What to See in Seville, Spain

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 3/19 by Michele Herrmann — Plaza de Espana

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 4/19 by Michele Herrmann — Plaza de Espana

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 5/19 by Michele Herrmann — Plaza de Espana

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 6/19 by Michele Herrmann — Plaza de Espana

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 7/19 by Michele Herrmann — Parque Maria Luisa

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 8/19 by Michele Herrmann — Palace Alcazar

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 9/19 by Michele Herrmann — Palace Alcazar

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 10/19 by Michele Herrmann — Palace Alcazar

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 11/19 by Michele Herrmann — The Real Alcazar

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 12/19 by Michele Herrmann — The Real Alcazar

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 13/19 by Michele Herrmann — The Real Alcazar

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 14/19 by Michele Herrmann — Cathedral’s bell tower, La Giralda.

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 15/19 by Michele Herrmann — Cathedral’s bell tower, La Giralda.

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 16/19 by Michele Herrmann — Seville Cathedral

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 17/19 by Michele Herrmann — Seville Cathedral

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 18/19 by Michele Herrmann — Seville Cathedral

Photo of What to See in Seville, Spain 19/19 by Michele Herrmann — Seville Cathedral

Seville is one of the cities in the Andalusia region that has a good share of Moorish architecture (a reminder of the population that lived in this region of the country) still in place. Here is what I recommend seeing.

In the narrow-street section of Santa Cruz, set aside a good amount of time to fully walk through two signature landmarks.

First, the Cathedral (or known as Catedral) stands on the site of a former mosque dating back to the 12th century. When leaving the Cathedral, making a right hand turn to get out onto the street, and across the way is the next marvel to visit: The Real Alcazar. As a royal residence, The Real Alcazar is the oldest Spanish royal palace still in use. Another spot to go to that’s outside of the city center is the Parque Maria Luisa, where you can walk around the Plaza de Espana.

I hope these recommendations get you started off right on your visit in Seville.

Seville Cathedral

First, the Cathedral (or known as Catedral) stands on the site of a former mosque dating back to the 12th century. When you get there, you will first see a courtyard known as Patio de los Naranjos. Here, in keeping with religious practices, Muslims would wash their hands and feet in the fountain found here before praying. As you will also notice around Seville, plus get a scent of, orange blossom trees are lined up within this space. Consecrated as a cathedral in the mid-1200s, the area would be reconstructed as a Gothic church over the course of about a century, with works of art in its ornate chapels and sacristies. A key part of the cathedral is the Tomb of Christopher Columbus. His proven remains are stored inside a raised coffin with four statues as “pallbearers” that represent four former Spanish kingdoms (each were separate of each other) of Castille, Leon, Aragon and Navarra.

Giralda

To get a higher view of Seville, visitors can also climb up the steps of the Cathedral’s bell tower, La Giralda. You can walk all around the top, and find great scenery at every angle.

Real Alcázar

When leaving the Cathedral, making a right hand turn to get out onto the street, and across the way is the next marvel to visit: The Real Alcazar. As a royal residence, The Real Alcazar is the oldest Spanish royal palace still in use. You’ll see the gate with a crowned lion on your way in, and after you go through the ticket counter, you’ll end up in the courtyard. Like the Alhambra in Granada, here you will find a smaller version of this palace with mosaics and geometrical patterns. This place has been the home of Spanish kings, each of whom have added their personal touches. It’s also a place of history. Among what’s happened here: Queen Isabelle I dispatched navigators from this palace off on their voyage to the New World. Also, spend time in the gardens here, with beautiful fountains and terraces.

Parque de María Luisa

Another spot to go to that’s outside of the city center is the Parque Maria Luisa, where you can walk around the Plaza de Espana.

Plaza de España

This plaza was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, to showcase exhibits in this world’s fair. It’s a huge half-circle with buildings running around it, and over by a moat, there are bridges also representing the four ancient kingdoms of Spain. By the walls of the plaza are the Alcoves of the Provinces, which are tiled alcoves representing different provinces of Spain. The Plaza de España has also been used as a filming location. Scenes for the film Lawrence of Arabia were shot here as well as scenes for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.