Seville (Spain) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Seville with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Seville (Spain)
Seville is a city in southern Spain, the capital of Andalusia. Located on a plain on the Guadalquivir River, which divides the city into two parts - the historical center (on the left bank) and Triana. Seville is one of Spain's most charming cities, boasting amazing sights and relics of the past, elegant architecture and a magical atmosphere. Here, in the capital of Andalusia, Eastern and Western culture, Moorish and Spanish historical heritage collide and intricately mix. The city enchants at first sight; it is the true cultural and historical heart of Spain.
Seville is home to elegant buildings and cobblestone streets, ancient street lamps and horse-drawn carriages, fiery flamenco rhythms and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here you can see sights that are sure to impress! For example, the Seville Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic churches in the world with a majestic tower that was once the minaret of an ancient mosque. Or the Moorish Alcazar Palace with luxurious Mudejar style decor and beautiful gardens. But the main charm of this city is hidden in the small courtyards and winding alleys of the medieval Barrio Santa Cruz.
Geography and climate
Seville is located in the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir River. The terrain is flat with an average height of 7 meters above sea level. The climate is subtropical Mediterranean with very hot summers and damp, mild winters.
Practical information
- Population - 703 thousand people (the fourth largest city in Spain).
- Area - 140 square kilometers.
- Language - Spanish.
- Currency - euro.
- Visa - Schengen.
- Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
- In Seville you can drink tap water.
- You can't eat oranges that grow on the streets. They are sprayed for birds and are also sour.
Tourist Information Centers:
- Avenida de las Delicias, 9 (Monday - Friday from 9.30 to 17.00, weekends and holidays from 10.00 to 14.00).
- Marqués de Contadero (Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 19.00, weekends and holidays from 10.00 to 14.00).
Best time to visit
September - January is one of the best seasons to visit Seville. At this time there are quite a few tourists here, low prices for hotels and tickets. In winter it is quite warm, but often rainy.
February - June is considered high season. At this time, the most famous festivals take place, excellent comfortable weather prevails, and long daylight hours will allow you to do everything in time.
July - August is not the best time to visit the capital of Andalusia. It is very hot here at this time. But if you don't mind the heat, you can enjoy Seville without many tourists.
Story
Legend attributes the founding of Seville to the mythical Hercules. Several thousand years BC the Phoenicians already lived here, and in the second century BC the Romans founded the city of Ispalis here. At the beginning of the 8th century, the settlement was conquered by the Arabs. At that time, the city was called Ishbilla, which later transformed into modern Seville. In the 9th century, the future capital of Andalusia was destroyed by the Normans.
In the 11th century, Seville was conquered by the Berbers. In the 13th century the city became part of the Kingdom of Castile. The greatest flourishing occurred in the 15th-16th centuries. After the discovery of America, Seville became one of the main trading ports of Spain and one of the cultural and artistic centers of Southern Europe.
In the 17th century, the city's importance began to decline, and already at the beginning of the 18th century, Seville lost its status as the main trading center of Spain.
How to get there
Seville has an airport, which is located half an hour from the historical center and connects it with the largest cities in Spain and European capitals. A bus runs from the airport to the center every 30 minutes. You can also get into the city by taxi for about 25 euros.
Seville is easily accessible by train and bus. There are high-speed trains from Barcelona and Madrid. The Santa Justa railway station is located in the north-eastern part of the historical center.
Public transport is provided by buses, one metro line and a short tram section. The metro crosses the city from west to east. The tram runs from San Bernardo Train Station to Plaza Nueva.
Shopping and purchases
Seville is famous for its ceramics. Numerous shops (including traditional goods and souvenirs) can be found along the winding streets and alleys of the Santa Cruz area and throughout the old town.
Food and drink
Seville is famous for its tapas (traditional snacks). Typical tapas are tortilla española (potato omelette), aceitunas (olives), patatas bravas (spiced potatoes) and queso manchego (sheep's cheese).
In general, the capital of Andalusia has excellent delicious cuisine and wine, many restaurants and cafes that will not leave you hungry. It is important that the kitchen of many restaurants starts working in the evenings from 8 pm.
Attractions
The most interesting sights and places in Seville.
Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This religious building is second in size only to St. Peter in the Vatican and St. Paul in London. Interestingly, the cathedral was built on the site of a 12th century Moorish mosque. Construction of the temple began in 1401, after the Spanish recaptured the city, and was completed only in 1506. Five years after construction, the dome collapsed. It was restored in 1519.
As many as eight doors lead into the cathedral, and its interior decoration is amazing. The temple has the longest nave and largest altar in Spain. It is believed that the remains of Christopher Columbus are located here, and the tomb of Fernando III of Castile is also located. Seville Cathedral is surrounded by small columns connected by huge chains. These chains were installed in 1565 to prevent traders from entering the temple with their horses during bad weather. On the northern facade there is a collection of busts by the sculptor Susillo, each of which represents an important figure for the city.
The Giralda is one of the main symbols of Andalusia, the bell tower of the cathedral. It is probably one of the oldest structures in Seville, built in the 12th century as a mosque minaret. The tower has a height of 97.5 meters, and at that time was one of the tallest buildings in the world. The bell tower was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century, but it still retains features of Moorish architecture. From June to September you can climb to the Giralda observation deck.
The Alcazar is another symbol of the capital of Andalusia, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Royal Palace of Seville was originally a Moorish fort erected by the first Caliph of Andalusia in the 10th century. Construction of the current royal castle began in the 14th century. It is the best example of the Mudejar architectural style in Spain, although elements of Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture are also clearly visible.
Alcazar is a Spanish word synonymous with a fortified castle. In fact, the word comes from the Arabic word al-qasr, which means palace or fortress.
Initially, a Roman settlement was located on the site of the palace, later occupied by the Visigoths. In the 8th century, the city was conquered by the Arabs, who built a fortress here. In the 13th century, Fernando of Castile turned the fortress into a royal palace. In the 14th century, Pedro I rebuilt the Alcazar in the Mudejar style. Mudejar is characterized by being a mixture between Muslim and Christian architectural elements. This style can only be found in the Pyrenees.
When entering, be sure to pay attention to the Lion Gate. On the left is the room of Justice and part of the old Arab walls. On the right is the House of Trade, where Columbus was received after his second voyage. On the left side is the entrance to the courtyard and the 13th century Gothic palace. If you go through the main entrance, you can see the Mudejar palace - the most beautiful building of the Alcazar.
Opening hours:
- Winter (October-March): Monday to Sunday from 9:30 to 17:00
- Summer (April-September): Monday to Sunday from 9:30 to 19:00
Church of St. Salvador is the second largest religious building in Seville. Belongs to a Roman Catholic diocese. The building was erected on the foundations of Ibn Adabba, a 9th century mosque. The church stands out for its beautiful architecture and impressive interior.
Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) is one of Seville's most recognizable landmarks, located along the Guadalquivir River. It was built in the 13th century during the reign of the kings of Taifa, when Spain was captured by the Moors. Currently, within the walls of Torre del Oro there is a naval museum. Among the things you can see are old nautical charts, ship models, navigational instruments and historical documents. The museum showcases the history of the Seville Navy and Spanish maritime history.
Plaza de España is one of the most impressive squares in Seville. It has the shape of an ellipse, a diameter of 200 m and an area of about 50,000 square meters. Its architecture features a huge semicircular Renaissance building with balustrade balconies. There is also a monumental fountain on the square. The highlight of the square is the canal. Because of him, the place is often called the Venice of Seville. The Parc de Maria Luisa is also located here.
De Los Venerables is a historic former hospital building in the Barrio de Santa Cruz. This two-story building from the 17th century is a classic example of the Baroque style prevalent in Seville at the time. Inside there is a small courtyard and a nice chapel.
Barrio Santa Cruz is one of Seville's most charming neighborhoods, with an old-fashioned charm. During the Middle Ages there was a Jewish quarter here. Most local churches are former synagogues. This medieval area is characterized by a maze of cobblestone alleys (too narrow for cars) lined with orange trees, pretty houses with attractive courtyards, small cozy squares and open-air cafes.
The Mestranza bullring is one of the largest bullrings in Spain. Accommodates 14,000 spectators. It was built in the 18th century.
The House of Pilate is a historical building from the 16th century. It is considered a copy of Pilate's house in Jerusalem. Combines Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance styles. The small patio has a fountain and is decorated with colorful tiles.
Barrio de Triana is the historical quarter of Seville with atmospheric streets and squares. This is a traditional artisans' quarter. The Triana area offers colorful pottery and cute cafes overlooking the river.
Interesting places to see and visit in Seville.
- Monastery of Santa Paula - founded in the 15th century. Contains valuable works of art.
- El Costurero de La Reina is a nice building in Maria Luisa Park. Supposedly it was built for the wife of Alfonso XII and literally translates as “sewing room”.
- City walls. Seville has been surrounded by walls since Roman times. During the Moorish invasion the fortifications were expanded. The walls of Seville were 7 km long, had 166 towers and 13 gates. Most of the fortifications were destroyed in the 19th century. Sections of the old walls and gates can be seen near the Macarena Church.
- El Postigo (Oil Gate) is the most famous entrance to the city. They were built in the 12th century by the Arabs.
- Royal Dockyards next to the Guadalquivir River. They were used as dry docks in the 15th century.
- Torre de la Plata (Silver Tower) is one of the surviving towers of the original Arab walls. Dates from the 13th century.
- The Parliament of Andalusia is a monumental historical building from the 16th century.
- Ayuntamiento (town hall) is a historical building from the 16th century in the Renaissance style.
- The Flamenco Dance Museum is dedicated to the most famous dance in Spain.
- Museum of Art - The collection covers works of art from the Gothic period to the 20th century. It is considered the second museum after the Prado in Madrid.
- The Archaeological Museum is an interesting collection of antiquities from Paleolithic and Phoenician times.
Seville is the capital and largest city of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia and the province of Seville on the plain of the Guadalquivir River and a short distance from the shores of the sea. Seville is the fourth city in Spain with a population of 703,000 according to the 2011 census. The old town of Seville is the third largest in Europe with an area of 4 square kilometers and three UNESCO heritage sites.
Climate and weather in Seville
Seville holds a certain record, namely, it is the warmest metropolis in Europe, with summer average high temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. Seville has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, but summers are drier than in other areas of the Mediterranean and winters are wetter. The average annual temperature is 25 degrees. After Cordoba, Seville has the hottest summer among major European cities. Temperatures in summer are almost always above 30 degrees Celsius, temperatures in winter are from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Population of Seville
Seville has just over 700,000 inhabitants and is one of the few cities in Spain that has been losing population in recent years, despite its proximity to Africa and opportunities for potential migrants to get there.
Life of Russians and Ukrainians in Seville, reviews
As for Russians and Ukrainians in Seville, there are few of them, but they still exist, but it is difficult to identify certain areas of concentration of Russian-speaking citizens. Many who wanted to live in Seville were simply fascinated by the local attractions, but it is worth remembering that a tourist trip and life in a certain city are two different things. As a rule, the best life is where there are few attractions, for example, Seville has more architectural and cultural heritage than all of Canada and Australia combined, but as for the quality of life, that’s a completely different story.
Pros and cons, advantages, pros and cons of living in Seville
Seville is an attractive city for tourists, but as often happens, tourist life is far from reality, in Seville there are problems finding work, Seville is losing population, locals are trying to leave this beautiful garden city for other regions of Spain. Until 2008, Seville experienced a construction boom, which ended abruptly; the region's economy is recovering from the crisis, but at a slower pace than the rest of Spain.
In general, the city is not considered an attractive place to move here permanently.
Standard of living in Seville
Beauty is a terrible thing, it can overcome all other adversities, for those who fell in love with the Seville architect and the local color can hardly prove anything, such people will find themselves in this place. The standard of living in Seville is lower than in other cities in Spain, but at the same time, it has the cheapest prices.
Safety and crime in Seville
Seville is a safe city, all crime may be due to the fact that Seville has a relatively high unemployment rate and too many rich foreign tourists come here, who we advise to be on their guard.
Economy of Seville
Seville is the most populous city in southern Spain and has the largest GDP. The modern prosperity of Seville began with the World Exhibition in 1992, after which investments flowed into the city, this concerns infrastructure, a large number of innovative enterprises, including aircraft manufacturing. Seville boasts great interest from business tourists, with large conference rooms and trade show grounds built here. Nevertheless, the 2008 crisis hit the city very hard, the construction boom was crippled, but at the same time prices fell sharply. Today, Seville has restored its economy and unemployment has been reduced.
Seville Tourism
Seville is primarily associated with tourism; there are a large number of architectural attractions here, you can visit the museums and parks of the city. The main point of attraction is the Plaza de España, which has an oval shape, in which different styles can be discerned, including Art Deco; the square was built for the 1929 World Exhibition. In addition, in Seville there are such masterpieces as the Cathedral of St. Mary, the Alcazar, the Torre del Oro watchtower, City Hall, the San Telmo Palace, the Archive of the Indies, tourists specially come to the city to visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville. You can take a walk in the Parque de Maria Luisa, the gardens of the Alcazar, Murillo, Catalina de Ribera, del Alamilo and the relatively new American Park. During Holy Week, the city hosts the most colorful festivals in Spain.
Cuisine of Seville
The city is famous for being the birthplace of Spanish tapas. The city of Seville is buried in trees - Bitter oranges, which cover many streets during certain seasons of the year. Until recently, marmalade was made from these oranges, for example, for these purposes, oranges were sent to the UK, today the chemical industry has whitened bitter oranges, which are used today only for compost at the local level. On the Internet you can see many photographs where the streets of Valencia are simply drowned in oranges; no one uses such bitter fruits for food, but they can be used to make skin lotion. According to legend, the Arabs brought bitter orange to Seville from East Asia via Iraq in the 10th century to decorate patios and gardens and provide shade.
Jobs and vacancies in Seville. Salaries in Seville
Seville cannot boast of advanced economic indicators, as for the southern region it has a high GDP, but it is not fair to compare Seville with northern Spain. Average salaries in Seville are relatively low, a salary of 1800 euros for a qualified employee would be a big gift, finding a job for young people is a big problem. Young people often choose to leave the city and go to Madrid for better salaries and career opportunities.
Housing, apartments, houses and real estate Seville, rental prices
Seville is a very cheap city by Spanish standards. Prices for renting an apartment can start from 200 euros, the price of a square meter of residential real estate can start from 1000 euros, which is two times lower than the average in Madrid or Barcelona.
Sevillean
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Seville(Spanish) Sevilla) - in the south with a population of about 700 thousand inhabitants. It is the capital of the Autonomous Community and Province of Seville. The municipality is part of the Greater Seville region. According to legend, it was founded by the hero Hercules. The inhabitants of the city are called “Sevillanos” in Spanish.
Seville is the fourth most populous city in Spain, a major industrial and commercial center, and also a center of tourism. It is located on a fertile, well-developed plain, on both sides of the Guadalquivir River, which is also navigable to Seville by sea ships. Thanks to its many towers, Seville presents a majestic panorama from all sides. The ancient part of the city is located on the left bank of the Guadalquivir and is surrounded by the suburbs of Los Umeros, Sesteria, Baratillo, Carreteria, Resolana, San Bernardo, San Roque and La Calzada, as well as Macarena. Today only fragments remain of the ancient city wall with 66 towers. On the right bank of the river is the Triana district.
Story
Main article: History of Seville
In the 3rd millennium BC. e. On the territory of Seville, the Phoenician settlement of Sefele arose (from “lowland”: compare with Hebrew Shfela). In the middle of the 2nd century BC. e. on the site of a Phoenician settlement, the Romans founded a port city Ispalis (Hispalis), which became a Roman colony. In 590 and 619, two major church councils (concilia Hispalensia) were held here. The Arabs conquered the city in 712 and made it the provincial capital Ishbilya(إشبيلية), from which the modern name of Seville comes. In 844 the city was destroyed by the Normans.
After the collapse of the Cordoba Caliphate, the Taifa dynasty strengthened in Seville, under which the city reached its peak. In 1091, Seville was conquered by the Berbers. On November 22, 1248, the troops of Ferdinand III of Castile, after a month and a half siege, took Seville, which since then remained in the hands of the Christian Spaniards.
Golden age
The city's new heyday came in the 16th and 17th centuries, when, after the discovery of America, Seville became not only the main trading port of the Spanish Empire, but also a center of art, mainly artistic. In 1503, Seville was granted a monopoly on trade with the discoveries of Columbus. A Spanish proverb of the time said: “Whoever has not seen Seville has not seen a miracle” ( Quien no ha visto Sevilla no ha visto maravilla).
The rhythm of life in the city was determined by the departure of sailing squadrons to the New World and their return. The Spanish colonies, which had virtually no industry, needed a variety of goods from Europe. At the same time, Spain itself could satisfy only a small part of the demand: vegetable oil, wine, multi-colored ceramic tiles azulejos(the center of its production was Triana), silk fabrics, cloth, mercury for silver mining. Cloth from Normandy, linen from Laval, expensive brocade fabrics and other luxury items from Italy, wood, hemp, dried cod and herring from and were delivered by foreign merchants to the port of Seville, and then on ships of the Spanish fleet to America. The galleons carried gold, silver and pearls back.
Over time, however, the city's importance declined due to the exodus of 30,000 artisans fleeing the Inquisition, as well as competition with the growing port. In 1649, due to the plague epidemic, the city's population was halved. At the same time, the Guadalquivir River began to shallow, which prevented more seagoing vessels from mooring in Seville. In 1717, due to the transfer to the Casa de la Contratación (La Real Casa de la Contratación - the organization that controlled trade with America), Seville finally lost its commercial importance. In 1729, a treaty of peace and friendship was signed in Seville between Spain and the later acceding countries. In 1808, Seville became the center of resistance to the French invasion led by Napoleon.
In 1929, the International Exhibition Iberoamericana took place in Seville. In 1992, the city became one of the centers of celebration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America; For the World Expo, new bridges were built across the Guadalquivir, a high-speed road to, and an exhibition and entertainment complex on the island of Cartuja. In 1987, a match for the world chess champion title took place in Seville between challenger Karpov and world champion Kasparov.
View from the shore of the Guadalquivir to the Triana district
Climate
Seville has a Mediterranean climate.
- Average annual air temperature - 18.6 °C
- Average annual precipitation - 534 mm
- Relative humidity - 61%
| Seville Climate | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Index | Jan. | Feb. | March | Apr. | May | June | July | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | Year |
| Absolute maximum, °C | 24,2 | 28,0 | 30,8 | 35,4 | 39,1 | 45,2 | 46,6 | 45,2 | 42,6 | 36,6 | 31,2 | 24,5 | 46,6 |
| Average maximum, °C | 15,9 | 17,9 | 21,2 | 22,7 | 26,4 | 31,0 | 35,3 | 35,0 | 31,6 | 25,6 | 20,1 | 16,6 | 24,9 |
| Average temperature, °C | 10,6 | 12,2 | 14,7 | 16,4 | 19,7 | 23,9 | 27,4 | 27,2 | 24,5 | 19,6 | 14,8 | 11,8 | 18,6 |
| Average minimum, °C | 5,2 | 6,7 | 8,2 | 10,1 | 13,1 | 16,7 | 19,4 | 19,5 | 17,5 | 13,5 | 9,3 | 6,9 | 12,2 |
| Absolute minimum, °C | −4,4 | −5,5 | −2 | 1,0 | 3,8 | 8,4 | 11,4 | 12,0 | 8,6 | 2,0 | −1,4 | −4,8 | −5,5 |
| Precipitation rate, mm | 65 | 54 | 38 | 57 | 34 | 13 | 2 | 6 | 23 | 62 | 84 | 95 | 534 |
| Source: Spanish Bureau of Meteorology | |||||||||||||
Administrative division
Main article: Administrative divisions of Seville
Districts of Seville and surrounding municipalities
Administratively, Seville is divided into 11 districts (Spanish: distritos): Bellavista-La Palmera, Los Remedios, Macarena, Nervión, Northern, San Pablo Santa Justa, Cerro Amate, Casco Antiguo, Triana, Este Alcosa Torreblanca, Southern, which in turn divided into subdistricts (Spanish) barrios ).
Attractions
Seville is a major tourist center. Seville Airport is located ten kilometers northeast of the city.
The EEBE says that Seville is “ the most beautiful city in Spain" after . The ancient part of the city (Casco Antiguo) consists of a labyrinth of narrow streets. Of the large squares, it is worth noting the Square of St. Francis, Constitution Square, Ducal Square, Resurrection Square and Museum Square. One of the most popular streets is the serpentine Calle do Sierpes. Among the houses there are palace-like buildings, built mainly in the ancient Roman style, and with courtyards paved with marble. In addition, oriental architecture is common: many houses have flat roofs and a maximum of two floors. The right bank district of Triana has been connected to the rest of the city by a steel bridge since 1848. There are many public fountains in Seville, most of which are supplied by the famous Canos de Carmona viaduct, built in the time of Julius Caesar. There are 74 temples in the city.
Main article: Seville Cathedral
Seville Cathedral and Archive of the Indies
Among the buildings, it is worth noting first of all the Cathedral Maria de la Sede, built in 1401-1519. on the site of a former mosque. Measuring approximately 116 m in length and 76 m in width, Seville Cathedral is the third largest Christian cathedral in the world (after St. Peter's and the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida), and the largest of the Gothic ones. The cathedral consists of five side chapels, a large main chapel with a flaming vault, rising 56 m above the transept (transverse nave).
Nearby is the so-called Giralda - a 114-meter-high bell tower with rich patterns and ornaments, housing 22 harmoniously tuned bells. It was built in 1196 by Abu Yusuf Yaqub with a height of 82 meters. A 32-meter superstructure was added in 1568.
Alcazar
Alcazar
Main article: Alcazar of Seville
The city is home to the so-called “House of Pilate” - a palace built as a mixture of Mudejar and Spanish Renaissance styles.
The center of the city's nightlife is now Alameda de Hercules.
Twin Cities
Culture and sports
Alamillo Bridge at night
Seville and one of its districts, Triana, are considered the cradle of flamenco.
The city is home to two universities: the University of Seville (75,000 students in 2010), founded in 1505, and the Pablo de Olavide University (10,741 students in 2010), founded in 1997.
In 1992, the World Exhibition was held here. The bridge across the Guadalquivir, the Alamillo Bridge, built on this occasion is the creation of the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
In January 1991, a symphony orchestra was organized in Seville, which subsequently, in 1995, received the title of Royal. It consists of more than a hundred musicians from different countries.
One of the main holidays, which determine the life of the city once a year for a whole week, are Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Seville Fair.
The Sevilla football club is one of the leaders of the Spanish championship; another club, Real Betis, has also been playing in the top division since 2011 after winning the Segunda, the second Spanish league.
In 1987, on the stage of the Lope de Vega Theater, a match for the world chess crown took place between Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov.
Seville in culture
At least eight famous operas take place in Seville (Spanish Wikipedia lists 150 operas): Mozart's Don Giovanni and Le nozze di Figaro, Verdi's La Forza del Destino, Beethoven's Fidelio, Bizet's Carmen, and Betrothal in a Convent. Prokofiev, “The Barber of Seville” by Rossini and “The Barber of Seville, or a Useless Precaution” by Paisiello; operas based on the plot of “The Barber of Seville” were also written by I. A. P. Schultz, N. Izouar and others. The city is the setting in the novel by Arturo Perez- A revert of "The Drum Skin, or the Seville Communion" and in Lope de Vega's tragedy "The Star of Seville", the action of the film "Mission: Impossible 2" begins in Seville.
City emblem
Main article: NO8DO
Since 1995, the ancient rebus motto “NO8DO” has become the main emblem of the city.
Population
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Literature
- Altamira y Crevea R. History of Spain: in 2 volumes = Rafael Altamira y Crevea. Historia de Espaňa y de la Civilización Española / Abbr. lane from Spanish - M.: Foreign Literature Publishing House, 1951.
- Defourno M. Daily life in golden age Spain = Marcelin Defourneaux. L "Espagne au Siècle d'or / Translated from French T. A. Mikhailova; Scientific edition and foreword by V. D. Balakin. - M.: Young Guard, 2004. - 314 pp. - (Living history : Everyday Life of Humanity) - 5000 copies - ISBN 5-235-02445-1.
- Nikityuk O.D. Cordoba Granada Seville (ancient centers of Andalusia) / Editor L.M. Azarova, art editor L.A. Ivanova. - M.: Art, 1972. - 190 p. - (Cities and museums of the world). - 50,000 copies.
- Seville, city in Spain// Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
Notes
- http://www.sevilla.org/ayuntamiento/el-alcalde/biografia
- "Sevilla" Sistema de Información Multiterritorial de Andalucía, Instituto de Estadística de Andalucía. .
- (Spanish) Instituto Nacional de Estadística. (National Statistics Institute), Cifras oficiales de población resultantes de la revisión del Padrón municipal a 1 de enero (Russian) Populations of Spanish provinces as of January 1, 2017)
- Gorodetskaya I. L., Levashov E. A. Sevilleans // Russian names of residents: Dictionary-reference book. - M.: AST, 2003. - P. 259. - 363 p. - 5000 copies. - ISBN 5-17-016914-0.
- In the book by O. D. Nikityuk, however, it is noted that these words belong to the Arab historian Al Sakundi
- Seville // Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron. - St. Petersburg. , 1908-1913.
- Mission: Impossible II
- list of residents of Spanish municipalities 2001
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2002
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2004
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2005
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2006
- Municipal Register of Spain 2007
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2008
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2009
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2010
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2011
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2012
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2013
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2014
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2015
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2016
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2017
- National Institute of Statistics Municipal Register of Spain 2018
- Cifras oficiales de población resultantes de la revisión del Padrón municipal a 1 de enero - National Institute of Statistics.
Links
- sevilla.org (Spanish) - official website of the City Hall of Seville
- Official website about tourism in Seville (Spanish) (English) (French) (Italian) (German) (Chinese)
- Seville in the geographical encyclopedia (Russian)
- Seville in the Soviet historical encyclopedia (Russian)
- Seville on the move - Video city tour
Individual excursion to Seville with a Russian guide |
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| Class | quantity passengers | excursion with guide-driver from Costa del Sol | excursion with local guide | Cathedral ticket |
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| 4 hours | 6 o'clock | adult | from 10 to 14 years old | discount | |||
| economy | up to 3 pass | 250,00 € | 160,00 € | 240,00 € | 8,00 € | 4,00 € | children up to 10 years 100% |
| average | up to 4 pass | 350,00 € | |||||
| premium | up to 4 pass | 500,00 € | |||||
| Note | Car tour time 11 hours, extra hour 40.00 € transfer from Costa del Sol about 3 hours |
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| Excursions in Seville | |||||||
Group bus tour to Seville from Costa del Sol |
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| leaving the city | check out time | price 1 place | ||
| shopping in the office | agent and internet | |||
| Malaga | 9:00 | 67,00 € | 80,00 € | |
| Torremolinos Mijas | 8:30-7:30 | 57,00 € / 75,00 € | 80,00 € | |
| Marbella | 7:15 | 75,00 € / 82,00 € | 80,00 € / 87,00 € | |
| Estepona | 6:45 | 88,00 € | 91,00 € | |
| Discount: children under 11 years old 25%, children under 3 years old free (no seat) Refund in the office of 100% of the amount if canceled 24 hours before departure, later a fine of 35.00 € Refund from the agent 90% of the amount if canceled 24 hours before departure, later a fine of 45.00 € |
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| Excursion to Seville overview of attractions and prices for all excursions. | ||||
Seville's climate is Mediterranean with oceanic influences, bringing about 50 rainy days a year. The average annual temperature is 18.6ºC, with mild winters and very hot summers, with an August maximum of 47ºC. The Guadalquivir River Valley, the location of the municipality of Seville, is a developed agricultural area, the products of which are sold both within Spain and are also exported to many countries of the European continent and to the world market.
The southern part of Spain, the autonomy and its capital Seville, has the richest tourism potential, has a huge number of historical architectural attractions, and is included in all routes of excursion tours to Spain. The right bank of the Guadalquivir River occupies the old suburb, the Triana district; on the left bank are the main historical sites of the Old City, the Cathedral, the Alcazar, the Golden Tower, protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee since 1987.
For more than 3,000 years of existence from the era of Tartessus to the present day, the people of the province of Seville have embodied the traditions of several cultural groups: Iberian, Romanesque, Visigothic, Muslim, Christian.
Legend says that the founder of this ancient city is the ancient Greek hero Hercules, but these are legends, and the facts indicate that at the dawn of its formation (1200 BC), the modern territory of the province of Seville was part of the ancient Iberian kingdom of Tartessos .
The capital of this then great kingdom was a beautiful city, which the Phoenicians called Tarssis, the Greeks Tartessos, and the peoples of Asia Minor Tursa. Confirmation of the wealth and greatness of the kingdom of Tartessus are archaeological finds, among which are plates made of pieces of pure gold, which may have been part of a breastplate.
Even some chapters of the Bible mention that King Solomon equipped his ships to search for the gold of Tartessus during the construction of his temple. From this, historians concluded that the Phoenicians and Greeks arrived here in search of new lands rich in metals. Here there was a mixture of three different cultures: Turdetanian, Iberian and Punic. Unfortunately, there is no reliable historical evidence about the reasons for the disappearance of the ancient city; this happened after the capture of Phoenicia by the Assyrians and during the transition of these lands to the control of Carthage.
After the defeat of Carthage in the Second Punic War, Rome gained full control of the Iberian Peninsula. In 206 BC. e. Roman troops under the command of General Scipio entered Seville. By order of the general, the Romans founded the new city of Italica, 7 kilometers from Seville. Today, this is a museum on the territory of the town of Santiponce, excavations continue here, now you can see a stone-paved road, the perimeter of city streets, an amphitheater, the foundations of buildings with gardens and mosaic floors are clearly visible.
Seville received a new name, Colonia Iulia Romula Hispalis or Ispalis, becoming one of the three largest cities in the Roman province of Baetica, with Cordoba as its capital. Ispalis was then an important industrial and commercial center of Roman Spain with a major port. Fortress walls were erected around the entire city, of which only small fragments remain today. Seville gave world history two Roman emperors Trajan (98-117) and Hadrian (117-138).
After the fall of the Roman Empire, a dark period of chaos and plunder began, which was brought to the former Roman lands by semi-wild nomadic tribes of barbarians who were at war with each other. The territories of southern Spain were first taken over by the Vandals. Seville was taken by the army of King Gunderic in 426. However, they were soon forced to leave the conquered lands of Spain, going to conquer Africa.
In 441, Seville was once again taken by the Suevian king, Regila, who already owned neighboring Galicia.
Meanwhile, the Visigothic kingdom was gaining strength and in 531 the troops of King Theudis captured Seville, losing the Roman name Ispalis forever, the city became known as Spalis.
According to the historian Isidore of Seville, it is known that during the reign of the Visigoth king Agil I (549-554), the future king Atanagild raised an uprising in Seville and soon, with the support of the Byzantine emperor Justilian, received the Visigoth crown. Byzantium, in turn, captured significant territories of Spain up to Valencia. After ascending the throne, Atanagild directed his efforts to fight his former ally, trying to liberate his lands from the Byzantines. We were unable to find precise data confirming that during the reign of Atanagild (551-567) Seville was occupied by the Byzantines.
Some historians argue that during Visigothic rule in Andalusia, the cities and Seville for some time had a special status, independent of Toledo.
The beginning of the Arab expansion (711) of significant territories of Spain was the crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar by a detachment of Berber mercenaries under the command of the famous Arab commander Tariq ibn Ziyad. After the death of King Roderic in the Battle of the Guadalete River on July 19-26, 711, Arab troops, already under the command of the supreme commander Musa ibn Nusayr, the conqueror of the Maghreb, began to capture the Visigothic kingdom.
There are two versions of the capture of Seville in the spring of 712, after which its inhabitants became subjects of the Umayyad Caliphate. The first speaks of a three-month siege of the city by Arab troops. The second says that most of the townspeople of Ibero-Roman and Jewish origin supported the invaders, as they were eager to get rid of the power of the Visigoths. Among the sympathizers was even the Seville Archbishop Don Oppas.
The meeting of two different civilizations did not come as a great shock to the townspeople. The new city government was composed of Jews who enjoyed the favor of the Arabs. Jews, oppressed by the Visigoths, who did not have the right of free movement, inhabiting the poorest Jewish quarter of the city, juderia, now received equal rights with the rest of the inhabitants of the emirate, the opportunity to participate in political and economic life.
With the consent of the then ruler of Damascus, Caliph Al Walid I of the Umayyad dynasty, Musa made Seville the capital of the already captured territories, giving it the name Ishbilya. Then, leaving his son Abd el Aziz as governor, he continued the conquest of Andalusia.
All the city nobility grouped around the young Abd el Aziz, and the widow of the last Visigoth king Roderic, Egilona, became his wife. An unprecedented era of mixing and prosperity of clans, religions, and ethnic groups began. For Seville, the times of flourishing trade, science, and crafts came; the region's economy was experiencing a period of growth.
The largest river, the Betis, was called by the Arabs the Big River, in Arabic it sounded like Guad el Kevir, which gave the river its modern name Guadalquivir. The Arabs, who highly valued the availability of water, planted the fertile river valleys with various exotic crops. The prosperous city, located near a deep river, attracted the attention of sea robbers of the Vikings and Normans, who attacked Seville on October 1, 844.
During the robberies and robberies, the city suffered greatly; the townspeople who did not have time to escape were killed, some were transported to the island of Captel (now Isla Menor) on the Guadalquivir River, below Seville, demanding a ransom. The troops of Emir Abd ar Rahman II had great difficulty in forcing the warlike Vikings to retreat.
The attack of the Normans forced the emir to strengthen the city walls and think about building a navy. The next Viking invasion of Seville in 859 was less successful. Their ships were met by the emir's new fleet, forcing the enemy to retreat. After the campaign of 859-861. The Normans stopped disturbing Andalusia for a long time. The last attacks took place in 971-972, but Seville was not damaged then.
During the reign of the first Umayyad caliph, Abd ar Rahman III, two influential families declared Seville (899) an independent state from the authority of Cordoba. This was a period of practical civil war between these influential clans. Only on December 20, 913, after the destruction of the fortress walls, the city was taken by the Caliph's troops.
The beginning of the 11th century, the collapse of the Cordoba Caliphate, the formation of an independent church (Taifa) of the Beni Abbad or Abbadids dynasty, was a period (1023-1091) of unprecedented prosperity during all the years of Islamic rule in Seville.
The loss of autocracy was the beginning of the end of the once great state of Al Andalus. Continuous wars with the Christian kingdoms, internecine wars between the Taifas, led first to the loss of Toledo and then to the seizure of power over all the Taifas, called to help by the Almoravids.
The last two centuries of the Almoravid era, after 1091, saw the last changes in the appearance of Seville. The fortress walls were restored, the Giralda and the Golden Tower were built.
After the capture of Cordoba (1236) and Jaén (1246), Fernando III of Castile, with the support of the army of King Jaime I of Aragon, strengthening his fleet with ships of the Vasques and Galicians, approached Seville in August 1247. During the Seville campaign, Christians were also assisted by the Emir of Granada, Muhammad I. Christian troops had no experience in military operations against such a large, well-fortified city with a military flotilla.
Seville was surrounded by a powerful 7-kilometer wall, the river was protected by the Triana fortress on the right bank of the Guadalquivir. The siege lasted more than a year, the united Christian fleet under the command of Ramon Bonifas cut off the supply of the surrounded city from the sea, on May 3, 1248, the bridge between the Triana fortress was destroyed, Seville was doomed. The result of a long siege was the signing of capitulation on November 2, 1248. The emir was given time to leave the city and on November 22, 1248, King Fernando III of Castile entered Seville.
After the end of the reconquista, a rapid process of restoration of the destruction began, the reconstruction of Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues into Christian churches, and the construction of new city neighborhoods.
Shipyards were built for new sailing ships, which the Castilian Crown so lacked, and Spain's largest river port was being modernized.
The 13th-15th centuries are the times when the terrible fires of the Inquisition are lit throughout the country, Seville is no exception, Muslims and Jews are expelled from their inhabited places, the number of those killed was in the thousands, the country is going through a difficult period in its history, as a result, a significant economic decline is observed everywhere, decreasing population size.
The end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries became for. After the discovery of America, the entire flow of trade with the New World passed through the port of Seville, through the harbor of the Guadalquivir River, which becomes the only port awarded by the Royal Decree, a monopoly on trade with the rich Spanish colonies of America. As a result of a sharp increase in trade, the rapid growth of the region's economy, the population increased to a million people.
However, the development of another large port and the division of the monopoly of receiving ships from America significantly reduced trade turnover, and the income of the city treasury became very scarce. And the sudden outbreak of the Great Plague of 1649 carried away half of the city's population.
The next remarkable historical date was 1729, the date of the signing of a historic tripartite treaty on peace, cooperation, good neighborliness between the three Great European Powers: France, England, and later the Netherlands joined them. In 1808, Seville became the center of resistance to the French invasion led by Napoleon. Until the end of the 19th century, the city experienced difficult times, followed by industrialization; the city again set a course for economic growth, which was characterized by an increase in the urban population.
Modern municipality Seville has eleven administrative districts. Its main part is located on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River, on the right is located only one of the oldest urban areas, Triana. The northeastern part, the left bank, is occupied by the typical Muslim district of Macarena, the northwestern Christian districts of Santa Clara and San Vicente.
All traditional excursion routes pass through the old city, ancient historical quarters, consisting of narrow serpentine, intertwined streets, many small cozy squares where beautiful graceful fountains are built. Among the most beautiful city squares, it should be noted: Resurrection Square, Museum Square, Constitution Square, Ducal Square, St. Francis Square.
The most striking city celebrations are Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Feria, better known as the April Fair, these holidays are colorful, noisy, fun, lively, with a traditional Andalusian scope, to the sounds of everyone's favorite Sevillana, using national costumes, arranged street performances, about a thousand special holiday pavilions are installed.
Seville is a unique, colorful and beautiful city with the most exciting bullfighting and the most passionate flamenco. Like no other city, it reflects the peculiarities of the national Spanish character. And being the center of Andalusia, Seville is also a place of endless celebrations.
Slow and majestic, the Guadalquivir divides the city into two halves: Seville and Triana. This river and nothing else “made” Seville. It is no coincidence that the city grew up in the very place where Guadalquivir ceases to be navigable. During the Roman Empire, Seville achieved prosperity through trade, which did not undermine Muslim rule and which was further enhanced when the city virtually monopolized trade with the Americas.
In the 19th century, Seville gained worldwide fame for its architecture and culture and became one of the mandatory stops on the romantic "grand tour" of Europe that nobles from prosperous countries used to take. Since then, the tourism industry has begun to develop here. And after Expo 1992, when Seville gained a new airport, a train station, new bridges and an express service to Madrid, the city became a top destination for travelers.
How to get to Seville
There are no direct flights from Russia to Seville; in any case, you will have to fly with a connection in Madrid or Barcelona (Aeroflot, Iberia), or through Malaga, which accepts charters from Moscow during the season. All of these Spanish cities have several direct flights per day to the capital of Andalusia, Seville, with flight times ranging from 40 to 60 minutes.
From San Pablo Airport to the city center you can take the Especial Aeropuerto bus (4 EUR) or taxi (22-30 EUR) in about half an hour. Buses depart every 20-30 minutes from Monday to Saturday, and a little less frequently on Sunday. The first flight from the airport starts at 5:45, the last at 00:15. In the opposite direction - at 5:15 and 00:45, respectively. Departure from Seville's Plaza de Armas bus station, with stops at Santa Justa railway station, Prado bus station and the Golden Tower (Torre del Oro). Prices on the page are for October 2018.
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By train
Seville can also be easily reached by train; the main train station, Santa Justa, is located in the northern part of the city, a 10-minute drive from the center. From here high-speed ABE trains depart to Madrid (about 80 EUR, the journey takes only 2.5 hours, up to 20 departures per day), as well as local, regional and long-distance trains. For example, to Malaga, where a major airport is located, it takes no more than 2 hours by train and 45 EUR per ticket.
By bus
To travel around colorful Andalusia, it is better to use buses. There are two bus stations in Seville. The first one is “Prado” (El Pradi), located closer to the center, which can be reached by almost all buses. Flights depart from here mostly to cities in the Andalusian provinces (with the exception of Huelva). The second is Plaza de Armas. It is located next to the Expo 92 exhibition area, also not far from the city center. Buses come here from all over the country, as well as from the north and west of the province, from Huelva and Portugal.
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Districts of Seville
Conventionally, “tourist” Seville can be divided into 4 districts, the most important of which is simply and simply called the Historical Center (Centro Historico). This is the “heart” of the capital of Andalusia; here are the main attractions of the city, the best hotels and restaurants, in particular the famous Cathedral - the symbol of the region and the architectural dominant of Seville. It is in Centro Historico that tourists spend most of the day, so it’s worth thinking ten times when choosing a hotel - whether to stay further and pay less, or not save and live in the very center of the party.
Barrio de Santa Cruz is perhaps the most bohemian area of the city. Here, at every step you come across wrought-iron gates, typically Andalusian courtyards with fountains and tiles, fashionable art galleries, cafes, vases with the ubiquitous geraniums and charming narrow streets. Once a ghetto for Seville's Jews, today the quarter is named after a Christian saint and is considered the most colorful part of Seville. And that’s the beauty of this southern city’s contradictions.
La Macarena, located on the site of the former villa of the famous Roman patrician Macarius, is undeservedly deprived of the attention of tourists. While incurious travelers spend their days in the two above-mentioned areas, La Macarena tirelessly wins the hearts of the rare passers-by who look into its palaces. In particular, for the sake of the monastery of St. Ines.
According to legend, King Pedro I the Cruel was so captivated by the beauty of this girl that he constantly pursued her until she poured boiling oil on her face, disfiguring herself.
Finally, Triana and El Arenal are areas whose names were immortalized in the memory of descendants by the legendary writers of the “Golden Age” of Spain Lope de Vega and Cervantes. In the distant times of the 1600s, when Seville was a thriving trading port, no one without dozens of strength and courage ventured into these places, because it was here that the Guadalquivir River divided the city in two. At the same time, El Arenal was somewhat more civilized, after all, the Cathedral was “under our noses”. But Triana, located on the other bank, has remained a haven of cheerful gypsies, only slightly giving itself a European flair in our days. Today, tourists are attracted to these areas by the famous Golden Tower of Seville and the Museum of Fine Arts, where the works of the best Seville artists, in particular Murillo, are exhibited. Well, and the atmosphere of Gypsy Town, of course.
Transport in Seville
The most convenient way to get around the city center is on foot, however, given that some venerable “must-sees” are located relatively far away, for example, the same pavilions of Expo 92, public transport will still come in handy. It is best to buy a 1-2 day ticket for the Hop on - Hop off tourist bus (24 hours - 18 EUR/8 EUR children, 48 hours - 21 EUR/9 EUR children). But, as an option, you can also get acquainted with the traditional methods of transportation for Sevillians - by bus or metro.
Buses
The Seville city bus network covers almost the entire city, the buses are very comfortable, and the fare is relatively low. There are several lines that can be used to get from one end of the city to the other, as well as 5 circular routes (C1 and C2 are the best and most “spectacular” for tourists, C3, C4 and C5). After midnight, buses operate only on special night routes.
The fare is 0.7-1 EUR depending on the number of stops, but it is easier to buy a card for 1.5 EUR, which can be topped up at the terminals. If you need to use buses often, then it is more profitable to buy a Bonobus pass for 5.15 EUR for 10 trips; they are sold only in tobacco shops and newsstands.
Metro
The metro in Seville is new, it was opened only in 2009, and is constantly being completed and extended. Today the metro covers almost all areas of the city, opening around 6:30 and ending at 23:00 on weekdays and at 2:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The fare depends on the number of transfers, minimum 1.3 EUR, daily ticket 4.5 EUR.
Bicycle rental
The local network of Sevici rent-a-bike points is spread throughout the city: you can find yourself an iron friend quickly (almost 250 parking lots) and inexpensively. The cost is 1.05-2.05 EUR per hour (depending on the area) plus you will need to pay the so-called “membership” for a week for 12 EUR.
Horse carriage
An exceptionally romantic and leisurely way to get around Seville. The official parking lot for the “carriers” is located on the east side of the Cathedral, at Plaza del Triunfo. The cost of a 35-40 minute trip will be 40-45 EUR.
Taxi
Taxis are the best way to get around the city at night, when some areas of Seville become unsafe. The best services are offered by Tele Taxi and Radio Taxi. Trip according to tariff and meter: 0.60/0.80 EUR per 1 km at night/day, landing 3 EUR.
Maps of Seville
Rent a Car
It’s worth thinking ten times before renting a car to travel specifically around Seville - bad traffic, little parking, lots of one-way streets: the city was planned for horses and carts, not for large cars. However, if you want to travel around the outskirts of the capital of Andalusia, as well as throughout the region, a car can be very useful. There are Avis and Hertz rental offices at the airport and train station, but it’s best to book in advance.
Communications and Wi-Fi
Finding free Wi-Fi in Seville, outside of the hotel area, is not a problem. Firstly, Hop on - Hop off tourist buses are equipped with access points. Secondly, there is a whole galaxy of cafes - central coffee shops Starbucks, McDonald's (you need a PIN from your receipt), the Avda Constitucion and Cafe de Indias cafe chains. In addition, in Seville there are entire squares where you can get official free Wi-Fi - these are Plaza Salvador and Plaza del Pan (behind the Salvador Church), Plaza San Francisco, Plaza de la Pescaderia, Plaza Alfalfa and Plaza de la Encarnacion.
Sevilla City Pass
To avoid standing in line for tickets and generally save money, as well as get a detailed, useful guide, you can buy a special Sevilla City Pass with no day restrictions. The card includes free entry to the Alcazar, a cruise on the Guadalquivir River, airport transfers, and a 20% discount on all major museums and other attractions in the city. Cost - 70 EUR.
Seville Hotels
The best area for tourists, of course, is around the Cathedral - here are the quietest and most authentic streets, and all the attractions are at your fingertips. Moreover, the choice is quite large: there are both pompous palaces and budget hostels. One factor unites everyone - the noise of the Giralda bell tower, inviting the townspeople to mass, as well as small parking lots, or their complete absence.
The old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz is another tasty morsel in Seville, but the prices here are some of the highest. Which is no wonder: views of the Giralda or the Alcazar, many private patios, mostly designer furnishings. There are also disadvantages - small rooms. The most budget-friendly option would be to stay in Triana (noisy), on the other side of Guadalquivir, or near Plaza España, where most of the modern hotels are located. However, in terms of security, this area is not considered exemplary. Finally, it is worth paying attention to hotels near the Santa Justa train station, especially if you want to travel a lot around the province. But the center with its attractions will be at least 20 minutes on foot. Find a full list of accommodation facilities on the Seville hotels page.
Shopping
The main pedestrian shopping artery of the city is Calle Sierpes, where you can find all the major brands of clothing and shoes, as well as several specific ones. For example, the local brand Artesania Textil with amazing handmade silk scarves or Sombreria Maquedano with men's hats.
To enjoy the evolution of Seville's style, it is worth taking a walk along Calle Cuna, which runs parallel to Calle Sierpes. Here everyone lives, breathes and enjoys flamenco - from ancient costumes to cutting-edge shoes for a fiery dance. Nearby, on Calle Adriano, El Caballo has been selling traditional riding accessories for over a hundred years. There are no better souvenirs for men than their leather wallets or belts in Seville.
Finally, it is simply impossible to leave the capital of Andalusia without buying yourself something made of ceramics. The local Ceramica Santa Ana factory (in Triana) encourages visitors to buy just by the sight of its tile-encrusted façade. The most common and, at the same time, authentic souvenir is the olive bowl.
What to try
Already a typically Spanish brand, Seville is considered the birthplace of tapas (or simply snacks). There are good tapas bars concentrated around the cathedral and in the city center; you shouldn’t pass by, there’s plenty to try there. Specifically tapas tortilla espanola (potato omelette), pulpo gallego (Galician octopus), aceitunas (olives), patatas bravas (spiced potatoes) or queso manchego (sheep's cheese from the La Mancha region). And, of course, tapas with jamon. The cost of such snacks is from 2 to 3 EUR, you can order a whole mix set for 15-20 EUR.
Many bars offer to try 1/2 racion (half a serving, sometimes quite enough for a hearty snack).
The drink worth trying is not sangria, but Tinto de Verano - a mix of red wine, lemon and soda - a more authentic, cheaper and less alcoholic way to quench your thirst. Tourists are also often offered Agua de Sevilla water, which no local resident drinks. Unnecessary lordship: all the water that is brought to the table for lunch or dinner can be safely drunk - it is of good quality.
Cafes and restaurants in Seville
Seville has a huge number of cafes, restaurants and bars. If you want to eat a hearty and tasty meal, it is better to look for restaurants where the kitchen is open only for lunch and dinner, and is closed during the break. Pay attention to the number of locals at the table - the more, the better. Just to have a bite to eat, it’s worth checking out one of the tapas bars, of which there are plenty in Seville. You can have a fun, loud and drunken time in the Triana area. Decent, decorous and Michelin-star appetizing - in the Nervion quarter. Another good place is Calle Betis, located between the Triana Bridge and the St. Telmo Bridge. The average check for dinner will be about 35 EUR, something like a business lunch (menu del dia, valid only during the day) - 17-20 EUR with a drink. Two scoops of ice cream or a cup of coffee - around 2 EUR.
Keep in mind that many good restaurants do not open their kitchens for dinner until 8:30 p.m. Until this time, you can only eat tapas or at some fast food eatery.
The best photos of Seville
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Entertainment and attractions in Seville
The historic quarter of Seville is one of the largest in Europe, with an area of about 335 hectares, 3 km long and 2 km wide. And the local Art Museum is the most visited in Andalusia, as well as the second most important art gallery in Spain. However, all tourists begin their alleys around Seville from the square near the Cathedral. This is the third largest temple in the entire Catholic world. It contains the remains of Christopher Columbus, who set off on his first expedition from the city harbor.
The symbol of Seville is the famous Giralda, the cathedral's bell tower, which was originally the minaret of a grand mosque built in the 12th century. The mosque itself disappeared without a trace, but the minaret was perfectly preserved, over time it was transformed into a bell tower, and now also serves as an observation deck for those who are not too lazy to climb to a height of 98 m. True, the climb is so comfortable that even excursion groups of Germans can easily overcome it pensioners.
The Alcazar Palace-Fortress is the next “must-see” point, a small “state within a state” standing in the middle of the city. With palaces in the Moorish style, galleries, marble-paved courtyards, fountains, waterfalls, sculptures, gardens.
Apart from Madrid, nowhere else in Spain are there as many bullfights as in Seville. The largest and most famous arena dominates the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza.
Also worth seeing are the former Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, the "Golden Tower" of Torre del Oro - an ancient bastion of the Arab city wall and the monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas, where Columbus was originally buried. Interesting is the Square of the Bulls (La Real Maestranza), where there is a museum dedicated to horses and bulls. Plaza de España is the main monument of the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929. And, of course, the exhibition area itself, where many pavilions of various countries still remain, is an excellent place for walks and amazing photographs.
Seville for children
Many of the “adult” attractions in Seville are “tailored” for children, even the cathedral or the Alcazar, but to fully enjoy this you need to speak English. Newsstands and bookstores sell a whole heap of 0+ tourist literature for young tourists. However, both Russian-speaking kids and teenagers will not be bored. For the former, the center has several first-class playgrounds - at the beginning of the Guadalquivir promenade, in Maria Luisa Park or in the Murillo Gardens.
The latter will undoubtedly enjoy the Isla Magica (“Magic Island”) theme park for ages 10+. In addition to rides and high-speed slides, there you can get acquainted with the history, culture and art of different times and peoples and enjoy a water performance. The park also has a state-of-the-art planetarium, a funicular, a monorail, a large concert hall, and various entertainment events are held - from laser shows to flamenco concerts. Other “cutes” are the so-called Navigation Pavilion (Pabellon de la Navegacion) at Expo 92 with a lot of interactive exhibits, as well as boat rides, a ride on a horse-drawn carriage or a double-decker bus with an open top.
When it comes to food, kids are crazy about Spanish ice cream or churros donuts. If specific tapas and paella are not to your taste, it is worth checking out one of the Italian restaurants around Plaza de Alfalfa. No one has ever given up pasta and pizza.
December
March-May is the best time to travel to Seville, because it is during these months that the region's two main festivals take place - Semana Santa and the April Feria (Seville Fair). There is no point in describing the chaos that is going on in the city, you have to see it, and the weather is favorable - the sun is not yet too hot, and the rains have already stopped. There is also a downside - steep prices for accommodation.
July and August are perhaps the worst time to travel, it is very hot and there are a lot of tourists. September-October is another period worthy of attention. The heat, as well as the crowds of travelers, is subsiding, so there is a chance to enjoy amazing Seville in the company of a gentle, rather than scorching sun.
