Sevilla tourist guide.
Like all major cities in Europe, Seville has its sights to see. But the capital of the region of Andalusia in southern Spain, also has the quixotic quality that travelers crave most: its atmosphere. While Sevilla dazzles the traveler with a lively mix of Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance and modern city, it is the passion for life of Seville makes a trip to Seville so unique and memorable.There is an irresistible vitality in Seville that bathes the fourth largest city in Spain, with a warm, sunny glow. Whether enjoying the rhythmic tapping of shoes thread nails a flamenco dancer or dance the night away at a trendy nightclub outdoors, it's hard to sit still in this attractive and vibrant city. An overview of the main tourist attractions of Seville:
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1. The Giralda
The Giralda is the only structure that remains of a 12th century mosque demolished during the construction of the Cathedral of Seville. The Moors built the minaret with a series of ramps so that the guards could ride his horse. Today, the 35 ramps make it easy for visitors to climb to the top for panoramic views of the city below. The bell tower is topped with a bronze weathervane called The Giraldillo, which is a symbol that represents the triumph of faith. The entrance to the tower is located in the northeast corner of the cathedral.
2. The Alcázar of Seville
Yet by the Spanish royal family is used today, the complex of Alcázar of royal palaces, courtyards and gardens that has undergone many changes throughout its thousand-year history. In the 11th century, the Muslim Moors built a palace on the site where there was a tenth century fortress, which became a Gothic structure in the 13th century hundred years later, King Peter Moorish craftsmen hired to rebuild and expand the Moorish-style palace. From the starry vaulted ceiling in the Hall of Ambassadors to delicate arches and plasterwork of the Patio of the Maidens design, the Palacio de Don Pedro is considered one of the major tourist attractions in Seville.
3. Cathedral of Seville
Built on the site of a great Almohad mosque, the medieval Cathedral of Seville was built to demonstrate the power and wealth of Sevilla after the Reconquista. At the time of its completion in the 16th century, which supplanted the Hagia Sophia as the largest cathedral in the world. It remains the third largest church in Europe. The massive Gothic structure has an altarpiece depicting the life of Jesus, which includes over 1,000 figures covered with gold leaf. The artistic treasures of the cathedral include The Descent from the Cross by Pedro de Campaña, the picture of Santa Teresa de Francisco de Zurbaran and the masterpiece of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, La Inmaculada. In the transept of the church is the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
4. Torre del Oro
No other structure in Sevilla best explains the role played Guadalquivir river during the colonial period of Spain, the Torre del Oro. Seville owes much of its success in maritime trade as it offered more protection than traditional European boats port .
For centuries, a heavy chain chained to the tower across the river to protect the city of marine invaders. Built in the early 1200s, the name of the watchtower comes from the golden light reflection of their supplies sheds on the river. Today, the tower is home to a maritime museum that describes the importance of the river throughout the history of Seville. Visitors can enjoy views of the canal and the city from a viewing platform on the roof.
5. Barrio Santa Cruz
Located east of the Old City, the Barrio de Santa Cruz is bordered by the river Guadalquivir. The neighborhood was the Jewish quarter of Sevilla until the end of 1300, when synagogues were closed, houses were confiscated and thousands of Jews were murdered or forced to convert to Christianity. Santa Cruz is full of narrow cobbled alleys and streets neighborhood, the neighborhood is full of orange trees, courtyards, colorful tiles and small squares, as well as a wide variety of tapas bars and restaurants. Closed to traffic, the neighborhood is perfect for visitors who want to experience the atmosphere of a medieval Spanish city.
6. Plaza de Spain
In 1914, the Sevillian architect Anibal Gonzalez began to design an architectural complex in preparation for the upcoming Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Located near the district of Santa Cruz, in Maria Luisa Park, the building was built for the Universal Exhibition show Spain's role in history, industry and technology. Among the exhibits located in the main building were the manuscripts written by Columbus and Cortez explorers. The buildings are a rare example of Regionalist Revival architecture, characterized by a style using local materials. Today, the structures serve as government offices.
7. Casa de Pilatos
Next to the Plaza de Pilatos, the Casa de Pilatos is considered the first example of an Andalusian palace. Designed by the Genoese architect Antonio Maria Aprile in 1529, the "House of Pilate" was named in reference to the son of the original owner, Fadrique Enriquez de Rivera, who made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1519. Although the building is private property Medinaceli family is open to the public for guided tours much of the year. The outstanding features include a series of bullfighting paintings by Francisco Goya, a gate of the 16th century marble and a grand staircase adorned with a honeycomb ceiling Mudejar.
8. Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza
For visitors who are interested ?? in the Spanish tradition of bullfighting, the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza is a must-see destination. Square Spain's oldest bullring, the 14,000-seat arena dates back to 1758, and bullfights are still held here on Sundays from spring to fall. Visitors do not have to see a bullfight, to learn more about the tradition. The adjacent museum houses artifacts and information about famous bulls and bullfighters. Admission includes entry to the museum and a guided tour of the ring.
9. Metropol Parasol
Located in the Plaza de la Encarnación, in the district of Seville, old city center, the newly completed Metropol Parasol structure is described as the world's largest wood. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer-Hermann, the building has six structures in the form of giant umbrellas made of birch wood imported from Finland. Nicknamed Mushrooms of the Incarnation, or mushrooms Incarnation, modern design has driven nearly as much controversy as exorbitant price of the building. Delays and changes in construction methods doubled the estimated cost of 50 million euros. The structure is home to a market, an antique dealer, a restaurant and an outdoor plaza.
10. Maria Luisa Park
Maria Luisa Park is the main public park in Seville, ?? it extends along the Guadalquivir River, near the city center. Most of the park grounds were originally part of the gardens of the Palacio de San Telmo and was donated to the city in 1893.
Landscaper Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier is responsible for the current configuration of the park. The park is known for its large population of birds, including pigeons, swans, parrots and ducks. Statues, ponds and fountains scattered throughout the park make it a picturesque and pleasant place to relax under the Andalusian sun.
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