Seville

Best of Andalusia

Seville, or Sevilla in Spanish, has a long and fascinating past. It was first an important Roman city called Hispalis, thanks to its location on the Guadalquivir River. Later, the Visigoths and then the Moors ruled over Seville, each leaving their mark on its culture and buildings. The Moors, in particular, built some of the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Giralda and the Alcázar. In 1248, King Ferdinand III of Castile took control of the city, and Seville became an important Christian center.

Seville’s golden age began in 1492, after Spain discovered the Americas. The city was given control of all trade with the New World, making it one of the richest and most important cities in Europe. The Casa de Contratación (House of Trade) managed this trade, bringing wealth and people from all over the world. But in the 1600s, Seville’s luck started to change. The Guadalquivir River became harder to navigate, and a terrible plague in 1649 killed nearly half the population. Later, Spain moved trade to Cádiz, and Seville’s economy declined.

Despite its ups and downs, Seville remains one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. The Seville Cathedral, one of the world’s largest Gothic churches, is home to Christopher Columbus’s tomb. The Real Alcázar, with its stunning mix of Moorish and Christian designs, is still used by the Spanish royal family. The city’s old streets, lively plazas, and flamenco music create a special atmosphere. Seville is also famous for its traditions, like the Semana Santa processions and the colorful Feria de Abril.

Best day trips from Seville

Where to Stay in Seville

Seville has a large collection of hotels to suit any preference or budget. Here are a few to consider for your stay.

Hand picked hotel recommendations:

However, Seville’s neighborhoods are quite distinct, and some may be better suited to your style of travel. The best way to find out is by learning more about them.

Neighborhoods of Seville:

Complete Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Seville

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Where is Seville?

Here are estimated train travel times to Seville from different big cities:

  • 2 hours from Malaga
  • 3 hours from Madrid
  • 6 hours from Barcelona
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Is Seville worth visiting?

No doubt about it, Seville is definitely worth a visit. It’s a city that captures the heart of Spain. Whether you love history, food, architecture, or simply seek the pulse of a passionate city, Seville has something for everyone.

Seville in 3 questions:

  • What is the best attraction to see in Seville? It has to be the Real Alcazar!
  • What is the most photographed spot in Seville? Plaza de España
  • What is Seville best known for? It is often said that Seville is where the gypsy art of Flamenco was born. (Although some would say it’s Granada!)

Itineraries

Seville is an enchanting city that moves with the rhythm of its flamenco. It’s situated on the Iberian Peninsula, serving as the capital of Andalusia, and it’s one of the country’s biggest cities, not far behind Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

Seville has stunning architecture and delicious food.

To help you plan your trip to Seville, I’ve put together this guide, breaking down the essential information into different sections. It’s more than your standard travel guide, as it serves as a collection of all our articles about Seville.