Sevilla is the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. It is the capital of Andalusia and of the province of Sevilla. Seville is more than two thousand years old. The passage of the various people instrumental in its growth has left the city with a distinct personality, and a large and well-preserved historical center. Seville certainly is one of the most beloved places by visitors to Spain.
Although today Moorish influence is architectonically most evident – Andalucia was occupied by Moors for about 800 years – it has been a cultural center long before. The fertility of this land and its favorised climate with mild winters and about 3000 hours of sun per year, made Phoenicians and Carthaginians settle here. Later came Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Moors (from 712 to 1248) left their marks. The city retains many Moorish features, including large sections of the city wall. Later, the city experienced another golden age of development brought about by wealth accumulating from the awarding of a monopoly of trade with the Spanish territories in the New World.
Among monuments, the most important are the city’s cathedral was built from 1401–1519 after the Reconquista on the former site of the city’s mosque. It is amongst the largest of all medieval and Gothic cathedrals, in terms of both area and volume. The interior is the longest nave in Spain, and is lavishly decorated, with a large quantity of gold evident. The Cathedral reused some columns and elements from the mosque, and, most famously, the Giralda, originally a minaret, was converted into a bell tower. The Alcázar facing the cathedral has developed from the city’s old Moorish Palace; construction was begun in 1181 and continued for over 500 years, mainly in Mudéjar style, but also in Renaissance. Its gardens are a blend of Moorish, Andalusian, and Christian traditions. The Torre del Oro was built by the Almohad dynasty as watchtower and defensive barrier on the river…
Program
Take a day out to discover this historic city founded by the Romans on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. Upon arrival, city sightseeing tour to admire some monuments such as the Bullring, the Tower of Gold and a stop at Plaza d’España. Time at leisure for shopping and lunch in the city centre. In the afternoon return to the Algarve.
