HOLIDAY IN THE SUN
SEVILLA Flamenco in cobbled alleys, ancient tapas bars, and the biggest gothic cathedral in the world are just a few of the attractions of Andalucías capital city.
Some of the best places in Seville are found by taking a wrong turn. Which makes it all the more of a shame that many visitors don’t venture much beyond the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Although the cobbled streets and alleyways that surround it are worthy of close inspection, this enchanting city has much more to offer a little further afield. To get your bearing the City Bus tour allows you to decide the places you would like to visit later on.
WATCH REAL FLAMENCO
The dancers in their polka dot skirts on the posters are for tourists; the real thing takes place in bars across the city from around midnight onwards. One is La Carbonería (18 Calle Levíes, tel: +34 95 421 4460) where all forms of flamenco dances can be seen with sevillana performances on most nights. This flamenco show is a non-touristy thing to do in Seville, but if you are nervous about your Spanish, the next best thing is to be seen at a performance at the Flamenco Museum.
THE SANTA CRUZ DISTRICT
All the most popular monuments are located here in the Santa Cruz district, which is the historic heart of Seville. Accompanied by many tourists you can stroll in the pedestrianised streets, taking in a coffee or a lunch in one of the many bars and restaurants on the way. It’s a very pleasant place to walk around, with its typical patios, whitewashed houses and pretty little squares, one of which is the Plaza Patio de Banderas where you will see a wonderful view of the cathedral.
SEVILLE CATHEDRAL Skip the line and guided tour or good value is the city pass
The construction of the cathedral began in 1402 on the site of a former Almohad mosque. After the Christian conquest of Seville in 1248, the mosque was initially used as a cathedral. However, it was eventually decided to build a larger cathedral to showcase the city’s Christian power and wealtH The cathedral exhibits a mix of architectural styles due to its lengthy construction period, which lasted for over a century. It is primarily Gothic in design, but elements of Renaissance and Baroque styles can also be found. The main facade features intricate stone carvings and statues, while the interior boasts impressive ribbed vaults and soaring arches.
LA GIRALDA
The Cathedral entrance ticket also gives you the possibility to visit One of the most iconic features of the Cathedral of Seville is its Giralda Tower. Originally constructed as a minaret during the Muslim rule. There are no steps to get to the top of the tower, instead a series of inclined ramps take you to the top of the Giralda there you can take in the views with a breathtaking panorama of the city. Legend has it that it was done with ramps instead of stairs so the imam (at the time of the mosque) could go up there with his donkey during the call to prayer.
THE BEAUTIFUL PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
Wandering in the Plaza de Espana is a special experience. With its stunning semi-circular brick structure the tall towers at each end dominates the massive Plaza, one of the largest plazas in Europe. Built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Expo,to celebrate the discovery of America by Spanish conquistadors. In order to face the river and the arrival of ships from America, the plaza was designed with a half-circle shape.
the building is a mix of architectural styles.
Admire the beautiful bridges across the moat, with their decorative tiles, or take a boat trip on the water. The huge fountain in the middle of the plaza is a perfect spot for people watching. Take note of the tiles that line the walls of the building, one for each province of Spain. Created with decorative azulejo tiles and bursting with colour and intricate detail. Lots of photo opportunities to be had here especially if you arrive early in the day, before vendors set up in front of the displays
EXPLORE BARRIO SANTA CRUZ
You should explore Seville’s historic Jewish Quarter, a picturesque labyrinth of narrow cobblestone alleys and lovely white facades accentuated with bright yellow.
It’s easy to get lost here, and you might want to allow yourself some time to go where the alleys take you. Stop a while in the little squares, where, in season, the scent of citrus and jasmine will intoxicate you. The Plaza Santa Cruz is especially picturesque.
Barrio Santa Cruz is full of amazing options for lunch, from hole-in-the-wall tapas bars to full-fledged smart restaurants. La Azotea is well renowned.
Espacio Eslava. This place is one of the most famous tapas restaurants in Seville among both locals and tourists — for a great reason too. The tapas here are different and you won’t find many of them elsewhere.
THE TRIANA DISTRICT
Discover the charm of the Triana district, where you can yourself in local life is. Stroll along Calle Betis by the river and relish breathtaking views of the city. Engage with the friendly locals at the the vibrant covered market and the ceramic workshops, renowned for their blue and canary yellow hues that adorn street names and wall tiles throughout the Iberian Peninsula, while they shop, and savour tapas and beer at the neighbourhood’s distinctive bars and restaurants. Experiencing the authentic lifestyle of a local has never been more enjoyable!
To reach Triana, take a unique route by crossing the Isabel II bridge and meandering through the neighbourhood on the other side of the Guadalquivir river. Triana was once considered the “wrong side of the tracks” and has a lively history, providing sailors for Christopher Columbus’s voyages. Sit back and relax at a riverside café, sipping the local tinto de verano while admiring some of Seville’s most iconic landmarks. Watching the world go by from the side of the Guadalquivir River is a truly authentic and delightful local experience.
The park’s slogan is “Diversión sin límites” which translates as “Fun without Limits”.
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