SEVILLA, MONUMENTAL CITY

Sevilla has more than 3000 years of history, in which different civilisations and cultures have shaped it into what it is today. The result is a city with a spectacular and unique monumental heritage, in which a multitude of different styles are mixed. That tells us about the times when it was the Hispalis de la Baetica, the Almohad capital of the north of the Mediterranean or the door of the Americas.

 Essential Sevilla: the heart of the city

The three fundamental places where we can understand its past are the Alcázar, the Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Barrio de Santa Cruz.

In the palace grounds of the Alcázar, we will find a combination of palaces that will make us travel from the Christian and Muslim Middle Ages to the Modern Age, also offering us a respite in their beautiful gardens. The Cathedral, or hollow mountain as the Sevillians call it, allows us to explore sacred art from Gothic to Baroque in the largest Catholic cathedral in the world. And last but not least, a walk through the labyrinthine Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter of the Sephardic Jews.

SEVILLA BEHIND THE SPOTLIGHTS

Being one of the largest historical centres in Europe, much of it goes unnoticed by visitors.

The northern sector of the old town allows us to see newly built buildings such as the Setas de la Encarnación, and also hidden gems such as the Roman ruins of the ancient Híspalis and numerous Gothic-Mudejar churches. However, perhaps the most interesting thing about this tour is walking through historic and lively neighbourhoods. Food markets, closed convents, bars and shops of local products are what we will find on our way to the old walls of the city.

Triana, The cradle of Flamenco in Sevilla

It is a simple neighbourhood, but very authentic, and its inhabitants have a special character.

On the other side of the river, we will not find spectacular monuments, but a neighbourhood of small colourful and charming houses. It has every reason to declare itself an “Independent Republic”. They pride themselves on being one of the cradles of flamenco and having inherited the pottery and ceramics tradition, whose pieces decorate the rest of the city. When crossing the famous Triana bridge, the Castillo de San Jorge emerges, the former seat of the Spanish Inquisition.

gourmet secrets in Sevilla: your guide’s choice

One of the most local experiences is going for tapas and eating the culture of the city.

Tapas are so much more than tasting a wide variety of dishes. It is something we love, and it is something we do as often as possible. In Sevilla, “you go out for tapas,” AKA Tapeo. It is the simple experience of sharing food with friends. Finishing the day eating tapas is the cherry on the cake! The authentic local Tapeo is chaotic, full and very loud. There is a wide range of choices in the Tapeo experience. So many dishes and so many places where you can eat. We propose letting our guide let you dive into  Sevilla’s tapas world.

SEVILLA: Essential Walking Tour

If you are looking to discover the must-see places in Seville, this walking tour is your best option. Starting the tour in the historic heart, between the Alcazar and the Cathedral, let your guide take you through the tiny streets of the Barrio de La Cruz, the old Jewish quarter of Seville.

Discover the magnificent buildings of the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 in the Plaza España and its surroundings. We recommend Seville in Spring to enjoy the heady scent of Orange Blossom in the Maria Luisa Park and all its streets, full of orange trees blooming.

Other essential places to visit in Seville and that you will be able to see in this tour are the Antigua Tabacalera (current headquarters of the University of Seville) and the Torre del Oro. See the bullring of La Maestranza from the outside, walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir and reach the Encarnación market, covered by the structure popularly known as Las Setas. Seville is a city that invites you to walk and certainly deserves to be explored with a local guide.