Seville Tours: Places like La Giralda and Seville Cathedral
Have you thought about visiting Seville, the capital of Andalucia (also spelled Andalusia in English), during your next trip to Spain? It´s a great choice! Between the orange-scented courtyards, stunning architecture, and joyful flamenco dancing in cozy plazas after dark, Seville is a dream come true.
Seville, along with Córdoba and Granada, is one of the three most famous cities in Andalucia. Visiting Seville is discovering a very rich architectural and historical legacy, but also diving in Spanish culture, with tapas, sangria and flamenco.
SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY AND ANDALUSIA
The spirit of Andalusia is amazing! With great art, late night dining, beautiful streets, and so many things to do, Southern Spain has so much to offer. There’s some fascinating history along with authentic, delicious food with the stunning backdrop of a diverse landscape with beaches and mountains.
Andalucia is the most southern region of Spain. It has borders with Portugal and it is very well communicated with the rest of Europe (thanks to frequent flights), and with Morocco, too. While in the region, you can’t miss the opportunity to discover its countless beauties by driving along the breathtaking landscapes, because this region is one of the best places to spend your holidays.
ANDALUSIA AND ITS CAPITAL: SEVILLE
Andalusia has eight provinces: Seville – which also is the capital city of the region-, Malaga, Cordoba, Cadiz, Granada, Almeria, Huelva and Jaen. You can visit all these cities if you want to know well the region.
Seville (or Sevilla) is known as the “gateway to the new world”, and it’s obvious why many would stop here and be amazed. It’s also said to be the birthplace of flamenco and you can feel the passion that people have for the music and dance.
From flamenco shows to tranquil mountain trails, exploring Andalusia and Seville on this walking tour means embracing the moment.
GO FOR YOUR SEVILLE CITY TOUR
Seville is a breathtaking city with tons of things to do! From the vibrant Plaza Nueva to the alluring Plaza de España, and the historic Alcázar. Immerse yourself in Andalusian culture with the local of your choice.
We will help you understand the city through a historical and artistic point of view, but we also talk about events which are going on while you are in town, as well as give you some shopping and eating tips. You will be able to plan your time better and maximize your Seville experience.
The pace of the tour is easy going and not physically demanding. It is a pleasant walk in good company.
BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO SEE AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE
The royal Alcázar of Seville
Sevilla’s old palace (Alcázar) is decorated with a mix of Islamic and Christian elements in a style called Mudejar because it was built by Moorish artisans in the Moorish style, mostly for Christian rulers. Spectacularly decorated halls and courtyards have distinctive Islamic-style flourishes, such as elaborate designs on stucco, colorful ceramic tile, lobed arches atop slender columns, and Arabic writing on the walls.
Alcázar is the oldest palace still in use in Europe. Inside you’ll find fabulous patios and salons as well as gardens. You will need to book tickets in advance here because they sell out daily and the line outside stretches for hours.
Seville Cathedral and La Giralda
Must-do’s include the huge Seville Cathedral as it is the third largest church in Europe and the largest Gothic church. It was built over a mosque and here you’ll find the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Along with the Seville cathedral is its iconic Giralda, which towers beautifully above the rooftops of Seville. Again, queues get crazy long, so book your ticket in advance. When you’re done exploring the cathedral, make sure to climb La Giralda, which is the cathedral’s bell tower, for beautiful views over the city.
Plaza de España of Seville: Aníbal González’s Masterpiece
The Plaza de España from Seville is a spectacle of light and majesty. Framed in the María Luisa Park, this plaza was designed by the great Seville architect Aníbal González as an emblematic space for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo. The result was a plaza-palace unique in the world. Its proportions are lavish as it has a total area of 50,000 square meters and it is without a doubt one of the most imposing plazas in Spain.
It’s a mix of detailed architecture with Moorish and Spanish influence. Chances are that you might recognize this plaza from scenes in the movie Star Wars II!
Along the entire perimeter of the plaza, there is a canal of 515 meters in length, which you can travel by boat and live a truly romantic experience.
Torre del Oro (Gold Tower)
The Gold Tower from Seville is a dodecagonal military watchtower, built in order to control access to Seville via the Guadalquivir river. Its name comes from the golden shine projected on the river, due to its building materials (a mixture of mortar, lime and pressed hay).
Constructed in the 13th century, the tower served as a prison during the Middle Ages and it has three levels, with the third one (circular) added in 1769. The smaller Silver Tower is believed to be built in the same era.
Today the Gold Tower in Seville is a naval museum containing engravings, letters, models, instruments and historic documents. The museum outlines the naval history of Seville and the importance of its river.
Barrio Santa Cruz: the Jewish quarter of Seville
The Barrio de Santa Cruz is the former Jewish quarter of Seville. Located in this old quarter are some important sights, such as the Alcazar Palace and the Giralda Tower of the Cathedral. The neighborhood is a mix of narrow streets and alleys, where you can wander around or enjoy one of the many restaurants or attractive squares. Nowadays, this district is the tourist center of Seville.
Walking through its streets you can see 12th century buildings, like the Royal Citadels, and symbolic buildings, like the cathedral or the General Archive of the Indies. Among the narrow streets that cross the district like rivers, you will also find some interesting old churches. All this accompanied by the typical color of the wall plinths and the smell or orange blossom in of the Seville streets, making this walk one not to be missed for visitors to Seville.
Alfonso xiii: A luxury hotel for your Seville private Tour
Commissioned by the King of Spain to play host to international dignitaries during the 1929 Exhibition, Hotel Alfonso XIII is a Luxury Collection Hotel that remains an iconic cultural landmark, centrally located in the historic quarter of Santa Cruz, next to Seville Cathedral.
The hotel’s elegant décor, from the lobby to the inner courtyard, continues to reflect Sevillian style. This ambience also pervades our outdoor swimming pool and gardens, which entice guests to relax and refresh under the warm Andalusian sun.
The Alcázar of Seville (in Spanish Alcazar de Sevilla), the Basilica de la Macarena, Sevillle’s palace or the Triana Bridge, making a Seville sightseeing tour, the pleasant climate, the joy of its people, the April Fair, the Holy Week, gastronomy, singing, dancing, and a rich and admirable cultural heritage make Seville a city to remember for the rest of your days.
Photo: Author Herry Lawford from Stockbridge, UK
RESERVE THE BEST SEVILLE GUIDED TOURS
Seville has it all…
This delightful, stylish, historical city needs to find itself on every Spain travel plan. Whether its cultural sights, architecture, cuisine or shopping (or a healthy dose of all four) that you seek, this city really has got it all.
A tailor-made trip
We will be your hosts in this magnificent city, and design a program just for you, according to your interests, tastes, length and purpose of your visit.
Accompanied by the best local guides
Culturally we will open doors closed to the public to tell you the story of the city in an original and fascinating way. The oldest and most impressive churches, the most representative monuments, the most important antique shops, residential palaces… and all this accompanied by the best guides.
