Spain Travel Guide:

Best Places to Visit in Seville

Seville Weather

The Best places to Visit in Seville presented below describe the most popular tourist attractions of the city that is the capital of both Andalusia and the province of Seville. Our coverage focuses on the Barrio de la Santa Cruz, which is the old quarter of the city.  Although there is much to see and do in Seville, the major tourist attractions are close to each other and can be viewed in a day.

Barrio de la Santa Cruz

• In this Barrio (the Old Jewish Quarter) of Seville, you will find the city's three leading attractions in close proximity.





The Seville Cathedral and the Giralda

• Built on the site of mosque, the Seville Cathedral dates from the 15th century. It is noted for its enormous size, ornate decorations, numerous chapels and the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

• The interior is stunning with gilt covering chapels and altars. Museum quality art can be found in the Sacristy.

• Remnants of the old mosque can be found in the Patio de los Naranjos (Patio of the Orange Trees).



 

• The Giralda

  • La Giralda is the bell tower of the cathedral and its history also dates to the time of the Moors.  The upper portions of the Giralda sit on the original 12th century masonry that topped with a new spire and other additions.
  • The Giralda is accessible to those who can walk the ramp to the top.  The feat is rewarding as the observation area provides spectacular views of the city. 
    • The ramp inside the Giralda was made wide enough to allow mounted guards to ride horses to the top.

   

• The Reales Alcázares

  • The Alcazar (a royal palace) is yet another amalgam mixing the capabilities of the Moors and the Andalusians after the Reconquest.  Although parts of the complex were constructed at different times and are decorated with different styles, the Alcazar is a visual treat and a fine example of the Mudéjar architecture.
  • There is much to see at the Alcazar and you should budget at least two hours, if you want to examine the structures in detail.
  • Be sure to spend some time in the gardens.  They offer a refreshing end to your tour.
  • Visitor information about the Reales Alcázares can be found here ,
  • From October to March, the Alcazar is open from 09:30 to 18:00 on Tuesday through Saturday.  Ticket sales close at 17:00.  Sundays and holidays hours are 09:30 to 14:30 with last ticket sales at 13:30.
  • From April to September, the Alcazar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 09:30 to 20:00 with ticket sales closed after 19:00.  On Sundays and holidays, during this period, it is open 09:30 to 18:00 with the last ticket sales at 17:00.
  
  
  

• Archive of the Indies

  • Located next to the Cathedral and the Alcazar is the noted Archive of the Indies.  Although it is not a popular tourist attraction, this building was originally a mercantile center responsible for administering Spain's trade activities in the New World.  Later, it was converted into the foremost repository of historical information about the activities of Spain in the Americas and it contains numerous documents of great historical importance.  The building has a pleasant architecture dating from the late 16th century.  The main staircases and wooden bookshelves were built with wood imported from the West Indies.
  
  

• Museo del Baile Flamenco

  • The Museo del Baile Flamenco opened to the public in April 2006. Situated in the heart of Seville, it is a museum that connects to the cultural heritage of Andalusia's Flamenco dance. Its objective is to introduce, in a sensitive and meaningful way, the magic of Flamenco to visitors of Andalusia and Seville.  Click this link for the website of the Flamenco Museum.   
  • If you are interested in purchasing a shawl similar to those worn by the Flamenco dancers, you can find them at various shops around Seville.  Of course, the Museo has its own shop featuring Flamenco dancewear, accessories, jewelry and more.

El Arenal

• The El Arenal district is just west of Santa Cruz and Torre del Oro is on the river, just a few blocks southwest of the Cathedral.

• Torre del Oro

  • Although one of the central attractions in this section of the city is the city's Plaza de Toros and its bullfights, the main draw for many tourists is the Torre del Oro, part of the walled fortifications developed by the Moors to defend the city. 
    • The Torre del Oro tower was linked with another on the far bank of the Guadalquivir River.  The two towers were connected by a massive chain that could deny entrance to Seville by any ship designated unfriendly.  Today the building houses a maritime museum that contains a few interesting exhibits.
    
    

• Plaza de España/Maria Luisa Park

  • One of the popular stops on most tours is the Plaza de España, a plaza built for an exhibition of industry and technology held in 1929.  Although the exterior architecture and tile work are striking, there is little else to see or do here. The buildings are currently government offices and not open to the public. One popular pastime is renting a boat and paddling around the Plaza's extensive canal.

If you need information about another travel destination, try Googling our site or the Web

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.ThereArePlaces.com

 

Return to Best Places to Visit in Spain

The Plaza de  España