srettig24 During winter break, when I lived in Spain I went on one of my first solo trips. I took a little road trip across Andalusia, Spain’s southern region. I went to three different cities that have their own feeling and atmosphere. I want to start this journey with Seville the first stop on my journey.
Most places have a few greatest hits, but Seville has a long list of must-see sights, and I highly recommend staying for a few days to enjoy what it has to offer.
Plaza de Espana
The fact that this building was the filming location for Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the clones…but if that doesn’t impress you maybe a recent film will. The Netflix series Kaos from 2023 was filmed here. I hope from the photos below you can see why this is a fairly popular movie set location. The Seville city council paid a cold 9 million euros for restorations. It shows- the buildings still look flawless. The interior is used as city administrative buildings, which I would assume takes some of the pain out of getting your driver’s license renewed.
The photo below will hopefully allow you to see the scale of the Plaza de Espana- stretching over a half-mile. This was built in 1928 for the Libero-American Exposition of 1929. It is in the Spanish Regionalism/renaissance revival/baroque.
While the weather was not exactly the most cooperative, you will just have to go yourself to see it on a perfect Spanish day.
Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranze de Caballerรญa de Seville
While bullfighting is no longer legal in Spain there are many bullfighting rings around Spain. After spending extensive time in Spain, I thought I should visit the largest and most important area in Spain. The one in Seville also has a museum that you can tour before being allowed up to the arena. I respect that some people would not be willing to go to a bullfighting ring because of the animal cruelty that occurred here- but I saw this as an opportunity to learn more about Spanish culture.
Plaza de San Fransisco
Royal Alcรกzar of Seville
The photos below are just a little preview of what is in store at the Royal Alฤazar. All the travel guides will tell you, and rightly so- buy your ticket in advance and spend all day here exploring the grounds. This UNESCO world heritage site was created by the Umayyad Caliphate in 913-914. It is also known as the al-Qasr al-Muriq, or the Verdant Palace. The original structure was constructed by the Christians, but was taken over after a revolt against Cordoba’s government by the first caliph of Al- Andalus Abd al-Rahman III; and reconstructed in the Moor style.
Torre de Oro
The Torre del Oro or the Tower of Gold; which was built during the golden period given it its name was part of a Moorish city wall that was built in the 12 century. This wall was between the Alฤazar Palace and the rest of the city. The wall allowed the Moors to control shipping along the Guadalquivir river. The Torre del Oro was used to hold cargo often times gold- also giving it its name, and was also used as a prison. In sunset it also seems to shine gold!
Vibrant Energy
Local cafes are a great way to pass the time in this city, a morning coffee, and pastry or an afternoon glass of wine with tapas there is something for every time and taste. I can’t emphasize enough that these lovely little courtyards are the perfect place to spend time with friends or relax after sightseeing.
Parque de Marรญa Luisa
If you want to get some fresh air and some peace and quiet check out Parque de Marรญa Luisa. This free park seemed to me to have everything that you could ask for with many birds, fountains, pools, and well-maintained landscaping. The smell of oranges throughout was something to remember as well.
Cathedral de Sevilla
This enormous Cathedral is the longest in all of Spain. A blend between the Moorish style as it first was a mosque and the Gothic style from when it was taken over by the Catholics. The Catholics completed construction in the 16th Century. You can take interior tours, although I found the prices to be quite steep. The Cathedral has a courtyard containing aging orange trees and the ornate carvings is makes this notable stop for tourists!
La Girada
The Giralda, is the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral. Built by the Moors during the reign of the Almohad dynasty. The renaissance elements such as the belfry were built by the Catholics after they expelled the Muslims from the area. The original structure was created as a Mosque in 1171 for a growing congregation- with the Minaret (now a bell tower) built in 1184. The figure a woman carrying a flag pole inspired by the image of Pallas Athena was adopted to the Christian faith and is made of Bronze, can be seen in the photo below.
The Metropol Parasol
The Metropol Parasol is also known as the Mushrooms of the Incarnation or the Setas de Sevilla. This is supposedly the largest wooden structure in the world and was created by German architect Jรผrgen Mayer. There are 6 parasols inspired by the Cathedral of Seville and the ficus tree from the Plaza de Cristo de Burgos located in the area. The basement has a archaeological exhibit, a grocery store on the street level and a viewing platform on top.
To the “Shrek” moment sometimes the important moments in life leave a lasting impact
