Seville is located in the South of Spain and it is a provincial capital, seat of the government and parliament of the Regional Government. It has more than 700,000 inhabitants, almost half the population of the whole province. The city of Seville is located on the plain of the Guadalquivir River which crosses the city from North to South. In ancient past, the port of Seville played a crucial role in commerce between Spain and the Americas and it still remains today one of the most active river ports of the Iberian Peninsula.
The minaret of La Giralda, the cathedral which is one of the largest in Christendom and the Alcázar Palace are some of the celebrated points of the city which has made Seville famous all over the world. Seville has more to it # Casa de Pilatos, Torre del Oro, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies, the Fine Arts Museum, convents, parish churches and palaces. When it comes to popular destinations, Seville has it all. It is such a marvelous place for sightseeing and excursions. The museums, amusement parks, gardens, national parks bring out the best of this vibrant city.
There are several tourism and tourist information offices situated in the city center of Seville and these can provide with the latest information about Seville attractions, museums, events, festivals, travel, Seville sightseeing and general Seville tourism and tourist information.History of Seville
History of Seville is a fascinating one. Seville's history is closely linked to the history of the river Guadalquivir because the city has been both a river port and bridge between the Atlantic Ocean and the hinterland of Andalusia from its initial days. Seville is the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain, watered by the river Guadalquivir. It is the capital of Andalusia and of the province of Sevilla. Population of the metropolitan area was 1,317,098 as of 2005 making Seville as the fourth-largest metropolitan area of Spain.
Though Greeks and Romans repeated a founding myth connected with Heracles' visit to the Hesperides, this historical site was occupied by the Tartessos in the 8th or 9th century BCE. Later, it became a trading colony occupied by the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians who destroyed the city in 216 BCE. In 206 BCE, Scipio Africanus founded Italica nearby in order to settle his wounded soldiers and to begin the reconstruction of Hispalis. It was made a colony by Julius Caesar and it featured, in Strabo's time, among the first cities of Turdetania, next after Corduba and Gades.
The city gradually started gaining status and dignity during the time of Ptolemy.
It acquired the title of metropolis and under the Vandals and Goths, it ranked above Corduba and became the capital of Southern Spain. In the Roman Empire it was the seat of a judicial district and held the titles of Julia Romula and Colonia Romulensis.
Seville Popular Destinations
Seville is the renowned artistic, cultural and financial center of Spain or the Republic of Spain which is a wonderful country located in southern Europe. Seville is a stunning city with long queues of white washed houses with patios lined with lovely flowers situated on the either side of the road and it is irrigated by the river Guadalquivir. The capital of Andalusia, Seville is a promising metropolitan city and is the fourth largest in terms of area of Spain. Seville is really a paradise to the ardent travelers.
The sun drenched city of Seville is at its best during the spring and this city takes immense pride in its wide array of attractions which offers a plethora of choices to the visitors be it in matter of sightseeing or enjoying the natural beauty or the various recreational activities. The city of Seville with its orange blossoms, the twist of the flamenco dancer, the strumming of the solo guitar and the delicious smells of Spanish cuisines carves a distinct niche for itself in the heart of millions of tourists who assemble here from all parts of the world. Seville was once ranked as the largest city of Spain and it served as the gateway through which the vast wealth of the New World poured in. The credit of hosting two World Exhibitions also goes to the vibrant city of Seville.
The city of Seville vividly reflects a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern developments and this mingling of the past and the present creates a distinct essence that is depicted through its economy, culture and tradition. Seville has a colorful history to unfold and the whole city is sprinkled with ruins of the past giving a strong competition to the landmarks of the present day.
Sightseeing in Seville
Spain or the Republic of Spain is a beautiful country located in southern Europe and Seville is its celebrated artistic, cultural and financial center. The lovely city with its white washed houses with patios lined with lovely flowers is irrigated by the river Guadalquivir. The capital of Andalusia, Seville is a budding metropolitan city and is the fourth largest in terms of area of Spain. Seville is really a heaven to the avid wander lust.
Seville has attracted tourists from all over the world with its varied charms. Throbbing with life and ruling the hearts of many, Seville is the guardian of an impressive number of sight seeing attractions strewn all over the city.
The contrast between the ancient and the modern is visible in all facets of Seville. This unique contrast is visible in its tradition yet modern outlook, its economy, culture as well as nature. The city has a rich history to unfurl and the whole city is strewn with relics of the past giving a tough competition to the landmarks of today.
Once you are in Seville you will not be out of sight seeing places as the city is full of landmarks, each with its own uniqueness and importance. Seville has a life of its own. It always buzzes with the noises of the shopping streets full of enthusiast shoppers, it glows in the welcome lights of the restaurants and bars, it has got touches of age in its monuments and museums, it is beautiful with its cathedrals and churches and associated festivals, it opens up its adventurous and wild side through its wildlife and national parks, it celebrates in the amusement parks, is cultural with its music clubs and is beautiful with the landscaped gardens and parks.Wildlife & National Parks In Seville
National Park is a reserve of land, usually declared and owned by a national government, protected from most human development and pollution. The largest national park in the world is the Northeast Greenland National Park, which was established in 1974. Spain has an abundance of national parks that can be used for hiking, cycling, observing animals, camping or bird watching. The growth in national parks in Spain is in large part due to the reforms of the socialist government of Spain introducing new conservation minded legislation in the 1980’s. Wildlife and National Parks in Seville is a wildlife refuge.
Today approximately 40,000 square kilometers of land in Spain is under conservation protection and much of this land is composed of national parks all around Spain. The good news is that most of this Wildlife and National Parks in Seville is open to the public to enjoy.
Some Popular Wildlife and National Parks in Seville
Wildlife and National Parks in Seville includes Doñana National Park also called Coto de Doñana, is a national park and in southwestern Spain. Isla Magica is a spectacular theme park that recreates the great age of discoveries and Spain's adventures in South America. Parque de Maria Luisa is a huge expanse of parkland planted with a wide variety of trees. Plaza de Espana is another magnificent wildlife and national parks in Seville. Some parks contain saltwater lakes. Laguna de Zarracatín, a famous wildlife and national parks in Seville is around ten times the size of the other two, Laguna Arjona and Laguna Alcaparrosa. It provides an alternative habitat for birds in the nearby Guadalquivir delta. The Brazo del Este is another example of wildlife and national parks in Seville. It is one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the Iberian Peninsula. It is an outstanding ornithological site, where over 230 species of birds have been recorded.
Seville Festivals & Events
Whenever you think of Seville Festivals and Events, you think of Latin passion, mighty bull-fighters, flamencos and of course, of the legendary Don Juan. Seville in the Andalusian region in southern Spain is the true embodiment of the Spanish character, spirit and its cultural richness which are best reflected in the several festivals and events. Fascinating and colorful, these festivals and events bring out the best of the Seville spirit as people dress up in the most flamboyant manner and come out in the open to celebrate life and its colors.
Here, we give you a glimpse into the events and festivals in Seville.
Feria De Abril Festival
Feria De Abril Festival in Seville is officially celebrated two weeks after the festival of Semana Santa or the Holy Week, the festival that presents the Passion of Christ. Originally, it was just a cattle market. However, in a few years’ time, the local people changed the character of the fair into more festive, pompous and grand.
Corpus Christi in Seville
This is one of the city's most important religious festivals. The celebration of Corpus Christi blends beautifully religious beliefs with cultural traditions.
Feria de San Miguel
The Feria de San Miguel is one of Seville's major annual events. The highlights include displays of horsemanship, bullfights and performances by the Real Escuela de Arte Ecuestre de Jerez.
Womex
Womex or World Music Expo is dedicated to world, roots, folk, ethnic and traditional music. After launching in Berlin in 1994, it has taken place in cities around Europe including Seville.
La Fiesta de La Virgen de La Inmaculada
This is the festival when Seville's cherished patroness, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, receives her annual dues and devotion in this popular festival.
The Pilgrimage to Saint Lucía
On Saint Lucy's Day or the Santa Lucía, a long line of devotees parade before a statue of the saint that stands in the Church of Santa Catalina in Seville.
New Year Countdown in Seville
The new year is celebrated here with much pomp and grandeur. As the chimes of the town hall's bells ring twelve, the city bursts into celebration and merry making. Hundreds of revelers gather at La Plaza Nueva on the big night to celebrate.
Seville's Epiphany parade takes place at sundown when the Three Kings arrive in a golden carriage and make their way through the streets, throwing sweets and toys to the children.
How To Get In
Seville is one of the popular tourist destinations in Spain and attracts travelers from all across the globe. How to get there to Seville is not difficult to answer as there are several modes of transport making it all easy.
The quickest and comfortable way to get to Seville is by air and flights connect all the important cities of the Seville and also important cities of the world. The Seville International Airport is located 25 minutes away from the city center.
The travelers can get to Seville by train and one can to all the important cities in Spain. The Sevilla Santa Justa Station is located at the eastern side of the Seville City Center.
The other option to get to Seville is by road and there are several options for the same. The traveler can drive or can avail the regular bus services that connect different parts of the country.
Seville is the financial and the cultural center of southern Spain and is home to several popular tourist attractions. Here one would find the old and modern existing together. Here it would be a time to witness the unique culture that is reflected in the art, architecture, dress, cuisine and others.Hotels in Seville
