Sevilla is an exciting land of bullfighting, fine cuisine, and plenty of heat. Located on the shores of the Río Guadalquivir, Sevilla (also known as Seville outside of Spain) is host to many former shipyards and munitions caches.

 

Sevilla’s summers pick up as bullfighting (corridas) events fill the streets with tourists and residents alike. The area is abundant with classy boutiques, bodegas, tapas bars, and exquisite restaurants. Sevilla is one city in which travellers to Spain need to plan at least a week. If you can only visit one city in Andalusia, put Sevilla onto your itinerary!

The capital city of Andalusia has a rich and impressive history. Originally founded by Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio, Sevilla remained under Roman control until the 700s when Arabs/Moors took over. The Arab rule helped shape much of what Sevilla is today - a land with incredible orange trees, gorgeous gardens, and impressive buildings.

 

When Columbus discovered America, Sevilla became an important trade port between Spain and the rest of Europe and America. This helped turn Sevilla into one of the world’s greatest trade ports. Eventually, the area fell into a downward spiral. A serious recession mixed with a major earthquake and floods that virtually destroyed the city. Sevilla survived, however, and damaged areas were rebuilt over time. Sevilla’s strength as a city cannot be denied.

For site seeing purposes, Sevilla is divided into two main areas - El Arenal and Santa Cruz. El Arenal is home to the area in which the old arsenals were located. In El Arenal, there are many sites worth viewing.

 

Start with Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, this 18th century bullring still holds active bullfights. Though bullfighting may not appeal to all, it is still an amazing sport worth some attention.

 

Hospital de la Caridad is a Baroque hospital that houses many fine paintings by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and Juan de Valdés Leal. The architecture of the church is impressive, but the paintings inside only add to the appeal.

 

Torre del Oro is a former Moorish tower that once served as a guard post. Now the building is home to a small maritime museum that details the port’s history.

 

Museo de Bellas Artes is home to Spanish art throughout the centuries. Paintings, sculptures, and Baroque ceilings are all on display.

 

The second area, Santa Cruz, is on the eastern side of Sevilla. Narrow, winding streets add visual appeal to the area. While in Santa Cruz, do not miss the Royal Palaces and their gardens.

 

La Giralda and the cathedral are popular sites due to their Moorish architecture. The bell tower (La Giralda) was built over 400 years. The building is immense and requires at least a day to view in its entirety. Gothic iron grilles, a tremendous garden with orange trees, and breathtaking stained glass round out the features.

 

Calle de las Sierpes is the main shopping promenade. Stores sell regional clothing and souvenirs to willing purchasers. At the end of the street is Real Circulo de Labradores, a private men’s club that was founded almost two centuries ago.

 

Real Alcázar is a royal palace constructed in the fourteenth century. Lush gardens surround the palace, while huge tapestries and carvings lace the interior.

 

This is only a tiny sampling of the sites within Sevilla. There is so much to do and see. It is well worth purchasing a detailed tourist guide and planning a reasonable itinerary.

Though Sevilla is a thriving tourist destination, it unfortunately carries a tremendously high unemployment percentage. Food processing plants provide much of the area’s economy, but machinery and computers help create efficient plants while also reducing the need for employees. For this reason, crime in Sevilla can be high, though not much higher than in other large cities. Do not let this tidbit keep you from travelling, however. Staying alert helps fend off any chance of a purse snatching or similar offense. Also remaining in well-lit, highly secured areas will eliminate any problems.

 

The other two key industries in the area are shipbuilding and construction. These businesses, combined with food processing and tourism, keep Sevilla alive and well during faltering economies.

No trip to Sevilla is complete without sampling locally made Churros (deep-fried sweetened pastries.) Head to Calle Postigo where many local shops specialize in these delicacies.

 

Located next to the eye-pleasing Murillo Gardens, Egaña Oriza is located within an old mansion. The restaurant serves typically Andalusian fare, including a surprising array of wild game entrees. Duck served in a potato nest with an amazing apple sauce is a house favourite.

 

Casa Robles is an impressive establishment that serves only the freshest seafood and a variety of cheeses, wild game, and local vegetables. Fois Gras fans will be delighted to hear that Robles insists on making their own. Casa Robles offers a huge array of tapas and incredible local wines.

 

Modesto is another fine establishment that should not be missed. House specialties include Piccadillo Soup (an elaborate creation mixing ham, eggs, and fried bread), lamb sweetbreads served in a scrumptious mushroom sauce, octopus in a lemon/oregano olive oil sauce, and for dessert add a mixture of cream and sweetened walnuts.

 

At Taberna del Alabardero, diners can choose from many dishes incorporating wild game or seafood with local produce. Start with Couscous with salted tuna and carrots. A variety of seafood in a delightful Ouzo sauce comes highly recommended. Meat lovers may want to indulge in the deer baked in exquisite acorn liquor with eucalyptus jelly.

 

Marea Grande is a little more suitable to those on a budget. This romantic dining establishment produces delicious entrees. Octopus and prawns are a local favourite.

Due to the staggering heat that stifles the city during the day, Sevilla comes to life when the sun goes down.  While the younger crowds enjoy lively dance clubs, the older groups will find themselves craving the local tapas bars and exquisite, locally made Sherries and wines.  Many complimentary guides can be found locally giving detailed breakdowns of concerts and special events.

 

Dance clubs seem to come and go, so it is always best to check local directories to see what is open to the public.  Currently, (May 2006) a spot called Boss is all the rage.  Open daily, the dance club features peppy music thanks to the club’s D.J.  Boss has no phone, so it is best to ask locals for directions or check a map to find Betis 2.

 

For something a little more low key, yet highly entertaining, visit Teatro de la Maestro, the local opera house.  Here you will find nightly concerts, operas, and other artistic performances. The building is just as impressive as the talented performers found on stage.

 

La Carbonería is an old charcoal factory that now houses a number of bars.  Local talent appears nightly on the stage providing wine drinking patrons with live music and amazing Flamenco displays.

 

At El Simpecao, locals and tourists who are more adventurous can join iin with the Flamenco dances.  It is a good idea to study the moves first, so that you do not trip up the dancers, but it is a great way to experience Flamenco first hand.

Sevilla offers a look into many different cultures. The city combines romantic, artistic, and classic tones into one amazing area. Incredible architecture waits around every corner, while mesmerizing smells waft from the buildings lining the streets.

 

Everyone deserves a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Drop your plans, head to Sevilla, and explore the streets like a little kid. Do not let every day responsibilities keep you from the city of your dreams.