What to do in Metropolitan Area of Seville

Commissioned in the early 1400s to demonstrate the vast wealth and power of the city of Seville, this enormous cathedral stands 42 metres high, covers an area of 11,520 square metres and is a lavish showcase of Gothic architecture. One of the cathedral’s finest examples of the Gothic style is the immense retablo which is located in the main nave of the cathedral. Make your way to this impressive altarpiece to see a shimmering wall of gilded sculptures of scenes from the life of Christ.

The Royal Alcázar comprises a group of palatial buildings and gardens which have been constructed, reconstructed, expanded and renovated over a period spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Originally built in the 10th century as a fortress for the Cordovan governors of Seville, to this day parts of it are still used by the Spanish royal family when they are visiting the city, making it the oldest European royal palace still in use. At the Royal Alcázar, visitors can admire architecture from an astonishing range of periods, including Almohad, Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.

See thrilling competitions between top sporting stars at Seville’s huge Olympic Stadium. The vast arena opened in 1999 for the World Athletics Championships with a capacity of up to 70,000 seated spectators. It was during this tournament that the American sprinter Michael Johnson broke the world record for the 400-meter race.

The Almohads, the Moroccan dynasty that occupied Spain during the 12th century, built this prominent religious monument between 1184 and 1196 on the site where Seville Cathedral stands today. Following its construction, it served two principal purposes: calling the faithful to prayer and acting as an observation point over the city. One of three great minarets constructed by the Almohads, it is considered to be the finest of all, as well as an excellent example of Almohad architecture.

The Metropol Parasol is a marvel of modern architecture, a colossal wooden structure located in Seville's old quarter. It consists of six linked parasols and is known locally as Las Setas, or The Mushrooms, for its unusual form. The striking building holds shops, a market, an open-air space for concerts and a basement filled with Roman archeological ruins.

Go for a walk, relax in a pavement café and see Roman temple ruins at one of the oldest public gardens in Europe, La Alameda. The vast, popular open space dates back to 1574 when a marshland area was drained and populated with trees and fountains.