columbus and stands beside Seville’s greatest treasure, La Giralda. The world’s tallest tower (320 ft.) upon completion in 1196, this minaret was later incorporated into the site of the Cathedral after the Reconquest to serve as its bell tower.  It is the city’s most emblematic site and an brilliant example of both the Baroque and Gothic styles of architecture. Built as a military watchtower in the early 13th century with the purpose of controlling access to Seville via the Guadalquivir river, it was used a prison during the middle ages and later as a secure building for storing precious metals brought back from the Indies. Today it houses a naval museum highlighting Seville’s naval history and the importance of its river. Built specifically for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929, this enchanting park is located in the city center and offers a number of monuments, museums and relaxing spaces and makes for a great afternoon, especially in warm weather. The oldest bullring in Spain, the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza is one of the cities most visited attractions.  Featuring a regular season of bullfighting events, it also hosts a bullfighting festival held at the time of the April Fair.

 

Events

Feria de Abril (April Fair)

Beginning two weeks after Easter, this event is the culmination of all things Seville and officially ushers in the bustle of Spring. The Feria is held on the city's fairgrounds where large rows of tents (casetas) are put up and house large crowds of elegantly dressed men and women adorned in flamenco dresses eating, drinking, and dancing Sevillanas, a style of flamenco only danced this particular week. 

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

It could easily be argued that no place does Easter quite like Seville.  Solemn but beautiful processions run throughout the entire week, each originating from one of Seville's copious number of churches, observed by adoring hoards of locals and visitors alike.

Carnaval (Cadiz)

One of the world's most famous Carnivals and just a short trip from Seville.  Typically held in February and lasting more than a week, Carnival is known for the depth and variety of its creativity. From the wealth of imaginative homemade costumes to the intelligent wit of its political satires, Carnival promises a week of artistic performances, humor, and all around fun.

Sports and Entertainment

Soccer

Soccer or fútbol is by far the most divisive issue in Seville. City rivals Betis and Seville play from September to May.

Real Betis: http://www.realbetisbalompie.es/

Seville: http://www.sevillafc.es/

Basketball

Spain’s recent ascension as a basketball giant is on display in Seville.  Cajasol’s season runs from October to May.

Cajasol: http://www.baloncestosevilla.com/