Seville impresses with its wealth of sights. In addition to such classics as the Alcazar Palace or the Metropol Parasol, the most fascinating places are those where influences from all over the world merge and become Andalusia.
Magnificent double life
A minaret with church bells? It could hardly be more Andalusian. The ‘Giralda’ is testimony to the cultural prosperity that the Berbers once brought to the country. For a long time, the monumental tower was the highest building in Spain. Legend even has it that the muezzin rode up it on horseback to sound the call to prayer. When the Muslim empire ‘al-Andalus’ was pushed back by Christians in the Middle Ages, the new rulers placed a bell tower at the top of the ‘Giralda’ to give it a more Christian appearance. It’s no coincidence that the magnificent tower with its cultural mix is considered the city’s most famous landmark.
A gift to the citizens
The Parque Maria Luisa was once an exclusive part of the gardens of the Palacio de San Telmo — then half the world came to visit. It was where palm trees and sycamore are reflected in smooth waters that Mexico, Argentina, and the USA, among others, invited visitors to the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929. Six of the pavilions remain in the park in their original state today, still exuding a certain cosmopolitan flair. Enjoy the architectural variety of Latin America, surrounded by the splendour of Mediterranean plants and the Andalusian way of life during a cycle through the ‘green lung of Seville’. This green jewel, that was gifted to the city in 1893, is a true citizens’ park where people meet to stroll, play, and chat.
Popular from film and travel
Head for the stars... in a row boat! The Plaza de España’, has been featured in a number of films — including ‘Star Wars II’. Head there to hire a boat for a trip along the canals. However, the majestic square with its picturesque building complexes also has an important meaning for the world: it stands for the peace between Spain and its former colonies. The semi-circular complex whose arcades are wonderful to stroll through appears to embrace you, while still remaining free and wide. 52 typical Andalusian tiles represent the 52 provinces of Spain — and are popular among photographers. And the most important question: could there possibly be anything about this magnificent panorama building that is not photogenic?
Dance of the people
Vibrant guitars, driving rhythms, and yearning voices — that is the sound of Andalusia. The fiery flamenco, that also has Jewish and African influences, perpetually walks the fine line between joie de vivre and pain. You can hear it played every day in many bars throughout Seville. One of the best places to go is the ‘Tablao Flamenco en Sevilla’ right at the foot of the Giralda. Here, both professionals and amateurs can be seen dancing while even professional flamenco critics write their articles, in proper style with tapas and wine.
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Paragraph 5 - Photo by Flamenco en Sevilla
