Seville in Sepia: A City of Shadows, Saints, and Storytellers
Seville is known as the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region, and rightly so. The city lives in the shadows of the Moorish era, tells a story of history through its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is home to the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, which Saints Justa and Rufina once protected.
GuruWalk’s walking tours of Seville are free, and most of them take you past the five main attractions we will explore in this article, from the Real Alcázar to Las Setas.
Five Must-See Attractions In Seville
1. Explore The Real Alcázar
Seville’s number one attraction, visited by two million tourists a year, is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Real Alcázar. It is the oldest palace still in use in Europe and the residence of the Spanish Royal Family when they visit the city.
The Real Alcázar is a large complex of elegant palaces, fountain-filled patios, and lavish gardens. The Palacio de Don Pedro and the Courtyard of The Maidens are highlights of the attraction.
The attraction has grown in popularity since it featured as the setting of the Kingdom of Dorne in the famous Game of Thrones series. Due to its popularity, you should book your tickets as far in advance as possible on the official website. Entry is by allocated time only, and you’re free to stay as long as you like.
In addition, from June to September, the palace transforms into a spectacular outdoor music venue, showcasing jazz, classical, and opera performances as part of the ‘Nights in the Gardens of the Royal Alcázar’.
2. Watch A Flamenco Show
Seville is the birthplace of flamenco dancing, and watching a show is a key part of the Andalusian cultural experience. Flamenco has four parts: the toque (guitar), the jaleo (crucial to the rhythm), the cante (song), and the baile (dance).
There are many theatres, known as tablaos, in Seville that host performances every night. You may also witness impromptu flamenco performances at bars around Seville, such as La Carbonería Tavern.
In addition, you can learn more about the art of flamenco at the Museo del Baile Flamenco or even join a one-off class at Taller Flamenco.
3. Visit Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla) is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world, and it stands out in the city’s skyline. It boasts Gothic and Baroque designs, artworks by Spanish painters Goya and Zurbarán, the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and a detailed gold retable.
It also features the 105-metre La Giralda bell tower, which gives visitors sweeping views of Seville. We recommend climbing the 35 ramps to the top of La Giralda in the early morning when it’s cooler and there are fewer visitors.
(Image Source: Catalonia Hotels)
4. Tour A Former Tile Factory
Long ago, the neighbourhood of Triana was devoted to one thing – ceramics. Many locals worked in the various potteries and factories where the city’s renowned azulejos were manufactured.
Today, all the factories are closed, but one has been converted into a small museum, where you can see some of the finest tiles ever made and learn about Triana and its industrial past.
5. Climb Las Setas
Seville is a very historic city, so it’s an interesting juxtaposition when you come across Las Setas in Plaza de la Encarnación.
Las Setas, previously known as the Metropol Parasol, is a modern, 28-metre-high wooden structure. It was designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer-Hermann and is said to have been inspired by the fig trees at Plaza Cristo de Burgos and the vaults of Seville Cathedral.
Take the walkway to the 360-degree viewing platform to enjoy excellent views over Seville’s rooftops and spires. If you don’t want to climb the world’s largest wooden structure, then admire it from the many tapas bars around Plaza de la Encarnación.
Your ticket will allow you to visit both during the day and at night, so you will also be lucky enough to witness the largest immersive LED light and sound show, Aurora, as night falls.
Ready To Explore The City Of Shadows, Saints, and Storytellers?
Seville is an excellent choice for your next European city break, with many historic attractions to visit and sweeping views to be seen. The United Kingdom has daily flights to Seville Airport, and you can reach the city centre by bus in approximately 25 to 35 minutes.
