José’s guide to Seville
Barrios
Triana has historically been the only suburb of the city. Located across the river it has preserved the authenticity of the traditional craftworks.
The first church built after the Christian conquest, the splendour of Seville as Port of America or the dark times of the Inquisition are some of the places you can learn about at a walk of this neighbourhood.
Triana is also the greatest exponent of popular folklore in the city. This is a cosmopolitan suburb, where you can immerse into the Andalusian gypsy culture and get to know the origins of flamenco in what for many is its birthplace.
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Triana
Triana has historically been the only suburb of the city. Located across the river it has preserved the authenticity of the traditional craftworks.
The first church built after the Christian conquest, the splendour of Seville as Port of America or the dark times of the Inquisition are some of the places you can learn about at a walk of this neighbourhood.
Triana is also the greatest exponent of popular folklore in the city. This is a cosmopolitan suburb, where you can immerse into the Andalusian gypsy culture and get to know the origins of flamenco in what for many is its birthplace.
The former Jewish Quarter is the area that best preserves the medieval atmosphere of the city. The original urbanism is still present with some renovations, mainly those of the early 20th century.
A walk around this area is mandatory for any visitor to Seville. You can hire a guide to understand better all the history behind those walls. You can walk around the walls of the Alcazar getting to Callejón del Agua (Water Alley), named after the two pipes preserved inside the defensive walls. Another stop should be at Susona Street, or better said, “Street of death”, where you can see a tile remembering an intriguing story that involved a Jewish girl and a Christian man.
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Santa Cruz, Seville
The former Jewish Quarter is the area that best preserves the medieval atmosphere of the city. The original urbanism is still present with some renovations, mainly those of the early 20th century.
A walk around this area is mandatory for any visitor to Seville. You can hire a guide to understand better all the history behind those walls. You can walk around the walls of the Alcazar getting to Callejón del Agua (Water Alley), named after the two pipes preserved inside the defensive walls. Another stop should be at Susona Street, or better said, “Street of death”, where you can see a tile remembering an intriguing story that involved a Jewish girl and a Christian man.
Alameda and Macarena would have been the areas of the north side of the old city of Seville. Alameda de Hércules is the name of a big square surrounded by bars where many locals would gather. The square is full of white poplar trees, álamo in Spanish. It opened in 1574 and it is considered the oldest public garden in Europe. In ancient times, the Guadalquivir River crossed this area and the floods were frequent until the course of the river was changed.
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Macarena
Alameda and Macarena would have been the areas of the north side of the old city of Seville. Alameda de Hércules is the name of a big square surrounded by bars where many locals would gather. The square is full of white poplar trees, álamo in Spanish. It opened in 1574 and it is considered the oldest public garden in Europe. In ancient times, the Guadalquivir River crossed this area and the floods were frequent until the course of the river was changed.
Lugares emblemáticos
The Royal Alcázar of Seville is one of the three World Heritage listed monuments in the city and it is a truly unique landmark to visit. Alcázar, a word that is Arabic in origin, refers to palace, and here we will explore what is considered to be the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe.
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Konunglega Alcázar í Sevilla
s/n Patio de BanderasThe Royal Alcázar of Seville is one of the three World Heritage listed monuments in the city and it is a truly unique landmark to visit. Alcázar, a word that is Arabic in origin, refers to palace, and here we will explore what is considered to be the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe.
The Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede is a truly unique monument. Most people are used to visiting churches and cathedrals when they go to new places, but this seems to be from another world. The Cathedral of Seville is important because of two main facts; it is considered the largest cathedral in the world, and the original building at this location was actually a mosque, built at the end of the 1100s.
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Sevilla dómkirkja
s/n Av. de la ConstituciónThe Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede is a truly unique monument. Most people are used to visiting churches and cathedrals when they go to new places, but this seems to be from another world. The Cathedral of Seville is important because of two main facts; it is considered the largest cathedral in the world, and the original building at this location was actually a mosque, built at the end of the 1100s.
Plaza de España is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seville. Every visitor will take a picture in this site and as soon as you get there you will understand why. Although you have probably seen pictures of this monument, you will be impressed, as no one believes how massive it is.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Seville was getting ready to host one of the most important events in our history, the Ibero-American Expo of 1929. New boulevards were opened and every invited country started to build its pavilion to impress visitors and show its culture. Plaza de España was the pavilion of the host country of the Expo, Spain.
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Plaza de Espana
Plaza de España is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seville. Every visitor will take a picture in this site and as soon as you get there you will understand why. Although you have probably seen pictures of this monument, you will be impressed, as no one believes how massive it is.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Seville was getting ready to host one of the most important events in our history, the Ibero-American Expo of 1929. New boulevards were opened and every invited country started to build its pavilion to impress visitors and show its culture. Plaza de España was the pavilion of the host country of the Expo, Spain.
Las Setas is the most modern cultural interest site included in this book. Cities like Seville seem to be living in the past, but with this project, Seville city centre takes a leap into the 21st century.
It was built by the German architect Juergen Mayer between 2005 and 2011. The design is in total contrast to most of the architecture of Seville city centre, but it offers something completely different to visitors and locals and has helped to develop that area of the city.
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Sevilla sveppirnir
s/n Pl. de la EncarnaciónLas Setas is the most modern cultural interest site included in this book. Cities like Seville seem to be living in the past, but with this project, Seville city centre takes a leap into the 21st century.
It was built by the German architect Juergen Mayer between 2005 and 2011. The design is in total contrast to most of the architecture of Seville city centre, but it offers something completely different to visitors and locals and has helped to develop that area of the city.
The Museum of Fine Arts is the most important collection of art in the whole city and hosts masterpieces from the medieval period to the early 20th century. It is considered the second richest gallery in Spain after Museo del Prado in Madrid. The museum was established in 1841 at an old convent that closed after the ecclesiastical confiscation of 1835. You can still see the patios and different rooms, as well as the church or the refectory, now part of the museum.
From the collection, painters that lived or worked in Seville stand out, the greatest being Murillo, Zurbarán, Valdés Leal or Herrera.
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Sevilla Fagurfræði Safn
9 Pl. del MuseoThe Museum of Fine Arts is the most important collection of art in the whole city and hosts masterpieces from the medieval period to the early 20th century. It is considered the second richest gallery in Spain after Museo del Prado in Madrid. The museum was established in 1841 at an old convent that closed after the ecclesiastical confiscation of 1835. You can still see the patios and different rooms, as well as the church or the refectory, now part of the museum.
From the collection, painters that lived or worked in Seville stand out, the greatest being Murillo, Zurbarán, Valdés Leal or Herrera.
Palacio de las Dueñas was built by a noble family settled in Seville during the 15thand 16th centuries. It is the property of the house of Alba since 1612 and following the death of the last duchess in 2014, her son, the new duke, decided to open it to the public.
The house is a museum itself. In addition to the gorgeous architecture where Gothic, Mudéjar and Renaissance styles are combined, it hosts a private collection of archaeological remains and art.
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Casa Palacio de Las Duenas
5 C. DueñasPalacio de las Dueñas was built by a noble family settled in Seville during the 15thand 16th centuries. It is the property of the house of Alba since 1612 and following the death of the last duchess in 2014, her son, the new duke, decided to open it to the public.
The house is a museum itself. In addition to the gorgeous architecture where Gothic, Mudéjar and Renaissance styles are combined, it hosts a private collection of archaeological remains and art.
Casa de Pilatos is the largest private palace in Seville and the second in general after the Royal Alcázar. It was built during the last quarter of the 15th century, after the union of the noble families of Enriquez and Ribera, two of the richest families in Andalusia.
The original palace was originally built in Mudéjar style with Gothic elements. The palace you can visit nowadays has lots of Renaissance style elements after refurbishments in the 16th century.
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Hús Pilatusar
1 Pl. de PilatosCasa de Pilatos is the largest private palace in Seville and the second in general after the Royal Alcázar. It was built during the last quarter of the 15th century, after the union of the noble families of Enriquez and Ribera, two of the richest families in Andalusia.
The original palace was originally built in Mudéjar style with Gothic elements. The palace you can visit nowadays has lots of Renaissance style elements after refurbishments in the 16th century.
The House of the Countess of Lebrija is not very well known for visitors that spend just a few days in Seville. This is another typical Andalusian noble family home built during the 1500s, but its interior is simply spectacular. With a predomination of the Renaissance style, the most decorative part of the palace is the central courtyard.
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Palace of the Countess of Lebrija
8 C. CunaThe House of the Countess of Lebrija is not very well known for visitors that spend just a few days in Seville. This is another typical Andalusian noble family home built during the 1500s, but its interior is simply spectacular. With a predomination of the Renaissance style, the most decorative part of the palace is the central courtyard.
Together with the Real Alcázar and the Cathedral, the General Archive of the Indies was included in the Unesco World Heritage list in 1987. The origin of the building dates to 1572, when King Philip II commissioned it from architect Juan de Herrera with the objective of hosting the merchants’ affairs. Seville was receiving all the ships coming from America and those products were sold in that building
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Safn Indlands
s/n Av. de la ConstituciónTogether with the Real Alcázar and the Cathedral, the General Archive of the Indies was included in the Unesco World Heritage list in 1987. The origin of the building dates to 1572, when King Philip II commissioned it from architect Juan de Herrera with the objective of hosting the merchants’ affairs. Seville was receiving all the ships coming from America and those products were sold in that building
Bullfights in Spain, as we know them today, have their origins in the 1700s, but the tradition of festivities involving bulls comes from the ancient age. Real Maestranza de Caballería is the name of the bullring in Seville. It was built during the 18th century, and is one of the oldest in Spain and the first ever built in a big city.
The bullring was built in late Baroque style in the Arenal neighbourhood, just between the old city walls and the Guadalquivir River.
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Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería í Sevilla
12 P.º de Cristóbal ColónBullfights in Spain, as we know them today, have their origins in the 1700s, but the tradition of festivities involving bulls comes from the ancient age. Real Maestranza de Caballería is the name of the bullring in Seville. It was built during the 18th century, and is one of the oldest in Spain and the first ever built in a big city.
The bullring was built in late Baroque style in the Arenal neighbourhood, just between the old city walls and the Guadalquivir River.
Ethnology and anthropology are fascinating aspects when we really want to know everything about the area we are visiting. The Museum of Arts and Popular Customs was established with the purpose of spreading local traditions. This is a very interesting approach to the culture of Seville and Andalusia through the centuries, from the cities to the countryside and going through different social classes.
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Museum of Popular Arts And Traditions, Sevilla
3 Pl. AméricaEthnology and anthropology are fascinating aspects when we really want to know everything about the area we are visiting. The Museum of Arts and Popular Customs was established with the purpose of spreading local traditions. This is a very interesting approach to the culture of Seville and Andalusia through the centuries, from the cities to the countryside and going through different social classes.
Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) is a watchtower built along the river side in 1220 and is considered the last Moorish building in the city. The tower was not part of the city walls, but was only linked to them through a single stretch of wall. The purpose of the tower was to defend the access to the city from the river from the Christian troops of the kingdom of Castile, who wished to take back the city.
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Gyllti turninn
s/n Paseo de Cristóbal ColónTorre del Oro (Tower of Gold) is a watchtower built along the river side in 1220 and is considered the last Moorish building in the city. The tower was not part of the city walls, but was only linked to them through a single stretch of wall. The purpose of the tower was to defend the access to the city from the river from the Christian troops of the kingdom of Castile, who wished to take back the city.
Hotel Alfonso XIII is another masterpiece of early 20th century architecture. It was built for the Ibero-American Expo by architect José Espiau y Muñoz and it was officially opened in April 1928. The building has details of neo-Mudéjar and Andalusian regionalism. The materials, bricks, wood, plaster and ceramic are very common in the area. The hotel was designed as a traditional noble house, with a central courtyard surrounded by different celebration rooms on the ground floor and private areas above them.
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Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville
2 C. San FernandoHotel Alfonso XIII is another masterpiece of early 20th century architecture. It was built for the Ibero-American Expo by architect José Espiau y Muñoz and it was officially opened in April 1928. The building has details of neo-Mudéjar and Andalusian regionalism. The materials, bricks, wood, plaster and ceramic are very common in the area. The hotel was designed as a traditional noble house, with a central courtyard surrounded by different celebration rooms on the ground floor and private areas above them.
Maria Luisa Park is a historical garden converted into Seville’s principal green area. In 1850, Princess Maria Luisa and her husband the Duke of Montpensier moved to San Telmo Palace, nowadays residence of the Presidency of the Autonomous Government of Andalusia. They bought farming lands around the palace along the river with the intention of creating a massive private garden, designed by the French gardener André Lecotant.
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María Luisa Park
s/n P.º de las DeliciasMaria Luisa Park is a historical garden converted into Seville’s principal green area. In 1850, Princess Maria Luisa and her husband the Duke of Montpensier moved to San Telmo Palace, nowadays residence of the Presidency of the Autonomous Government of Andalusia. They bought farming lands around the palace along the river with the intention of creating a massive private garden, designed by the French gardener André Lecotant.
Murillo Gardens is a green area opened along the east defensive walls of the Alcázar and the old city, facing an area of the former Jewish quarter called Santa Cruz. In the 19th century, Seville was starting its industrialization and its walls were an obstacle for the ambitious urban plans of the city council. Avenues were opened around the former walls, creating what we still know as Ronda Histórica.
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Jardín de Murillo
1C C. Cano y CuetoMurillo Gardens is a green area opened along the east defensive walls of the Alcázar and the old city, facing an area of the former Jewish quarter called Santa Cruz. In the 19th century, Seville was starting its industrialization and its walls were an obstacle for the ambitious urban plans of the city council. Avenues were opened around the former walls, creating what we still know as Ronda Histórica.
The Charity Hospital has its origin in the brotherhood with the same name founded in Seville in the middle of the 15th century. The main purpose of the hospital was moving ill people without possibilities to care houses, assisting them spiritually and also burying those who had no resources. The brotherhood completely changed with the entry of Miguel de Mañara as a member, expanding their purpose to include looking after and healing the poor and sick.
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Hospital de la Caridad
3 C. TempradoThe Charity Hospital has its origin in the brotherhood with the same name founded in Seville in the middle of the 15th century. The main purpose of the hospital was moving ill people without possibilities to care houses, assisting them spiritually and also burying those who had no resources. The brotherhood completely changed with the entry of Miguel de Mañara as a member, expanding their purpose to include looking after and healing the poor and sick.
The Venerables priests’ hospital was home to a brotherhood whose duty was to give assistance to those priests who were elderly, helpless and suffering from diseases. It maintained its function until the 1970s as a residence for ecclesiastic members. The hospital and church were built in Baroque style at the end of the 17th century.
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Venerable sjúkrahús
8 Pl. VenerablesThe Venerables priests’ hospital was home to a brotherhood whose duty was to give assistance to those priests who were elderly, helpless and suffering from diseases. It maintained its function until the 1970s as a residence for ecclesiastic members. The hospital and church were built in Baroque style at the end of the 17th century.
The Church of Divino Salvador is the second most important church of the dioceses of Seville after the cathedral. The area occupied by the church was previously the site of Ibn Adabbas Mosque built in the 800s. The same building, after some works, was used as a church once Christians conquered the city in 1248.
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El Divino Salvador
3 Pl. del SalvadorThe Church of Divino Salvador is the second most important church of the dioceses of Seville after the cathedral. The area occupied by the church was previously the site of Ibn Adabbas Mosque built in the 800s. The same building, after some works, was used as a church once Christians conquered the city in 1248.
The Church of Saint Louis is the greatest example of Baroque architecture in Seville in the 18th century. It was built by the Society of Jesus and since Jesuits were expelled from Spain in 1835, it has had different uses. Nowadays it is not a place of worship and it is exclusively opened for the cultural visits after a deep restoration.
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Sókn San Luis De los Franceses, Sevilla, Spánn
37 C. San LuisThe Church of Saint Louis is the greatest example of Baroque architecture in Seville in the 18th century. It was built by the Society of Jesus and since Jesuits were expelled from Spain in 1835, it has had different uses. Nowadays it is not a place of worship and it is exclusively opened for the cultural visits after a deep restoration.
Itálica is a Roman city located 11 kms from Seville city centre, in the town of Santiponce. The origins of this city come from the battle of Ilipa (206 BC), when Romans commanded by Scipio defeated Carthaginians in the context of the second Punic War. Ilipa is according to historians located near the village of Alcalá del Río, near Itálica.
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Itálica fornleifarannsóknar svæði
2 Av. ExtremaduraItálica is a Roman city located 11 kms from Seville city centre, in the town of Santiponce. The origins of this city come from the battle of Ilipa (206 BC), when Romans commanded by Scipio defeated Carthaginians in the context of the second Punic War. Ilipa is according to historians located near the village of Alcalá del Río, near Itálica.
Saint Isidoro Monastery is located just outside Seville in the village of Santiponce. It was founded in 1301 at a place close to the Roman ruins of Itálica, where according to the tradition Saint Isidoro had been buried. Its founders were Alonso Pérez de Guzmán and María Alonso Coronel, who built it as a family pantheon too. Throughout the centuries it has been under the administration of different religious orders like Cistercians, Observant Hieronymites and the order of Saint Jerome.
Munkaklaustrið San Isidoro Del Campo
18 Av. de San IsidoroSaint Isidoro Monastery is located just outside Seville in the village of Santiponce. It was founded in 1301 at a place close to the Roman ruins of Itálica, where according to the tradition Saint Isidoro had been buried. Its founders were Alonso Pérez de Guzmán and María Alonso Coronel, who built it as a family pantheon too. Throughout the centuries it has been under the administration of different religious orders like Cistercians, Observant Hieronymites and the order of Saint Jerome.
Información sobre la ciudad
Córdoba is a must see for everybody visiting Andalusia. Even if you are not thinking of staying there during your trip, you should consider organising a full day trip to this magnificent city.
Córdoba is very well connected with Seville by train and the AVE (fast train) will get you there in only 40 minutes from Santa Justa station. There are other cheaper options with slower trains too; you will have plenty of options for a round trip in a single day.
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Córdoba
Córdoba is a must see for everybody visiting Andalusia. Even if you are not thinking of staying there during your trip, you should consider organising a full day trip to this magnificent city.
Córdoba is very well connected with Seville by train and the AVE (fast train) will get you there in only 40 minutes from Santa Justa station. There are other cheaper options with slower trains too; you will have plenty of options for a round trip in a single day.
Carmona is a village located in the countryside about 35 kms from Seville with a population of 30,000 inhabitants. Carmona has been occupied for 5,000 years. It was probably one of the fortified cities of the kingdom of Tartessos, then occupied by Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims and Christians.
The importance of Carmona first comes from its location; on a hill in the Guadalquivir River Valley was the perfect place to dominate the territories around. Out of the old city, Carmona hosts one of the best preserved Roman ruins in Andalusia, the Necropolis.
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Carmona
Carmona is a village located in the countryside about 35 kms from Seville with a population of 30,000 inhabitants. Carmona has been occupied for 5,000 years. It was probably one of the fortified cities of the kingdom of Tartessos, then occupied by Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims and Christians.
The importance of Carmona first comes from its location; on a hill in the Guadalquivir River Valley was the perfect place to dominate the territories around. Out of the old city, Carmona hosts one of the best preserved Roman ruins in Andalusia, the Necropolis.
The White Villages of Cádiz province, as well as Ronda in Málaga, are some of the most attractive tourist destinations and very popular among visitors looking to discover rural Andalusia. The geography of these areas as well as the historical importance of these towns made them preserve a rich artistic heritage apart from its unique natural landscapes.
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Ronda
The White Villages of Cádiz province, as well as Ronda in Málaga, are some of the most attractive tourist destinations and very popular among visitors looking to discover rural Andalusia. The geography of these areas as well as the historical importance of these towns made them preserve a rich artistic heritage apart from its unique natural landscapes.