▶️ what to SEE in SEVILLE 2024 🇪🇸 [4K] # 117

Summary

Discover the enchanting city of Seville, Spain, through 16 compelling reasons that highlight its rich history, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine. From the majestic Real Alcázar and Seville Cathedral to the vibrant Triana neighborhood and the archaeological treasures of Itálica, each site tells a story of the city's diverse cultural heritage. Experience the sevillano way of life, from flamenco shows to traditional tapas, and explore the city's iconic landmarks that have stood the test of time, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Real Alcázar de Sevilla is a must-visit, originally an Arab fortress and later a royal residence, showcasing Moorish and Christian architecture.
• 📚 The Archivo General de Indias is a free, lesser-known attraction housing historical documents related to Spanish colonies.
• 🏰 Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, features a mix of architectural styles and holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
• 🎨 Ceramics are integral to Seville's history and design, with the Triana district being a historic center of pottery production.
• 💃 Flamenco is a significant cultural element in Seville, with numerous shows and events throughout the year.
• 🌊 The Guadalquivir river is central to Seville's identity, offering leisure activities and boat tours along its banks.
• 🏰 The city is home to numerous churches, each with unique artistic and religious significance.
• 🏛️ The Archaeological Ensemble of Itálica, outside Seville, is a notable Roman site with a well-preserved amphitheater and Roman houses.
• 🎨 The Seville Museum of Fine Arts houses an exceptional collection of Sevillana painting in a beautiful setting.
• 🌳 Parque de María Luisa and Plaza de España are iconic, offering a blend of architecture, history, and leisure spaces.
• 🏢 The Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville is a historic industrial building now part of the University of Seville.
• 🍽️ Seville is renowned for its delicious tapas and cuisine, with traditional and modern bars offering a variety of culinary experiences.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Real Alcázar de Sevilla in the city's history?

The Real Alcázar de Sevilla was originally an Arab fortress and became the seat of the crown and local power after King Ferdinand III of Castile reconquered Seville in 1248. It is a UNESCO world heritage site, known for its Moorish and Christian architectural elements.

How can one prepare for a visit to the Real Alcázar de Sevilla?

It is essential to book tickets in advance due to the high number of visitors. If unable to book ahead, one can join the ticket office queue half an hour before the first hour of the day when a limited number of tickets are sold.

What is unique about the Archivo General de Indias in Seville?

The Archivo General de Indias is a free attraction that houses historical and diplomatic documents related to the Spanish colonies in America and Asia. It was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1987 and is located between the Alcázar and the cathedral.

What are some key features of Seville Cathedral?

Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, featuring a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Notable features include the magnificent main chapel with the largest altarpiece in Christianity and the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

How has the importance of ceramics in Seville contributed to its architecture and design?

Seville has a long history of ceramic production dating back to Roman times. Decorative ceramics have been used extensively in Andalusian architecture and design, and are evident throughout the city in streets, squares, churches, and monuments.

What is the significance of flamenco in Seville's cultural scene?

Flamenco is a significant part of Seville's cultural heritage and the city is one of the most important centers of flamenco in the world. It is included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity list, and there are numerous flamenco shows and events throughout the year.

How does the Guadalquivir river contribute to Seville's identity?

The Guadalquivir river is symbolic of Seville and was historically vital for the city's economy. Today, it serves as a place for leisure activities such as strolling, exercising, and enjoying river cruises, and is home to the iconic Torre del Oro.

Which churches in Seville are recommended for their artistic or religious importance?

Recommended churches include the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador, Hospital de la Caridad, Capilla de los Marineros, Real Parroquia de Señora Santa Ana, Basílica del Señor del Gran Poder, Basílica de la Macarena, and Santa María la Blanca.

What is the significance of the Archaeological Ensemble of Itálica?

Itálica was the first Roman city in Hispania and the first city founded by the Romans outside Italy. The site includes a Roman amphitheater, one of the largest in the Roman Empire, and well-preserved Roman mansions with intricate mosaics.

What is the historical background of the Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville?

The Royal Tobacco Factory was built in the 18th century and was the largest industrial building in the world at the time. It was used for tobacco processing until the 1950s and now houses a campus of the University of Seville.

How can one best experience the Plaza de España in Seville?

To fully experience Plaza de España, one should walk around the entire square, taking time to explore the arched galleries and the 48 tiled niches representing provinces of Spain. It is recommended to visit during the week to avoid crowds and consider returning at night for the light show.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Exploring Seville's Historical Gems

This paragraph introduces the city of Seville, highlighting its rich history, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine. It mentions a video journey through 16 reasons why Seville is considered one of the world's most beautiful cities, including its captivating neighborhoods and diverse culinary offerings. The speaker, Tony Gálvez, invites viewers to discover Seville's magic, with practical travel tips and insider information. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of visiting the Real Alcázar de Sevilla, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and provides advice on ticket booking and visiting hours. It also touches on the Archivo General de Indias, another significant historical site in Seville.

05:05

🏰 Seville Cathedral and the Allure of Ceramics

The paragraph delves into the grandeur of Seville's Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral globally, and its rich architectural blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. It describes the cathedral's main chapel and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The paragraph also explores the city's historical significance as a center for ceramic production, with the Triana district being a notable example. It recommends the Centro Cerámica Triana for understanding Seville's ceramic heritage and mentions the city's vibrant flamenco culture, including performances and UNESCO's recognition of flamenco as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

10:08

🌊 The Guadalquivir River and Seville's Churches

This section discusses the Guadalquivir River's significance to Seville, both historically and as a modern leisure spot. It describes the river's role in the city's economy and artistic inspiration. The paragraph then shifts focus to Seville's numerous churches, emphasizing the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador, the Hospital de la Caridad, and several churches in the Triana neighborhood. It highlights the religious and artistic importance of these churches and their contributions to Seville's cultural landscape.

15:13

🏛️ Roman Itálica and Seville's Fine Arts

The paragraph introduces the Archaeological Ensemble of Itálica, a significant Roman site near Seville, and its notable features, including the amphitheater and Roman mansions with preserved mosaics. It contrasts this ancient history with the Seville Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an exceptional collection of Sevillana painting. The paragraph also describes the María Luisa Park and its iconic Plaza de España, detailing the square's design, historical significance, and attractions, such as the tiled niches representing Spanish provinces and the pottery collection.

20:21

📚 Seville's Cultural and Architectural Highlights

This paragraph covers the Setas de Sevilla, a modern architectural marvel, and its features, including the viewpoints and the Antiqvarium museum showcasing Roman and Arab remains. It then discusses Seville's culinary delights, emphasizing the city's tapas culture and the upcoming video on Seville's food scene. The paragraph concludes by recommending a visit to the Triana neighborhood, known for its iconic churches, the Triana Market, and its significance in the city's cultural and historical tapestry.

25:25

💌 Conclusion and Additional Travel Tips

The conclusion paragraph reiterates the need for at least two full days to explore Seville's basics and suggests an additional night if visiting nearby Itálica. It invites viewers to ask questions about Seville and encourages them to explore Córdoba, another city in Andalusia, with a promise of a dedicated video showcasing the city's attractions.

Keywords

💡Seville

Seville is the capital city of Andalusia, Spain, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. In the video, Seville is the central theme, with the speaker highlighting its various attractions and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination.

💡Real Alcázar de Sevilla

The Real Alcázar de Sevilla is a royal palace originally built as an Arab fortress, which later became the seat of power for Christian monarchs after the reconquest of Seville in 1248. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime example of Moorish and Christian architectural styles.

💡Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral, also known as the Catedral de Sevilla, is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed on the site of a former mosque and is known for its mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

💡Triana neighborhood

Triana is a historic neighborhood in Seville, famous for its pottery and tile-making tradition, as well as its religious significance, with numerous churches and chapels dedicated to various Christian figures. It is also known for its market and the Triana Ceramic Center.

💡Flamenco

Flamenco is a traditional Andalusian art form that involves singing, guitar playing, dance, and hand clapping. It is deeply rooted in the culture of Seville and is recognized as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

💡Guadalquivir River

The Guadalquivir River is a significant waterway for Seville, historically vital for the city's economy and as a source of inspiration for artists. It has played a crucial role in the city's development and is now a recreational area for locals and tourists.

💡Archaeological Ensemble of Itálica

The Archaeological Ensemble of Itálica is a significant Roman archaeological site located outside of Seville in the town of Santiponce. Itálica was the first Roman city in Hispania and the birthplace of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian. The site includes well-preserved Roman structures such as an amphitheater and mansions with intricate mosaics.

💡Seville Museum of Fine Arts

The Seville Museum of Fine Arts, or Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla, is a museum housed in a former convent and is known for its exceptional collection of Sevillana painting, featuring works by renowned artists such as Zurbarán, Murillo, and Valdés Leal.

💡Plaza de España

Plaza de España is a monumental square in Seville designed for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929. It is known for its Art Deco and neo-Mudejar style, symbolizing Spain's connection to its former American colonies. The plaza features a large fountain, tiled niches representing provinces of Spain, and is a popular spot for photography.

💡Santa Cruz neighborhood

The Santa Cruz neighborhood, also known as the Holy Cross district, is a historic area in the heart of Seville, encompassing major landmarks like the cathedral and the Alcázar. It is characterized by narrow, winding streets, charming squares, and a lively atmosphere with numerous bars and restaurants.

💡Setas de Sevilla

The Setas de Sevilla is a modern architectural structure consisting of six large parasols shaped like mushrooms. It serves as a multifunctional building with viewpoints, an audiovisual presentation, and a museum showcasing archaeological remains found during its construction. The Setas de Sevilla has become a new point of interest in the city.

Highlights

Seville is a city rich in history, architecture, and cuisine that captivates visitors.

The Real Alcázar de Sevilla is a must-visit, originally an Arab fortress and later a royal residence.

UNESCO declared the Alcázar a world heritage site in 1987 for its witness to Moorish and Christian civilization.

The Archivo General de Indias houses historical documents related to Spanish colonies and is a lesser-known gem.

Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, is a mixture of architectural styles.

The Giralda, the cathedral's bell tower, is an iconic symbol of Seville.

Ceramics are integral to Seville's history and the Triana Ceramic Center is the best place to learn about this tradition.

Flamenco is a significant cultural element in Seville, with numerous shows and events throughout the year.

The Guadalquivir river is central to Seville's identity and offers various recreational activities.

Seville is home to numerous churches, each with their own artistic and religious significance.

The Archaeological Ensemble of Itálica offers a glimpse into Roman history and was a filming location for Game of Thrones.

The Seville Museum of Fine Arts showcases exceptional Sevillana painting and has beautiful interior courtyards.

María Luisa Park and Plaza de España are iconic locations in Seville, perfect for leisurely strolls and photography.

The Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville is a historic industrial building now housing part of the University of Seville.

The neighborhood of Santa Cruz is known for its picturesque streets, squares, and tourist-oriented bars and restaurants.

Las Setas is a modern architectural marvel with viewpoints, an audiovisual presentation, and a light show.

Seville's food scene, including tapas, is a highlight of the city's cultural experience.

The Triana neighborhood is iconic for its churches, ceramic tradition, and local market.

Transcripts

Join us on a visit to the wonderful Seville, a city that with its rich history, incredible

architecture and delicious food will steal your heart. Let's go together to explore the magic of Seville.

In this video will take you on a journey through 16 reasons why Seville

is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From its enchanting neighborhoods

to its mouth-watering cuisine, Seville is a city that has something for everyone, so sit

back, relax and get ready to discover Seville. In the description of the video you will find

links to all the places we mentioned. Hola, ¿qué tal?, hello I am Tony Gálvez from Road Trip Spain and

Portugal, where we help you plan the perfect trip with practical information and insider tips.

Let's go with our list, in strict alphabetical order.

Let's start with our favorite monument of the city and THE place you shouldn't miss. The Real Alcázar de Sevilla

was originally an Arab fortress. In 1248, Ferdinand III of Castile reconquered Seville and the

Alcázar became the seat of the crown and local power. In the following decades other Castilian

kings added buildings to the original fortress. Although the Alcázar shares many artistic

and decorative elements with the Alhambra in Granada it is important to understand that

the Alcázar palaces you will visit were commissioned by Christian monarchs, while much of the Alhambra

was built by Muslim Sultans. UNESCO declared the Alcázar a world heritage site in 1987, as

an exceptional witness to the Moorish and Christian civilization of Andalusia. Spend

between two and four hours touring it, depending on your interest in history. It is a place

with so many incredible and beautiful corners that we are sure that that visit to the Alcázar

will be one of the highlights of your stay in Seville.

The Alcázar receives many visitors, it is essential that you book your tickets in advance and if you

cannot make that reservation, try to join the ticket office queue half an hour before the

first hour of the day, when a few tickets go on sale, which fly quite fast. Right now admission

to the Alcázar also includes same day or next day entry to the Antiqvarium at the Triana

Ceramic Center, which we'll talk about later in the video. It is very easy to get to the

Alcázar, which occupies a large area next to Seville Cathedral, the Archive of Indies and

the Santa Cruz quarter. The ticket office is located inside the Patio de las Banderas while

the entrance for the visit is through the Puerta del León.

The Archivo General de Indias, or simply Archivo de Indias, it is a free attraction in Seville, in the heart of the city, and yet unknown to many visitors to the city. Don't miss it!

The Archivo de Indias, the Archive of the Indies, was originally designated to be the headquarters

of the Casa Lonja de Mercadares of Seville, where merchants met to conduct businesses.

In 1790 King Charles III created the Archivo General de Indias, where of the historical

and diplomatic documents related to the Spanish colonies in America and Asia would be kept.

The archive contains a large number of historical documents and maps. The visit to the archive is

quick, only researchers have access to the part where the documents are kept. You will

walk along the marble corridors of the renaissance building and feel like you are traveling back

in time. In 1987 UNESCO included the Archivo de Indias on the world heritage list. It is very

easy to find the building where the archive is located, between the Alcázar and the cathedral.

The catedral de Sevilla, Seville's Cathedral, is surprising for its monumentality. It is the largest Gothic

cathedral in the world. Work on the Cathedral, on the site of a former mosque, began in 1434 and was completed in 1506.

During the 16th century, several parts were added to the building, already in Renaissance

style. In the cathedral you will find a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque Styles.

In the immense and spectacular interior of the temple you should not miss the magnificent

main chapel, protected by iron grills. The altarpiece is an exceptional work, considered the largest

in Christianity. It contains 28 scenes from the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The

second essential part of the cathedral is the magnificent tomb of Columbus, which received the remains of the sailor in 1899.

The minaret of the mosque was preserved, and received the addition of a body where the

cathedral's bell tower was placed. The tower was crowned in 1568 by a statue that served

as a weather vane. The weather vane was called the Giralda. This name, initially reserved for

the weather vane, was eventually applied to the entire tower, and the weather vane became

the "Giraldillo". The Giralda is today an icon of Seville and forms part of the same monumental

complex as the cathedral. The entrance to the cathedral includes access to the top of the

giralda. The Climb is on foot up a very wide ramp.

You will leave the cathedral through the Patio de los Naranjos, the patio of the orange trees,

a survivor of the old Arab mosque that occupied the space where the cathedral now stands.

In 1987, once again, UNESCO declared Seville Cathedral a world heritage site. The cathedral is one

of the monuments with the longest queues in Seville, so if you don't want to waste valuable

time, arrive with your ticket bought in advance. The Cathedral of Seville is in the center of the

city, next to the Archivo de Indias and the Alcázar.

The importance of ceramics for Seville is similar to that of tiles for Lisbon. Seville has a long history of ceramic production dating

back to Roman times. Decorative ceramics have been used for centuries in Andalusian architecture

and design, and in Seville you will find wonderful examples wherever you go, in the streets, in

the squares, in the churches, in the monuments. Yhe most important center of pottery production

in Seville was in what is now the Triana district, where there were almost 40 pottery kilns.

The best place to understand the history and importance of Ceramics for Seville is the

Centro Cerámica Triana, the Triana Ceramic Center, next to the Triana Market, a highly recommended visit.

Although there are many Andalusian cities that claim to be the birthplace of flamenco, the truth is that, today, Seville is

one of the most important centers of flamenco in the world. There are numerous flamenco shows,

festivals and events in the city throughout the year. And for those who visit Seville it

is very easy to come into contact with this art form included in the UNESCO Intangible

Heritage of Humanity list. We are working on a video on flamenco shows here on the channel,

but until the video is ready, you should know that you can see flamenco performances in

tablaos flamencos, for a fee, or in informal performances in the street ,which can happen

at any time, on any place, especially when there are many tourists in Seville. Plaza de España

is an address where flamenco artists often appear. And in the description of the video

we will leave you two links to good shows in the city.

The Guadalquivir river is the river of Seville. It is difficult to understand the city without this river, which is a symbol

of Seville. Historically, it was very important for the city's economy since navigation

along the river allowed the arrival and departure of goods from the sea. It was also a source

of inspiration for artists. As a result of human intervention over the centuries, the

course of the river that bathed Seville is now far from the city. The body of water

you will see is actually a dead branch of the main river, an arm known as the Dársena del

Guadalquivir or Canal de Alfonso XII. But that doesn't really matter, the river is now

a place to stroll, exercise or have a drink sitting on a terrace on its banks. It is also

a very popular place for those who practice the sport of rowing. and if you feel like it,

you can take a tour on a tourist boat that goes up and down the river. The most

important monument on the riverbank is the Torre del Oro, a defensive tower, of Arab origin,

which today houses a small naval museum and is one of the best known images of Seville.

Next to the tower you can see a life-size replica of the Nao Victoria, which commemorates

the 500th anniversary of the round the world voyage and is part of the nearby space dedicated to the adventure.

We really don't know if Seville is the Spanish city with the most churches per square meter,

but what is certain is that in the city you turn a corner and a church appears. You would

need a lifetime to see them all and here all we're going to do is recommend a selection

of seven churches that we think are worth visiting, either for their artistic or religious

importance, or both. The first church you should visit is the Iglesia Colegial del Divino

Salvador, the second largest in the city after the cathedral. Its altars and chapels hold pieces

of great artistic value. The visit is paid and the entrance ticket to visit the cathedral

also includes a visit to the Church of the Saviour.

The second church we recommend is in the Hospital de la Caridad, a splendid example of Sevillian

Baroque. There is a fee to visit it.

We now move on to the Triana neighborhood to enter the Capilla de los Marineros, the

Chapel of the Mariners, home to the Brotherhood of the La Esperanza de Triana. The image of

Nuestra Señora de La Esperanza is one of the most venerated virgins in Seville. The visit

is free of charge. Still in Triana, another important Temple is the Real Parroquia de Señora

Santa Ana, also popularly known as the Catedral de Triana, the Cathedral of Triana. It is a

large Gothic-Mudejar temple. You have to pay to visit its interior.

Let us now talk about two churches that are very dear to sevillanos. In the Basílica del Señor del Gran Poder

there is a sculpture of one of Seville's most beloved Christs, dating from 1620.

And in the Basílica de la Macarena, whose official name is Basílica de María Santísima de la

Esperanza Macarena, there is one of the most venerated images of the Virgin by Sevillians.

Both the Jesús del Gran Poder and the visit to the Macarena are free of charge. Finally, a wonderful but not so well-known church, although the visit

is free and it is in the center of Seville, is Santa María la Blanca, a temple with beautiful decorative plaster work.

All the churches shown are in the historic center or in the Triana neighborhood and we

insist once again, there are many other interesting churches in Seville, here we present a small selection for first timers in Seville.

The Conjunto Arqueológico de Itálica, the Archaeological Ensemble of Itálica, is the only attraction on our list that it's

not located within the city of Seville but in the town of Santiponce, 11 kilometers away.

But it is such an interesting place, and a very easy visit that can be done in less than

half a day, that we didn't want to miss the opportunity to talk about a place that many

people who visit Sevilla unfortunately don't get to know. You can get to Itálica by bus M170A,

which leaves quite frequently from the Plaza de las Armas bus station, or you

can go by taxi, Bolt, Cabify or Uber, an interesting option for those traveling in a group. Itálica is

one of the most important Roman archaeological sites on the Iberian Peninsula. It recently

achieved worldwide fame for being the setting for scenes of the series Game of Thrones, but

visiting Itálica goes much farther than that. Itálica was the first Roman city in Hispania and also

the first city founded by the Romans outside Italy. Emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born in

Itálica and it was during their rule that Itálica reached its peak of development. The archaeological

site of Itálica is quite extensive but we recommend that you focus your attention on

two very important areas, the amphitheater and the houses. The Roman Amphitheater of Itálica

is one of the highlights of the archaeological site. It was one of the largest in the Roman

Empire, with a capacity for 25 000 people. Gladiator fights and other spectacles with wild animals were held in the amphiteathre.

During the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who as we have seen was born in Itálica, several mansions

were built in the city for the rich and powerful families. The houses, of large dimensions, follow

the conventional structure of Roman dwellings, their interior courtyard is in fact the origin

of the traditional Andalusian courtyard. Despite the plundering that took place over the centuries,

the houses of Itálica have preserved valuable Roman mosaics, such as the one in the house

of Neptune, almost all in black and white, or the so-called house of the birds, where one

of the most beautiful and delicate mosaics of the site can be seen, representing different species of colored birds.

Good news. If you have a European passport, you get free admission to Itálica; if not, the entrance fee is very affordable.

The Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla, the Seville Museum of Fine Arts, was founded as such in 1835, occupying the space of a former convent in the center

of Seville. It is a very interesting visit in Seville, both for the building where the

museum is located, with beautiful interior courtyards, and for the exceptional collection

of Sevillana painting, with masters such as Zurbarán, Murillo and Valdés Leal. As in the case

of Itálica, if you have a European passport you can enter free of charge, otherwise the entrance fee is quite affordable.

The Parque de María Luisa, the María Luisa Park, is the most famous park in Seville, and almost everyone who goes to Seville visits it at

some point during their stay in the city. And yet few people actually get to see the park,

because most only go to one of its most extraordinary places, the Plaza de España which we will talk

about in the next item on our list. Formerly private gardens, they were donated to the city

of Seville in 1893 by the infanta María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón. On the occasion of the Ibero American

Exhibition of 1929, the Plaza de América and the Plaza de España were created in the park.

We would like to invite you to set aside some time to stroll through the park and enjoy

the peace and quiet you will find there, especially during the week - the park is much busier at weekends.

As we have just mentioned the main reason people visit the parque de Maria Luisa is to see the Majestic Plaza de España, Spain Square.

The Plaza de España was designed and built to be the ultimate symbol of the Ibero American Exposition of 1929-1930.

The architect responsible for the project was the Sevillan architect Aníbal González,

author of numerous works in the city of Seville. his intention was to blend the Art Deco style

which was very fashionable at the time with the classic Spanish Mudejar style in what is

known as neomudejar. The square is shaped like a half ellipse. Each arm symbolizes Spain's

embrace of its former American colonies. To reinforce this connection, the square overlooks

the river which was the historic route to the Americas. At each end of the building stands

at 74 meter tower in the Baroque style. The curve of the square is accompanied by a channel

spawned by four bridges. In the center of the square there is a large fountain and the square is a very popular spot for taking photographs.

A gallery of arches allows you to stroll along the square. One of the main attractions of

the Plaza de España are the 48 tiled niches, each representing a province of Spain. The

benches are arranged in alphabetical order and each one bears the name of the province,

the coat of arms, a map and illustrations of various historical events related to that

province. The materials used in the square are typically Spanish: red bricks, tiles and

ceramics, marble and wrought iron ornaments. Particularly noteworthy is the pottery collection,

which we have already discussed in the video. Most visitors enter the Plaza de España through

the North Tower, take a short walk and leave. Our recommendation is to walk around the entire

square, specially the tiled niches, taking time to browse the arched galleries as well. Try to

go to the southern end of the square, as the majority of tourists don't get there, and you

can enjoy and see this part of the square at your leisure. The square is free to visit

and remains open at the same time as the park, which usually opens at sunrise and closes

at the end of the day. The opening hours change throughout the year. The square is easy to

reach on foot from the center. On the way, take the opportunity to see the place we are going to talk about next.

On the way leading from Seville Cathedral to Maria Luisa Park stands the immense mass of the former

Real Fábrica de Tabacos, the Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville. The Royal Factory is also

neighbor to the luxurious Hotel Alfonso XIII, the most luxurious accommodation in Seville.

The factory was built in the 18th century and was used as a tobacco factory until the

1950s. At the time of its greatest Splendor it was the largest industrial building in

the world. As Seville had a monopoly on all trade with the American continent, when the

tobacco plants arrived in Spain, factories were built to process the tobacco plant. Today

the factory houses one of the campuses of the University of Seville. On school days you

can stroll freely through the open spaces inside the old tobacco factory.

The barrio de Santa Cruz, the neighborhood of the Holy Cross, occupies a large part of the historic center

of Seville, including the cathedral, the Archivo de Indias and the Alcázar, as well as a labyrinth

of narrow streets next to the walls of the Alcázar, which roughly correspond to the old

judería, the Jewish quarter of the city. Santa Cruz is one of Seville's most picturesque and

touristy neighborhoods. Among its winding narrow streets are several charming little squares,

such as the plaza de la Alianza or the Plaza de Doña Elvira. The neighborhood is full of

bars and restaurants, but most of them are of the type that cater only to tourists.

The Setas is a magnificent modern construction that leaves no one indifferent. The project

was the winner of a competition organized by Seville city council to redevelop the Plaza

de la Encarnación. The structure made it possible to maintain an old food market, preserve archaeological

remains found in the subsoil and add another point of interest to the city. The work was

completed in 2011. The project known today as the Setas de Sevilla consists of six gigantic

mushrooms-shaped parasols, which give their name to the building. The structure combines

wood and concrete. At the top, the parasols are joined together forming a continuous surface.

The point of access to the Setas viewpoints, a paid visit, is underground. The entrance fee

includes a visit to the viewpoints, a wonderful audio visual presentation called Feeling Sevilla

and the nighttime light show at the top of the structure. Not everyone knows this but

the ticket allows you to enter the sentence twice in a 48-hour period. You could visit

the Setas during the day and come back later to see the light show, which is very beautiful.

At sunset the viewpoints get very crowded. An hour after Sunset everyone will have left

and you will have las Setas to yourself.

In the basement of Las Setas, to the right of the ticket office, you will find the Antiqvarium, the museum that

presents the Roman and Arab archaeological remains that were unearthed when the square

was excavated. During the visit you can see typical elements of life in Roman Seville

and several magnificent mosaics. There is a fee to the visit the Antiqvarium, the entrance

fee is separate from that of Las Setas, but if you have been to the Alcázar, make sure you

keep the entrance ticket because it also includes the visit to the Antiqvarium.

Food is another reason to fall in love with Seville. The delicious tapas and food you can

try in Seville's traditional and modern bars are wonderful. And in order to better tell

you what to eat and where to eat, it we are already cooking up a video on the channel

addressing food in Seville. The video shouldn't take long to be ready and when it's done you

will see a link appear at the top of the screen.

You only have to cross the beautiful Isabel the second bridge, better known as the

Triana Bridge, Puente de Trian,a to reach the Triana neighborhood. If Santa Cruz is Seville's most

touristy neighborhood, Triana is the most iconic. Its popular streets on the bank of the Guadalquivir,

opposite the center of Seville, are full of churches, chapels, Christs and virgins. We have

already seen in the video two of its most outstanding churches, the Cathedral of Triana

and the Chapel of the Mariners. We also took a walk through the Triana Ceramic Center to

learn about the ceramic and tile making tradition for which the neighborhood is famous. Another

place in Triana that you must visit is the Triana Market, full of stalls where the locals

buy their products and also small bars where you can take a break along the way.

As you well see on the map, almost everything is close by in Triana, not far from the center of Seville.

And that's the end of our 16 reasons to fall in love

with Sevilla, ideas for making the most of your first trip to the capital of Andalusia.

You will need a minimum of two full days, that is three nights in the city, to see the basics,

and if you want to include somewhere else like Itálica, add an extra night in Seville.

If you have any questions about Seville, use the commentary box to ask, we'll be delighted

to help. And since you are heading to Seville, to Andalusia, you'll definitely want to check out Córdoba too.

We've recorded a video in which we try to convey to you all our passion for Córdoba,

and we are already waiting for you in that video.