Seville or Sevilla in Spanish, have an unique charm and a great vibe. Is the capital of the Andalusia region. This is the birthplace of Flamenco and the city where the most amazing Easter processions take place. The Spanish culture predominate in this city, people are friendly and cool. Walking through the historic center is like traveling in time.
I loved the city. I felt super comfortable and amazed walking around.
Day 1 in the spectacular Seville. Here are the places I visited during my first day in the Andalusian city.
Seville Cathedral - Cathedral of Saint Mary
In the origins was the Great Mosque and converted into a Christian church when Ferdinand III of Castile conquered the city in 1248.
Declared by the UNESCO a World Heritage in 1987 along with the Real Alcazar and the General Archives of the Indies.
It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third Christian temple after St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London.
The cathedral it's impressive from inside and outside.
Inside is the Tomb of Christopher Columbus. There are many stories about where Columbus's body is really resting. Some information affirms that some parts are here at the Seville Cathedral and others are in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Located here is the popular Giralda Tower, more information below.
Giralda Tower
It's the most emblematic monument in the city and the most visited. Built originally as the minaret for the mosque and years later converted into the cathedral bell tower.
The bronze statue on the top of the tower used as a weather vane.
It has a total of 24 bells. To get to the top you have to use a ramp, 35 in total, you will see different points of view from some of the floor windows. At the top, you will have a view of the city.
There's an entrance cost.
***Get the tickets ahead of time because there are long lines to get into the cathedral and the Giralda tower.
Plaza del Cabildo
It's a hidden plaza. Have a semi-circular shape. Located next to the cathedral.
Entrance is right in 'Avenida Constitucion', through the Arfe and Almirantazgo streets.
It's a small plaza, the highlight is the decoration on the arches, walls, and the fountain in the center.
Paseo de Cristobal Colon and Paseo de las Delicias
A beautiful avenue was you can find some of the top landmarks of the city such as:
Tower of Gold (Torre de Oro in Spanish)
Plaza de Toros
Tower of Gold Cruises (Cruceros Torre Del Oro)
Maria Luisa Park
and much more.
You can walk, run, bike, or enjoy the view from a boat tour offered in this location. You can also cross the Triana Bridge or San Telmo Bridge and explore the Triana district.
Tower of Gold
Known in Spanish as 'Torre del Oro'. It was a defensive tower that was used to protect the city from invasion by the Guadalquivir river. Built by the Almohad Caliphate in the 13th century. Currently, the Tower of Gold is home to the Naval Museum in Seville. One of the top monuments in the city.
Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballeria
Bullring and Museum known in Spanish as 'Plaza de Toros'. Built-in 1761.
One of the most emblematic buildings in the city, and legendary in the history of bullfighting. The oval shape of the ring is one of the features.
Here is the visit information: hours and prices.
Seville Mushrooms or Metropol Parasol
Also known in Spanish as 'Setas de Sevilla'. A unique design by the architect Jürgen Mayer, popularly known as the Mushrooms of the Incarnation located in the central Plaza de la Encarnación. From the top, you can appreciate the panoramic view of the city. The wooden structure consists of six large mushroom-shaped parasols. It has five levels:
1st - The museum - archaeological where you can see some of the ruins, the official store, tourism information counter, and entrance to the elevators.
2nd - The market
3rd - An elevated Plaza
4th - Small bar with a recreational area for events, and the start of the panoramic view and path that surround the Setas.
5th - The walkways
How did I get to Seville?
We bought the train tickets online, from Cordoba city to Seville - Santa Justa train station. Our train departed early morning.
Accommodation:
We booked the hotel online with Booking.com. We stayed at La Abadia de Giralda Hotel. It was a great location, right in the center of the city, walking distance from the top landmarks in the city.
The only thing is that the hotel does not have an elevator, in case you are carrying a heave, big or multiple luggage.
Where to eat?
The Calle Mateos Gago is a street full of restaurants and tapas bars. Here you will find a variety of places to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also a beautiful street. I love the orange streets along the sidewalk.
We had breakfast at El Patio de Lolita. A small cafe place, really cute and great service.
Dinner at San Marco, it's an Italian restaurant right on Calle Meson del Moro. On a corner right with Calle Mateos Gago, footstep from La Giralda.
The food was delicious I totally recommend.
"It is one of the only two Arab baths that still exist in Seville, this being the best preserved. The restaurant completes the trilogy of the most representative architectural styles of the various historical periods of Seville." - San Marco Restaurant
Comments
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