Sevilla - Spain

After Cádiz, we headed north to Sevilla; a city I had wanted to visit for a very long time.  There it was; finally waiting for me.  Welcome to one of the most charming cities of Spain.  Sevilla’s rich history has left the city with innumerable and unique monuments like the awesome Alcazar palace and its unique brand of architecture.  The region’s passion for bullfighting and the perfume of orange blossoms are present on every corner of this amazing city.

 A Coutryard in the Alcazar Palace



Seville Architecture

Sevilla is the capital and largest city of Andalusia.  It is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir.  The river was an important harbour during the Spanish conquest of the American continent.  Silver and gold from the New World arrived to Sevilla through the river and were distributed throughout the country from here.

The Guadalquivir River

Sevilla has a metropolitan population of about 1.5 million, making it the fourth largest city in Spain.  The Sevilla harbour, located about 80 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, is the only river port in Spain.

The City of Sevilla

Like all great cities, Sevilla has many historical layers.  Records indicate that Sevilla was founded as the Roman city of Hispalis.  Roman ruins testify the settlement’s earliest period.  The Moorish era is still very present in the Santa Cruz quarter.  All these remarkable places about Sevilla make this city an exceptional place to see.

Roman Ruins Below the Metropol Parasol



Remains of the Roman Presence in Sevilla

After the discovery of the Americas, Sevilla became one of the economic centres of the Spanish empire.  In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan departed from Sevilla for the first circumnavigation of the Earth.  A gradual economic and demographic decline began to take place as silting in the Guadalquivir forced the trade monopoly to relocate to the nearby port of Cádiz.

Today's Guadalquivir River is for the Tourists

In 2004 the Metropol Parasol project was launched to revitalise the Plaza de la Encarnación.  The project was completed in March 2011.

Model of the Metropol Parasol



The Real Metropol Parasol

 Inside the Parasol

On Top of the Parasol

The Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Sevilla are the two most well-known of Sevilla's festivals.  Traditionally, women wear elaborate Flamenco dresses and men dress in their best suits.

Traditional festive Outfit

We spent two nights in Sevilla giving us ample time to discover the city and spend some time discovering the marvels of the Alcazar.  The Alcázar of Sevilla is one of the most representative monumental compounds in the city.  It is a fortified palace which construction was ordered by Abd Al Ramn III in the year 913.  This is one of the most visited complexes in the World and one of the oldest European Royal Palaces that are still in use.

One of the Entries of the Alcazar



The Magnificent Alcazar

Because of its beauty, it was chosen as residence by many monarchs in the centuries that followed.  It now is the residence of His Royal Majesty Juan Carlos when he visits Sevilla.  The palace was used as a location for a number of scenes for the successful TV series “Game of Thrones”.

Sublime Architecture

The Perfect Place to Enjoy Peace, Meditation and Harmony

The tapas scene is one of the main cultural attractions of the city.   People go from one bar to another, enjoying small dishes called tapas.  Local specialities include fried and grilled seafood (including squid, cuttlefish, swordfish, grilled or stewed meat, lamb kidneys in sherry sauce, snails and gazpacho.  Meanwhile, buskers entertain the crowds with their unique Andalusian Music.

Buskers Entertaining the Crowds



More Street Entertainment

Bitter Seville oranges grow on trees lining the city streets.  Formerly, large quantities were collected and exported to Britain to be used in marmalade.  Today the fruit is used predominantly as compost rather than as a foodstuff.  According to legend, the Arabs brought the bitter orange to Seville from East Asia via Iraq around the 10th century to beautify and perfume their patios and gardens, as well as to provide shade.  The flowers of the tree are a source of Neroli Oil, commonly used in perfumery and in skin lotions for massage.

Seville Bitter Orange Trees - Courtesy Google Images

Sevilla had a unique feel about her.  History, ancient and modern architecture, gastronomy, fire, passion and a deep sense of pride.  I was charmed by this vibrant and welcoming place.