Tourist Information

The city of Sevilla is located on the plain of the Guadalquivir river which crosses the city from North to South. The river can be navigated from Sevilla all the way to its outlet near Sanlúcar de Barrameda, on the Atlantic coast. In the past the port of Sevilla played an important role in commerce between Spain and the Americas and it remains today one of the most active river ports of the Iberian Peninsula. Sevilla is the provincial capital, seat of the government and parliament of the Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía (Regional Government). It has more than 700,000 inhabitants, nearly half the population of the whole province and is the largest town in Southern Spain.

According to legend, Sevilla was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. Next to this settlement, in 207 B.C., the Romans built Itálica. It was the centre of their Western Mediterranean dominions for seven centuries until the Roman empire was overrun by Northern barbarians at the beginning of the 10th century. The long Moorish occupation of the Iberian peninsula, from 711 A.D. to 1248 A.D., left indelible traces in Sevilla as in all of Andalusia. In 1492 Sevilla played an important role in the discovery and conquest of America. The 17th century was a period of artistic glory in Sevilla. Painters such as Velázquez, Murillo and Valdés Leal, and sculptors like Martínez Montañés were born in Sevilla and left behind important works. The city also assumed an important role in world literature and was the birthplace of the myth of Don Juan. On two occasions in the 20th century Seville has been in the spotlight of the world's attention. In 1929, it hosted the Latin American Exhibition, which left important urban improvements in the city. More recently, Expo 92 reinforced the image of Sevilla as a modern and dynamic city.

Sevilla lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir river and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe. In Sevilla, you will want to visit the old city, with the Cathedral and the Giralda tower at its heart. The minaret of La Giralda (the tower of an important mosque) is the most well-known of the remaining Islamic monuments. You can climb the steps inside the tower for a magnificent view of the city. The cathedral is one of the largest in Christendom. Next to the old city you can't miss the Alcázar Palace. Part of its treasure include Casa de Pilatos, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies (where the historical records of the American continent are kept), the Fine Arts Museum (the second largest picture gallery in Spain) , plus convents, parish churches and palaces. Very close by are the royal Mudéjar palace known as the Alcazar with marvellous gardens and the Santa Cruz quarter, with cramped streets, flowered balconies, richly decorated facades, hidden patios. Other sights not to be missed are, in the old city, the Casa de Pilatos, a large sixteenth-century mansion where Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance styles blend harmoniously amidst exuberant patios and gardens and, crossing the Triana bridge over the large Guadalquívir River, the lively popular quarter of Triana with charming narrow streets around the church of Santa Ana and traditional ceramic factories. For all its important monuments and fascinating history, Sevilla is universally famous for being a joyous town.

The quarter of Triana on the other side of the river, La Macarena, Santa Cruz and San Bartolomé, the street of Las Sierpes, plus La Maestranza bullring, María Luisa park and the riverside walks are all representative images of Sevilla.

The Sevillians are great actors and put on an extraordinary performance at their annual Fería de Abril, a week-long party of drink, food and dance which takes place day and night in more than a thousand especially mounted tents. But above all it allows the men to parade on their fine horses and the women to dance in brilliantly coloured gypsy dresses.

Immediately before that is Holy Week, Semana Santa, a religious festival where hooded penitents march In long processions followed by huge baroque floats on which sit images of the Virgin or Christ, surrounded by cheerful crowds. Both Spring events are well worth experiencing.

In Sevilla, several hotels are restored as well-maintained town houses or mansions arranged around a typical, Andalusia courtyard. This is an experience not to be missed as they are available in all price ranges.

Don't miss out on the tapas. The city is credited with the invention and has more than a thousand bars where the choice of food, is virtually unlimited, from seafood to ham and sausage and from vegetable to cheese. The Sevillians actually make a meal of them, moving from bar to bar and trying one dish at a time.