5 must-see places in Seville

Among the Spanish cities that have impressed us the most, Seville, the capital of Andalusia, certainly occupies an important place, if only for the concentration of monuments of enchanting beauty.

Although there are other cities that steal the scene, with famous monuments such as the Mezquita of Cordoba or the Alhambra of Granada, Seville has nothing to envy to its more famous Spanish sisters, indeed. It hides treasures that are just as grandiose, although less well known, and although it is a pity that it has not managed to assert its architectural riches on a par with other Iberian cities, this makes it more accessible, less crowded, and very pleasant to visit.

Except that it is one of the hottest places in Spain in summer, and you will notice it as soon as you set foot in the city.

THE CATHEDRAL AND THE GIRALDA

The impressive Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely worth a visit. The interior is a masterpiece carved in stone, it houses paintings by world-renowned artists such as Francisco Goya, and the world's largest altarpiece, an impressive wood-carved sculpture that tells the story of the New Testament.

Attached to the cathedral remains the minaret of the mosque that was destroyed to make room for it, called La Giralda, the top of which can be reached through a long spiral ramp, once used for the descent on horseback.

THE REAL ALCÁZAR

The royal palace of Seville is a masterpiece in Moorish style, still used by the royal family. The construction began in 713 and has been enriched with additions in different periods and styles, from Gothic to Mudejar, with Christian and Islamic influences. 

Our personal opinion is that it is even more impressive than the Alhambra, its most illustrious cousin, though less popular. The richness of the interior decoration is exceptional, and you will be enchanted by the sequence of arabesque rooms, courtyards, ogival portals and chiselled vaults.

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PLAZA DE ESPAÑA

Built in 1929 on the occasion of the Ibero-American Exhibition in Seville, this colossal square consists of a semicircular space of about 31,000 square meters, crossed by a canal, and surrounded by an imposing building that houses administrative and government offices.

The monument honored Spain in its entirety: the 4 bridges that cross the canal, with their richly decorated ceramic railings, represent the ancient Spanish monarchs, while the spaces flanked by benches that follow the entire perimeter of the building, are covered with painted azulejos representing scenes and maps corresponding to the 48 Spanish provinces.

An artistic masterpiece in the open air, so large that even if it were not very crowded, considering its distance from the old town, the crowds would easily disperse and allow you to enjoy this corner of Seville in peace.

THE BANKS OF THE GUADALQUIVIR

The riverside is a nice place for a walk at dusk. The bridges and small monuments along the banks are well lit, the quays are teeming with runners and couples strolling along, and there are clubs and restaurants offering a pleasant view of the river.

THE METRO PARASOL

Officially its name is Setas de Sevilla, but it is better known as Metropol Parasol, a giant laminated wooden plank roof by architect Jürgen Mayer. This parasol covers a historic market square, which has now been redeveloped and still houses a covered market and other catering functions. The mushroom-shaped wooden structures offer a roof over the open, raised space below and a panoramic walk over the roofs of the district.