Seville, spain
Attractions Guide
Introduction
Seville is one of the largest cities in Southern Spain and is the capital of the Andalusia region. Most of the city's top attractions can be found within the city center.
Plaza de España
Seville's most iconic sight is the breathtakingly gorgeous Plaza de España, a public plaza so vast that it hosts a canal you can paddleboat in. Spanning the plaza's canal are several highly ornate and colorful bridges, and towering above the plaza is a mesmerizing colossal structure. This structure is lined with columns and arches, and the entire plaza is adorned with intricate architectural features.
The Plaza de España sits adjacent to the Parque de Maria Luisa, a lovely park hosting many monuments and fountains that you might like to explore.
Royal Alcazar of Seville
Just north of the historic Royal Tobacco Factory building (which now operates as a university) is another iconic city sight, the Royal Alcazar of Seville.
This UNESCO listed fortified palace contains incredible decadent interiors with extremely complex architectural features and mosaic tile designs. The palace showcases a stunning mix of Moorish and gothic architecture with picturesque patios and extravagantly decorated halls. The Alcazar even hosts fine gardens with exotic plants and peacocks.
Metropol Parasol
Another iconic sight in Seville is the Metropol Parasol, which is also known as Las Setas de Sevilla. This stunning ultra-contemporary structure is quite unique and resembles giant connected mushroom parasols, which cover a plaza and marketplace. Be sure to walk along the pathway that winds along the top of the structure, from which you can enjoy great city views.
Underground beneath the Metropol Parasol is the Antiquarium, an archaeological museum housing the remains of excavated medieval Moorish and ancient Roman structures, as well as artifacts.
Seville Cathedral
Nearby the Royal Alcazar is the city's expansive 15th century Seville Cathedral. This gothic cathedral is another UNESCO world heritage site and was once the largest cathedral in the world. The building's exterior is elegantly decorated with intricate gothic elements. The cathedral's towering interior is also stunning and hosts the tomb of Christopher Columbus. You can climb the cathedral's giant bell tower for excellent views over the city center.
Seville Waterfront
To the south of the Seville Cathedral is the Guadalquivir River which flows through the city. Along the riverfront is the ornate Torre del Oro, a 13th century watchtower which also served as a medieval prison. Today the watchtower serves as a small museum and also hosts fantastic views over the area.
Further north along the river is the Puente de Triana Bridge from which you can enjoy great views over the river. At the southern side of the bridge is a lovely and colorful little chapel, the Capilla Virgen del Carmen.
Museums
Archivo de Indias
Behind the Seville Cathedral is the UNESCO listed Archivo de Indias (or General Archive of the Indies), a Renaissance era merchant exchange which houses many important documents related to the Spain's colonial influence in the Americas. Important artifacts you can view in this museum include the journal of Christopher Columbus and the Bull of Demarcation Inter Caetera which split the New World between Spain and Portugal.
Flamenco Museum
Just north of the Seville Cathedral is the popular Flamenco Museum, which hosts many exhibitions on this traditional dancing style which originated in Southern Spain. Nearby is an impressive tile-covered city square, the Plaza Nueva.
Museum of Fine Arts
Further northwest from Plaza Nueva is the city's most popular museum, the Seville Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is hosted within a grand 17th century palace and contains works mainly produced by Spanish and Sevillian artists, including Spanish masterpieces.
Palaces of Seville
Southeast of the Metropol Parasol is the popular Casa de Pilatos, a highly ornate 16th century palace used as a setting in the classic 1960s film Lawrence of Arabia. This palace showcases magnificent azulejo tile-works and lavish interiors filled with impressive Greek and Roman statues. The Casa de Pilatos blends Italian Renaissance and Moorish styles with fantastic results. The palace also contains fine gardens and a breathtaking courtyard.
To the north of the Casa de Pilatos is the Palacio de las Duenas (Palace of the Dukes of Alba). This 15th century palace contains intricate furnishing and decor, as well as lovely gardens. The palace's historic interiors are filled with a large collection of fine art and artifacts. Additionally, this palace hosts beautiful Moorish style patios and elaborate tile-works.
Just west of the Metropol Parasol is yet another impressive palace, the Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija (Palace of the Countess of Lebrija). Inside this decadent 16th century home you'll find ancient Roman and Greek statues, as well as other ancient artifacts and fine art. Throughout the palace are stunningly elaborate Roman mosaics and azulejo tile works, as well as many beautiful architectural features including elegant Moorish arches.
Basilica de la Macarena & Walls of Seville
On the northern edge of Seville's center is the vibrant Basilica de la Macarena, which contains extravagant and highly ornate interiors. Around the basilica are many vivid yellow structures, including the impressive Arco de la Macarena, a medieval gate to the city.
Walls of Seville
Adjacent to the Arco de la Macarena is a well-preserved section of the medieval Walls of Seville, which once surrounded the city center. You can walk alongside a 0.3 mile preserved section of these walls if you like, which includes several small towers and gates.
Ancient Roman City of Italica Ruins
In the neighboring suburb of Santiponce just northwest of Seville are the stunning remains of the ancient Roman city Italica. The site is known as the Conjunto Arquelogico de Italica and is quite large. This ancient city was the birthplace of two important Roman emperors, Hadrian and Trajan.
The most prevalent sturcture at the site is the massive Amphitheater of Italica. The site also contains many columns, beautiful elaborate mosaics, and the foundations of countless ancient buildings. Within the town of Santiponce you can also find a well-preserved ancient Roman theatre.
If you'd like to see the artifacts discovered at the site you can visit the Archaeological Museum of Seville, which is located at the southern end of the Parque de Maria Luisa park, near the Plaza de España.
Google Maps Attraction Lists
Save Seville Attraction Lists to your Google Maps Account:
1. Click Link above while logged into Google account on your device.2. Click Follow, and the attraction pins will be saved in your Google Maps.
