Sightseeing in Sevilla - what to see. Complete travel guide

Seville, the city of Don Juan, Carmen and flamenco, is located in the south-east of Spain, in Andalusia. The city is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. This is a beautiful place full of palm and orange trees, the smell of which fills the air of Seville and its surroundings each spring. Seville is a real pride of Andalusia, and Andalusia, in its turn, is often referred to as “the real Spain”. This Spanish province is famous for its beautiful cities that are distinguished by a long and fascinating history. Seville is a place where many different cultures meet and mix. For centuries the territory of the city was home to a large number of people of various nationalities. These people have left their mark in art, architecture, folklore and local cuisine.

Parks of Seville.
Seville is famous for its parks and gardens that are often made in Arabic style. These are true oases of tranquility in the daily noise of a big city. The most famous parks of the city are Maria Luisa Park (Parque de María Luisa) that was laid out for the opening of the Spanish-American Exhibition in 1929. The park was a part of the San Telmo Palace Complex, and later it was presented as a gift to the city from Princess Marie-Louise. The park was laid out once again by a Frenchman Forestier before the opening of the exhibition. Maria Luisa Park occupies an area of 400,000 sq. m. and is known as the largest green area in Seville. There is a remote place in the park near the river. This is the place where a small pink-yellow building usually catches eyes of tourists. This is de Costurero de la Reina , where Queen Maria de las Mercedes, who had a weak health, loved to do some needlework in a complete solitude. Now the building is occupied by a tourist office.

The oldest park of Seville, Delicias de Arjona, is located between Maria Luisa Park and the Guadalquivir River. It was opened to the public in the beginning of the XIX century. The other bank of the river is the location of Parque de los Principes that was laid out in 1973. El Prado de San Sebastian Park is even younger. It is situated in one of the last undeveloped areas of Seville. The park is mostly occupied by numerous palm trees that are reflected in numerous ponds of the park. Jardines de Murillo Gardens are located near the Alcazar Palace . The gardens were named in honor of artist Bartolomeo Esteban Murillo. The park is made in a typical Seville style - palm trees, arcades, a sea of flowers and numerous sculptures by local artists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Giralda Tower.
For a long time, from 711 to 1248, Seville was ruled by Muslims. Of course, this fact couldn’t have failed to leave its mark on the look of the city. The Giralda Tower (la Giralda) is one of the most famous Islamic monuments in Seville. This is the symbol of the city. The height of the tower is 97 meters. Originally, it was a Moorish minaret. The Giralda Tower has an observation platform, from which you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. In the XIV century, the Moorish domes on the top of the tower were replaced by Christian symbols of faith, and in 1568 the tower was “crowned” by a clock tower made by Hernan Ruiz.

Santa Cruz Quarter.
The former Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz is a perfect place to walk along narrow white streets with numerous bars and restaurants where visitors are welcome to try delicious tapas snacks. By the way, tapas were invented in Seville, so, of course, tourists will find thousands of places in which they can try this meal. By order of King Ferdinand III all the Jews had the right to settle only in this quarter. In the XIV century Christians came to power, and Santa Cruz was turned into a district for working class. Nowadays, this part of the city with its narrow streets and picturesque alleys is a popular tourist destination.

The number of tourists in Calle Mateos Gago Street , a street full of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops, can scare anyone. Go through the street to Plaza de Doña Elvira, where, in the building number 6, you will find the house in which Ines de Ulloa, the eternal love of the famous conqueror of female hearts Don Juan, was born. Nowadays, this house has been turned into a restaurant that, by the way, offers excellent local cuisine. Don Juan is a fictional character, but this fact does not prevent residents of Seville from composing legends about him. Some people even genuinely believe that he really existed and was born in building 2 in Calle Justino de Neve Street . Plaza de los Refinadores is the place where you can even see a monument dedicated to this loving man.

There are some other places of interest in Santa Cruz. For example, the House of Pilate (Casa de Pilatos) , built in the XVI century. The luxuriously decorated house is an example of a stunning Magyar style. Do not forget to explore the beautiful inner garden of the building. Building 2 in Callejón del Agua Street is the location of a wonderful house with a big yard. Plaza del Triunfo is famous mostly thanks to one element - The Immaculate Conception sculpture. The church in Plaza de Santa Cruz Square has become the last refuge for the grave of artist Murillo. Murillo Gardens (Jardines de Murillo) are located nearby. The best way to get acquainted with Santa Cruz Quarter is to make an unhurried walk along its streets and alleys.

The Old Town (El Cento).
All places of interest in Seville are located within a walking distance from each other. If you want to give some rest to your feet, then head to El Cento or the Old Town . This is the place where you will find many interesting sights, and, what’s even greater, all of them are concentrated in one place. Beautiful buildings, charming courtyards and a large number of restaurants – you will find all these and even more in El Centro. Jamon de Serano de Belottal is the most famous tapa in Seville. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the pigs, which are then used to make ham, are fed with acorns only.

Seville residents are very skilled in having a great free time, especially in the evening. Seville is an ideal city for the evening entertainment. If you want to know where 'the place to be' is located, just ask any passer-by, because when it’s close to midnight, almost everyone goes outside to have fun. Finally, do not forget that the famous flamenco dance was born here and nowhere else in the world, so the best dancers of this energetic dance live in Seville.