Exploring Seville, the city on the Guadalquivir

The city of Seville is located in the region of Andalucia. The city is known for its culture, its gypsy neighbourhoods filled with flamenco bars and its food.

Spend an afternoon in one of the city parks

The María Luisa Park is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. This park has several buildings that are now used as museums. Rowing boats can be rented to row along the river. The Plaza de España square is one the parks main attractions. This reddish square is decorated with many ceramic tiled niches, each niche representative of a Spanish province. Mount Gurugú is located inside the park next to a waterfall and an island with a gazebo. Plaza de América is another square decorated with flowerbeds. There is a pond next to the square. The square has three main buildings, including the Gothic Royal Pavilion, the renaissance built Pavilion of Fine Arts, now used as the Archaeological Museum, and the Mudejar Pavilion, which is now the Museum of Andalusian Folk Arts.

Tour the Cathedral

Those who visit Seville will be able to enjoy tours around ancient palaces. The city’s cathedral is one of its main landmarks. Located in the historical city center, the cathedral was built on the site of an ancient mosque. The minaret tower, the Giralda, has been transformed into a bell tower. Visitors will be able to explore the inside of the cathedral, which has several chapels and galleries with exhibitions, before climbing up the Giralda to enjoy views of the city. The bell tower has views towards the city center, the river and the city’s bull ring. There are many cafés, restaurants and shops next to the cathedral, and the cathedral square is known for the many horse drawn carriages that organize guided tours around the city that are located in this area.

Next to the cathedral and along the Avenida de la Constitución stands the Alcazar complex. This monumental compound was built in a Moorish style, remodeled in the Mudejar style and partially rebuilt in the renaissance and Baroque styles. This ancient Royal Palace has many patios and halls decorated with fountains and statues. The main patio is the Patio of the Maidens, which used to be the main meeting spot. The patio has access to the Hall of Kings, the Hall of Charles V and the Hall of the Ambassadors. This hall is one of the palace’s most famous ones, decorated with arches, a gilded dome and a frieze with carved figures. The main building located in the complex is the Palace of King Pedro I, who built the royal residence on the site of a Moorish palace.

Enjoy a boat ride

The Guadalquivir river flows along this city. There are several rowing clubs located on the banks of the river. Visitors will be able to enjoy a ride in one of the boats that cruise along the river. Many of these trips are guided tours, and visitors will be able see the bridges that cross the river. The Isabel II bridge is one of the most famous bridges. Another famous bridge is the white Alamillo bridge, which is illuminated after sunset.

Visit the Barrio de Santa Cruz

Located in the city center next to the cathedral, the Santa Cruz neighbourhood is known for its many tapas bars and restaurants that serve local specialties. Tapas are appetizers served with each drink ordered, and range from spicy peppers to tortilla de patatas omelet. Visitors will be able to enjoy a beer and some wine accompanied by authentic jamón in one of the city’s terraces. Another traditional area for tapas is the gypsy neighbourhood of Triana, located on the banks of the river.

Photo by girlfromarock on Flickr