The capital and largest city of the Spanish autonomous territory of Andalucía, Seville is located in the south of the country on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. It is a city which is imbued with history and religion, and is packed full of architectural gems and cultural treasures.
The Old Town, Seville’s historic district, is the place to go to explore three key historic attractions in the city. Be overwhelmed by the size and opulence of Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla). Principally Gothic in style, both the interior and exterior of this house of worship are truly impressive. Rising up from the cathedral is La Giralda, the bell tower that started life as an Almohad minaret. Admire the tower's mixture of Almohad and Renaissance architecture from the ground, or make your way to the top for exceptional views of the city. Just across the square from these two landmarks is the magnificent Royal Alcázar (Real Alcázar). Visit this group of palatial buildings and gardens to see architectural styles spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
For a bit of Sevillian culture, make sure you visit the city when one of its major festivals is being held. Enjoy watching the many different processions of floats with sculptures depicting religious scenes which take place during Semana Santa de Sevilla (Holy Week in Seville). Or let your hair down during Feria de Abril (April Fair), a six-day, party-filled festival centred around flamenco and bullfighting.
After a tiring day exploring the history and culture of Seville, enjoy some tasty Spanish cuisine at a tapas bar. Afterwards, watch a sporting event or a concert at La Cartuja, one of Spain’s biggest stadiums.
It’s easy to get around Seville. Catch one of the cheap and regular bus services, rent a bicycle from Sevici, the public bicycle programme, or wander around the Old Town where a number of key historic attractions are within walking distance.
Seville is located in southern Spain. Its international airport offers a good range of international flights. The city can also be reached by train from Madrid. Temperatures get very hot in summer, so it’s best to visit in autumn or spring.