With a 2009 population of 704,000, Seville is located in the southwest of Spain and is the capital of Andalusia. With the River Guadalquivir bisecting the city, Seville
is the cultural, business, political and artistic capital of southern Spain.
Being over 2000 years old, Seville is full of well-preserved history from its many periods. Beginning with the Roman period, there are many ruins to be found in and out of the city. There is a Roman aqueduct as well as the remains of Italica, 5 miles outside of the city and displaying evidence of what life in Seville was like in Roman times.
There is also much Moorish influence throughout Seville. The Gothic Cathedral of Seville, built from 1401-1519, was built on the site of a Moorish mosque, and the Giralda minaret was converted to a bell tower and is one of the most famous monuments in the city. The enormous Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic and medieval cathedrals in existence, and features a stunning gilded interior and also has the longest nave in Spain.
Right across from the Cathedral is the Alcazar. Originally a Moorish palace begun in 1181 and continued for more than 500 years, the palace is a blend of Mudelar style and Renaissance, and also features beautiful gardens. Other fascinating monuments include the Torro del Oro, an ancient watchtower built as a defensive barrier on the river. From the base of the watchtower a chain was strung across the river to prevent boats from entering the port. Another fine monument is the 16th century Town Hall, designed in Plateresque style by Diego de Riano.
There are also quite a few fine museums in Seville, including the Fine Arts Museum which is established in 1835 and housed in an old friary. The collection of paintings is considered second-best in Spain only to Madrid’s Prado. Other museums include the Maritime Museum, the Bullfight Museum and the Flamenco Art Museum.
Seville is a great place for tapas, the popular snack that’s unique in every bar.