Reasons why every ‘culture vulture’ should visit the Andalucian city of Seville 

Some cities have a name that just resonates in your imagination, even if you have never been there. Seville is one of them and absolutely must be visited if you are a fan of culture, history and the vibrant Spanish way of life.

Seville, on the banks of the river Guadalquivir that runs through Andalucía on its way to the sea, is steeped in Moorish history. They occupied this part of the country from 711 to 1248 AD. Two Roman emperors were also born in this city. It was an important trading post with the Americas during the 16th and 17th centuries, and during this period many mansions, stately homes, convents and churches were constructed with the wealth from trade. Its streets and squares of the historic quarter are so impressive that they almost automatically gained a World Heritage Designation. Make sure you visit the districts of Triana and La Macarena for traditional culture.

Visiting the gothic Cathedral, the old minaret and orange tree courtyard, with its Visigoth pool in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, is highly recommended. Apparently the remains of Christopher Columbus are buried in the cathedral, although the poor man was allegedly dug up and reburied four times in different places before finally resting there!

Nearby stands the Reales Alcazares Palace, brimming with magnificent halls and romantic courtyards, including Peter the Cruel’s Palace, The Catholic Monarchs’ Hall, the Royal Bed Chamber, and the Pasos Perdidos Ballroom, to name just a few of them. Around this magnificent palace are huge gardens displaying the influence of both Moorish and the Renaissance’s love of nature.

The General Archive of the Indies is a fine building and one of Europe’s most important document centres regarding Spain’s attempt to conquer the New World.

The Plaza de Espana square is another place worth visiting in Seville. Painted ceramic benches that surround the square, depict all the provinces of the country. It was built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929. This spectacular square is dominated by two towers; one on each side of the enclosed area. Between the towers runs an arcade of semi-circular arches with exits in different parts of the square, where a fountain stands.

Yes, it’s safe to say that the incredible city of Seville in Andalucía is worthy of a visit, especially if you are a self-confessed ‘culture vulture’.