When in Seville
Once the cultural centre of Spain, Seville was inhabited by the Moors for over 800 years and before that it was a favourite spot for the ancient civilisations of the Romans, Phoenicians and Carthaginians at one time or another. The land is still as beautiful and fertile as it was in those days, only enhanced by the wonderful ancient buildings which still stand.
Seville is dotted with numerous buildings which still bear the hallmarks of the Moors, who in particular helped to shape the architecture of the city. And there have been a number of historical figures who have passed through Seville and its locale in its time. The famous Don Juan set out from the city on his journey across Europe, conquering women's hearts as he went, while Christopher Columbus journeyed from a port near Seville when he left on a voyage of incredible discovery.
For those travellers who are keen to experience a traditional Spanish city, Seville is certainly the place to visit. Set in the heart of Andalusia, it is the home of bullfighting and Flamenco music. Tapas and sherry is the order of the day here and the wonderful culture of the city, along with its long history, combine to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Seville is home to the third largest cathedral in the world and this is unsurprisingly an imposing structure which dominates the city. Construction began in the 11th century and spanned five centuries, incorporating Renaissance styles, late Gothic features and particularly impressive Flemish glass works. The landmark of Seville is the Giralda, a huge tower adorned by a magnificent, large bronze statue at its top. Standing 97.5 metres high, the Giralda offers travellers wonderful panoramic views of the entire city.
While the Giralda is the only feature of the cathedral which remains from the Moors' time in Seville, they have left plenty of other markers around the city, including the impressive, octagonal Gold Tower, which now serves as the Museum of Navigation, having once been the seat of power of the marine's administration in Andalusia. There are a large number of museums throughout Seville, including its Museum of Arts, which houses some of the most important works still kept in Spain.
The spirit of Seville is as impressive as any of the buildings which cover the city. There are a number of popular customs which are enjoyed by the local people. The majority of these are held during the spring time, before the heat of the summer saps the energy from the locals. Semana Santa, for example, held on Easter week, is famous across the world for its processions and, of course, Flamenco. The city is renowned for its Flamenco spirit and this is never in evidence more than during Easter week.
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Introduction
