Spain: a wander around Seville

Seville is the largest city, at the same time capital of Andalusia, one of the great provinces of Spain. With a population of almost two million in the metropolitan areas, it is considered to be one of the top five most populous city in Spain. In fact, among the European Union, it is the 30th most populous. Located in the plain of the river Guadalquivir, it gets scorching in the summer, averaging up to 35°C.

The city itself has a rich history. First conquered by the Moors in 712, it then was conquered by the Castille in 1247. The Golden Age, however, came after Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. Since then, Seville had expanded and developed into the rich, wonderful city it is today.

Plaza de España


Found within the magnificent Maria Luisa Park, the Plaza de España is a work of wonder. Composed of buildings, bridges, fountains and several wings, these massive structure draws thousands of tourists yearly due to its architectural significance. In the present, it houses numerous government buildings together with some of the central government departments. The grand mansions are now used as museums which house magnificent treasures including some archaeological collections. Because of its grandeur, the Plaza de España has been used several times as a filming location, the latest of which is the film The Dictator.

San Telmo Palace

The San Telmo Palace, or the Palacio de San Telmo, is one of the most iconic historical buildings in Seville. Currently the seat of the presidency of the Andalusian Autonomous Government, it was first constructed in the 16th century originally as a school for the orphaned children of sailors, Colegio Seminario de la Universidad de Mareantas. The palace itself is of unique Sevillian Baroque design. It houses a courtyard, towers, chapel and wonderful gardens. The recent restoration in 2010 was made by the famous architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra.

The Golden Tower

   

Golden Tower _ Torre del Oro

Also known as the Torre del Oro, the Golden Tower, this twelve-sided, three level, a watchtower in Seville, Spain has a military origin. It originally function was the control tower to limit the access to Seville through the river of Guadalquivir. The way this tower got its name was due to the gleaming lime mortar and straw that it displayed. It was also used as a safe for treasured gold and silver. The location of the tower, which is near the Minting factory, made it the perfect safe house for these treasures.

Isabel II Bridge

   
Known by many other names such as Puente de Isabel II, Puente de Triana or the Triana Bridge. This bridge is  149 meters long and  7 meters in height. The bridge crosses the famous River of Guadalquivir, from the Canal De Alfonso XIII. Inaugurated in 1852, it connects the Triana neighbourhood of Seville to the city centre itself. Built upon the order of Isabella II, Queen of Spain, this is considered to be the first solid bridge of the city. Its unique beauty comes from the stunning arcs below the bridge which is supported and reinforced by round metals with varying sizes.

Triana Market

Worth the short walk across the river to see this local indoor market.
Several restaurants and bars are serving good fresh food at reasonable prices.  Great place to wander and get lost in food and drink.
In the lower part of the market are the remains of the Castle of San Jorge, the seat of the old inquisitorial court. This castle was the seat of the Inquisition from 1481, although its initial construction is of Arab era, dates from 1171. Affected by the continuous abandonment and successive floods of the Guadalquivir, in 1823 the market was installed in its lot, popularly known as Plaza de Supplies (Plaza de Abastos)
See more at: http://www.mercadodetrianasevilla.com
Plaza Altozano s/n, 41010 Seville, Spain
Free WiFi

Macarena Basilica

Though the official name is Catedral de Santa María de la Sede de Sevilla, it is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See or the Seville Cathedral. Considered to be the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the largest cathedral in the world, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Completed in the 16th century, it remains to be the places that houses the famous explorer and conqueror, Christopher Columbus’s remains. Due to its size, it has several large doors which in themselves a work of art. Such are the Door of Conception in the north façade, Door of Sticks or the Adoration of the Magi in the east façade and the Door of Saint Cristopher or De La Lonja in the south façade. It also contains an astounding 80 chapels which hear many masses daily. Make sure you visit the baptistery chapel of Saint Anthony and be on the lookout for the painting of The Vision of St. Anthony.

Royal Alcázares

Royal Alcázares

  Developed by the Moorish Muslim Kings, the Alcazar of Seville or the Reales Alcazares de Sevilla or the Royal Alcazars of Seville is one of the many attractions you should definitely visit while in Seville. The Royal Alcazares palace, considered to be one of the most beautiful, exemplifies the best model for the mudejar architecture. To this day, the royal family of Spain still uses is as their official residence when in Seville. Aside from its beauty and grandeur, it is the oldest royal palace in Europe which is still in use. Because of this, it is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Baños de Doña María de Padilla (María de Padilla Baths)

Tapestry – world map at Royal Alcazares

Cathedral of Seville

   

Though the official name is Catedral de Santa María de la Sede de Sevilla, it is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See or the Seville Cathedral. Considered to be the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third-largest cathedral in the world, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Completed in the 16th century, the place houses the  remains of famous explorer and conqueror, Christopher Columbus. Due to its size, it has several vast doors which in themselves are works of art. Such are the Door of Conception in the north façade, Door of Sticks or the Adoration of the Magi in the east façade and the Door of Saint Christopher or De la Lonja in the south façade. It also contains an astounding 80 chapels which held numerous masses daily. Make sure you visit the baptistery chapel of Saint Anthony and be on the lookout for the painting of The Vision of St. Anthony.

http://www.catedraldesevilla.es

Cristobal Colon’s tomb (Christopher Columbus) , as he is known in Spanish

The famous Jewish quarter, Santa Cruz

   

Oranges everywhere in Seville

Santa Cruz, a tourist neighbourhood bordered by the Jardines de Murillo, Calle Mateos Gago, Real Alcazar and the Calle Santa Maria La Blanca, is a Jewish quarter built hundreds of years ago. This was due to King Ferdinand III of Castille concentrating all Jewish population in one place or neighbourhood. But during the 14th century, with the Alhambra Decree in place, the Jews were expelled from Spain and the Santa Cruz suffered a major degeneration. It was only in the 18th century that the neighbourhood underwent complete gentrification process to bring back the old thriving vibe. Aside from being a Jewish quarter, it also houses many of Seville’s old churches and the location of the Cathedral of Seville. Another place to get lost in beautiful architecture and  history.

Old Quarter of Seville 

Old and new architecture in Seville, Metropol Parasol is a wooden structure located at La Encarnación square, in the old quarter of Seville, Spain. It was designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer and completed in April 2011. Dimensions:  150 by 70 metres and approximate 26 metres in height It’s considered to be the largest wooden structure in the world.  Its appearance, location, delays and cost overruns in construction resulted in much public controversy. The building is popularly known as Las Setas de la Encarnación (Incarnación’s mushrooms)and houses a food market too!  Unfortunately I was late and the market was already closed.  This area is amazing!

For a food and wine tour  I recommend : Devour Seville

Until next time why not join me on  InstagramTwitter and Facebook…X 

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12 Comments

  1. Pasta Bites
    April 6, 2017 / 8:35 am

    Great photos, only been once but i remember it as a beautiful city

  2. April 10, 2017 / 8:20 pm

    Beautiful photos. There looks like so much beautiful architecture to be in awe over.

  3. Emma Julia
    April 10, 2017 / 9:13 pm

    I've always been so intrigued by Seville and the gorgeous orange trees!

  4. April 10, 2017 / 10:09 pm

    I've never been to Seville but it's definitely on my list of places to go.

  5. Lucy - Hello Beautiful Bear
    April 10, 2017 / 11:44 pm

    I've heard a lot of great things about Seville but the photos really do it justice even further, it just looks so beautiful. I'm a sucker for pretty buildings too so I think I'd be captivated! xx

  6. April 11, 2017 / 8:14 pm

    Gorgeous photos! The architecture is SO beautiful! I'd love to visit one day x

  7. Little B And Me
    April 11, 2017 / 8:21 pm

    Oh my gosh, what beautiful places to visit.

    Such stunning buildings.

  8. Ickle Pickle
    April 12, 2017 / 6:51 pm

    Oh how beautiful does Seville look? The cathedral looks breath taking! Your photos are stunning. Kaz x

  9. Claire Jessiman
    April 16, 2017 / 11:12 am

    My husband really wants to go to Seville but I keep dragging him back to Barcelona. I really need to open my Spanish horizons! Your pohots and most definately tempting me!

  10. April 16, 2017 / 11:48 am

    I've not been back to Seville since the late 80s and your post and photos really bring it back to me. I need to go again as in interested much more in architecture now, as well as history (that was always the case). I'm better at researching the food in advance as well!

  11. April 16, 2017 / 11:10 pm

    I've been having serious travel blues lately, really want to get away and this has added to it even more! All so beautiful! One day I will definitely visit!

  12. Gingey Bites
    April 19, 2017 / 3:33 pm

    Walking a city is the best way to see it. I love the look of Seville but have never been!