Barcelona might have Gaudi’s whimsical wonders and Madrid may have capital city cachet, but Seville gives both cities a run for their money, with no less than three spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites, glorious year-round sunshine as well as enough good music, art and food to guarantee a weekend to remember. Here are the best things to do in Seville.
The Cathedral: Seville’s cathedral is the largest Gothic church in the world and the third largest Christian church, after St. Peter's in the Vatican and St. Paul's in London. The Giralda, which towers 100 metres high, is the minaret of the old Almohaden mosque, and symbol of the city. It should be top of your list of things to do in Seville.
Also, don’t miss Real Alcázar, Europe´s oldest royal palace, which dates back to the 10th century.
Meanwhile, the Archivo de Indias is one of the most important historical archives in the country, with some 43,000 files, relating to the age of discovery and the history of colonisation in America.
For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts, the second most popular Spanish art galleries in Spain (after the Prado Museum). Discover 14 rooms featuring paintings and sculptures from the 15th century up to Sevillian paintings of the 20th century.
- The hidden streets and squares of the Santa Cruz neighborhood
- The old Jewish quarter
- María Luisa Park, with the spectacular Plaza de España and the Plaza de América, including the Archaeological Museum (where you can see the Treasure of the Carambolo from the Tartessos era) and the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs are located
(with an interesting ethnographic collection).
- The Riverbank: Contemplate the Torre del Oro (with the Naval Museum), the Hospital de la Santa Caridad (beautiful church in Baroque style with paintings by Murillo) and the Maestranza Bullring (with the Bullfighting Museum).
- Hospital de los Venerables: Marvel at the baroque architecture.
- Church of the Salvador or the Church of San Luis de los Franceses.
- The Aquarium, located next to the Guadalquivir River, features one of the largest shark tanks; The Maestranza Theatre
- The great opera theatre
- Las Setas, the largest wooden structure in the world
- Antiquarium, museum where the archaeological remains found during the works of Las Setas, mainly from Roman times, are shown.
- The Mudéjar Art Centre
- San Jorge Castle, former seat of the Spanish Inquisition in Seville, which has been transformed into a centre for reflection on tolerance.
- Triana Ceramic Centre: Learn about the history and tradition of Sevillian ceramics; and also in the Triana neighborhood, the new Museum of the Brotherhood of the Hope of Triana, where the visitor will be able to discover the wide history of the brotherhood, admire its valuable belongings, know the aesthetic evolution, as well as the work done by the artists who for decades have worked for the brotherhood
- Murillo Exhibition
To commemorate the birth of the Sevillian painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, a series of cultural activities have been organized throughout 2018. For more information, see Murillo y Sevilla
Seville is the cradle and the capital of flamenco. Born in neighbourhoods such Triana and the Alameda de Hércules, visitors can enjoy performances in famous "tablaos", clubs, as well as in halls and theatres.
Interested in learning more about flamenco and its origin, history and evolution? Visit the Flamenco Dance Museum, located in an 18th century building in the heart of the city. And if, in addition, you want to learn some of its disciplines, you’ll also find flamenco schools and academies in the city.
20th FLAMENCO BIENNALE
The Flamenco Biennial is held on even-numbered years and is attended by the stars of the cante (singing), baile (dancing) and guitar playing. The Flamenco Biennale has become the main flamenco showcase. The next edition will be held this year from September 6th to 30th.
The shows take place in scenic areas of the city, such as the Maestranza Theatre, Lope de Vega Theatre, Central Theatre or Alameda Theatre, in addition to spaces of heritage such as the Real Alcázar or the Church of San Luis de los Franceses.
For more information visit: La Bienal
When it comes to local cuisine, the city’s Tapas tradition encapsulates all that is good about Seville: street life, sharing and talking. Food does not just satisfy hunger, but it is also considered a social act totally rooted in Sevillian life.
Seville’s numerous bars and restaurants follow the recipes of yesteryear that have passed from generation to generation.
Take your pick from old taverns, classic establishments, new innovative spaces, international restaurants ... as well as a Michelin Star restaurant.
Thanks to the city´s good climate, it’s easy to enjoy traditional food in the open air on the terraces and bars. But in addition to merely sampling the gastronomy, in Seville you can live other experiences that will help you to experience the city more deeply: take cooking classes; make culinary-themed day trips visit the typical markets.
Two foodie experiences that you really shouldn’t miss:
- A good typical breakfast
- The delicious sweets made by the nuns of the Seville convents
Buen provecho!
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