If you ever go to Seville, you will learn that for two centuries, the beautiful Southern city was the capital of Europe. While walking its bourgeois streets, one realizes how much power the city held.
Flowing through the middle of Seville is the distinctive Guadalquivir River, which flows out into the Atlantic Ocean at the Bay of Cádiz. The river provided the city with the trading monopoly of the New World after the discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Treasures from the Americas poured into Seville, continuously making the city enormously wealthy and powerful.
Famous Movie Sites
No wonder filmmakers decided to film parts of “Game of Thrones” at the Alcazar of Seville. The palace was portrayed as the Water Gardens of Dorne in four episodes of Season Five and one of Season Six.
In addition, the spectacular beautiful “Plaza de España” appeared in “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones: Episode II in 2002. It was portrayed as the City of Theed on the Planet Naboo. Other renowned movies filmed there are “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Kingdom of Heaven.”
If after reading this article you are intrigued and decide to visit Seville, expect high temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. The best time to visit is April, but October is also a good time.
Sights and Festivals
Seville is taken over annually by its ‘Feria de Abril, “The fair of all fairs.” It is a microcosm where the idiosyncrasy of the city unfolds with all its charm and power of seduction. Seville’s Feria de Abril begins the night of the “alumbrao”, the inaugural moment when all the fairground lights are lit.
Another amazingly entertaining part of Seville is its old Jewish quarter, the quarter of Santa Cruz. The quarter is a maze of colorful houses, winding and cobbled streets. Discovering Santa Cruz’s secret little squares and alleyways is a great way to spend a few hours in Seville. It should be one of the first areas to explore when visiting, as you will also find the most delicious traditional tapas around its cozy little restaurants.
Special Cuisine
You should not miss Seville’s specialty: bull’s tail stew or pork in whisky sauce. If you are not up for meat, try to order some “Chipirones.” These baby squids are usually served battered and deep fried with a slice of lemon or just grilled with olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
Santa Cruz is also one of the best places to enjoy a flamenco show. The Flamenco Dance Museum offered a fascinating exposition of its complex history and nightly shows featuring some of Andalusia’s top performers.
Triana
Other places to visit are Triana, the former gypsy quarter of Seville, sitting on the opposite side of the river from the historic city center. Triana has an old pottery tradition. You can find the most amazing ceramics and “azulejos” ceramic tiles. It is also packed with traditional tapas bars, outfitted with the mandatory mounted bulls’ heads and bullfighting posters.
If you are looking for the most sophisticated culinary experience, the city has a great list of reasonably priced avant-garde restaurants. See here a short list of our favorites: Abantal, Az-zait, Manzil, “Cañabota” restaurant and its bar ”La barra de Cañabota,” and Tribeca.
The controversial spectacle of bullfighting is at the heart of Seville’s culture. Its beautiful 18th-century bull ring is the world’s most prestigious and historical ring and the place to watch a bullfight. The building also has a fascinating museum exploring the ancient history of the spectacle.
Seville inspires any traveler to come back. It offers history and entertainment, great food, and always guarantees fun.
