Andalusian Adventure, Seville

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a gem in Southern Spain. The city offers so much to visitors, including art, architecture, culture and a multi-faceted history, including the conquest by the Moors in 711, which really gave Seville its prominence. You should spend at least one day just exploring the streets and taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the City.

Here are my top recommendations for a long weekend in Seville:

The Royal Alcázar of Seville is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-visit when in Seville. I’d recommend booking tickets in advance as it’s a popular attraction and queues can be long. Dating back to the 14th century, and built for the Christian King Peter of Castile, the palace has a number of rooms and gardens, inspired by Islamic and Moorish architecture. It is reminiscent of the Alhambra and testament to the influence of the Moors.

Casa de Pilatos is one of Seville’s most beautiful Andalusian mansions. Dating back to the late 15th century, it is still occupied by the Ducal Medinaceli family. The architecture is a mix of Renaissance, gothic and Mudejar, making it a fascinating building to explore. My favourite feature had to be the amazing and colourful tile work.

Plaza de Espana and Parque de Maria Luisa – Built in 1920 for the Ibero-American exposition, Plaza de Espana is one of Seville’s most beautiful spots. There is so much to admire, including the stunning tile work and murals and the baroque, renaissance and Moorish inspired architecture. The small canal with Venetian-like bridges and gondolas adds a touch of magic. While in the area, be sure to also take a walk in the 100-acre Parque de Maria Luisa, Seville’s main greenspace, where you can see gardens, patios, statutes and sculptures.

Cathedral of Seville – Surrounded by Andalusian orange trees, the Cathedral is one of Seville’s top tourist attractions, and is considered the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral. Built between 1434 and 1517 over the remains of the city’s main mosque, it is also where Christopher Columbus is buried. A highlight is the Giralda, the bell tower, which was once the mosque’s minaret, which you can climb to get great views of the Cathedral and City.

Metropol Parasol – this unique structure, locally known as Las Setas (the mushrooms) offers panoramic views of the city. Built in 2011 to a design by German architect Jürgen Mayer H, it is said to be the world’s largest wooden-framed structure.

Jewish quarter – explore the city’s historic Jewish quarter and its narrow, winding streets. I’d recommend taking a walking tour which gives a lot more insight into the contributions of the Jewish community over the centuries and points out places of interest that you might not normally spot.

There are of course lots more things to do and see in Seville. If you have more time, you should definitely try and see a flamenco show. There is also the Flamenco Museum if you’re interested in learning more about this mesmerising dance! If you like art, check out the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo.