Known to the Ancient Romans as “Hispalis”, Seville according to legend was founded by Hercules. It is one of Spain’s, and Europe’s, most historically important cities. One of Spain’s largest cities, and now the capital of Andalucia, the Moorish influences on the city are undeniable. Soon after the discovery of the New World, Seville began accumulating massive wealth and power through its monopoly on trade. Fleets of Spanish galleons sailed for the colonies from the Guadalquivir River, instrumental in building the mighty Spanish Empire.     

See:

• Cathedral – Begun in 1402 over the site of a mosque, this soaring building has the largest altar in the world.  Its elaborate decorations were designed to demonstrate Seville’s power and wealth. 
• La Giralda – Now the belltower of the cathedral, La Giralda is a converted minaret, which when built was the tallest tower in the world.  Its name, meaning “weathervane”, is in reference to the statue that crowns the tower.
• Alcazar – This palace was  built over the ruins of an old Moorish fort.  Construction began in 1364, and it is a fine example of mudejar architecture heavy with Islamic influence.
• Maria Luisa Park – Built for the 1929 World Fair, this park is landscaped in a blend of Art Deco and mudejar style.  A paradise of palms, orange trees, pines, elms, flowerbeds and ponds, some of its buildings have been converted into museums.
• Torre del Oro - Now a naval museum, it was originally a watchtower that protected the city and its port.

Experience:

• Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Held in the week before Easter, this event is characterised by numerous processions through the streets.
• Seville Spring Fair (Feria de Abril) – Two weeks after the Holy Week sees the beginning of this colourful celebration of spring. Traditionally running from Tuesday to Sunday, this festival centres around hundreds of tents set up on the banks of the river.

Secrets of the City:

• Opera – Apart from being the setting of literature’s Don Juan, Seville is also the setting of numerous operas such as Carmen, Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, Fidelio, and of course The Barber of Seville
• Italica – A few miles north of Seville are the ruins of this once significant Roman town, among the best preserved and largest in Spain.