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SEVILLE, ANDALUCIA


Seville has witnessed the passage of the most diverse civilizations. Hispalis was founded by the Tartessans and next to it, in the year 207 B.C. the Romans built the remarkable city of Italica.

Founded by the Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio, the city witnessed the birth of two Roman Emperors: Trajan and Hadrian. The long Muslim rule, from the year 711 till 1248, left indelible marks in this city. The end of the Cordovan Caliphate in the 11th century gave rise to the splendor of the Taifa Kingdom of Seville, especially under the rule of al-Mutamid, the Poet-King.

The height of Seville's splendor came with the Discovery of America. During the 16th and 17th centuries, its port was one of the most important in Spain, having the monopoly on trade with the overseas colonies. The intense trading activity in Seville during this period gave rise to an urban layout filled with small palaces, noble houses, churches and convents.

The monumental site formed by the Cathedral, Royal Fortresses and Archive of the Indies was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is the city's emblem. The Gothic church, built on top of the Almohad Mosque of Seville, is located among whitewashed houses in the district of Santa Cruz.Of the Arab legacy, the old minaret is preserved, which nowadays is the famous Giralda, as well as the Patio de los Naranjos (the Courtyard of the Orange Trees).

Next to these, the Reales Alcázares (Royal Fortresses) are built on top of an Arab citadel from the 9th century, yet we owe the Mudéjar decoration to Pedro I the Cruel in the 14th century. The walls enclose numerous rooms, lavish halls, and intimate courtyards. Its spacious gardens, with Arabic and Renaissance elements, frame the whole complex.

On the banks of the Guadalquivir we find the Torre del Oro, of Arab origin, which dates back to the 13th century and was part of the ancient walls. Because of its close relationship to the maritime history of Seville, this tower was chosen to house the Navy Museum. Its silhouette marks the entrance to Arenal, a bullfighting district par excellence. One of the most emblematic bullrings in Spain is located here: the one belonging to the Real Maestranza de Caballería.

Seville's city centre leads us into the best-known streets, like Sierpes or Campana; and to numerous churches, hospitals, Renaissance palaces and Baroque buildings. In addition, the district of La Macarena holds landmarks like the Alameda de Hércules, the old Hospital de Las Cinco Llagas (now housing the Parliament of Andalusia), the Basilica of La Macarena, and the Church of San Lorenzo. The last two guard the most cherished religious images of Seville: La Virgen de la Esperanza (the Virgin of Hope), and the Jesús del Gran Poder (Jesus Almighty), carvings venerated during the Holy Week process

Another one of the truly authentic districts of the city is Triana, on the other side of the river. Its old seagoing tradition is evident in Calles Pureza, Betis, and Alfarería, as well as in the Plaza del Altozano. The Parish of Santa Ana, and the Chapel of the Cristo de la Expiración, were they worship the Cristo del Cachorro are surrounded by colourful houses and reminders of the 19th century.

The Island of Cartuja is located on this side of the river, where the architectural legacy left by the 1992 World Exhibition meets the monumental site of the Carthusian monastery and the Andalusian Centre for Contemporary Art. However, if the traveler has enough time, an "in situ" visit to the Italica Archaeological Site, which includes the amphitheatre and the Hadrian district, with Roman mosaics and sculptures.

Semana Santa:

Semana Santa is the holy week before Easter day.
Catholic brotherhoods (hermandades) organize the processions through the city. Each one generally consists of: El Cristo (float with image of Christ), La Virgen (float with image of the Virgin Mary), up to 3000 Nazarenos and 2 music bands.

Location:
            Through the quarter of the respective brotherhood and on the Camino Oficial in the historical center of Seville.
Schedule:
            Up to 8 processions every day, with a duration of 5-13 hours each.
Must See:
             Most spectacular day is the night from Thursday to Friday (La Madruga). We recommend seeing the processions of La Macarena and El Silencio. The first one with music and La Centuria Romana (100 Roman soldiers). The latter with only three musical instruments and a more serious atmosphere.


Feria de Abril:

The Feria de Abril has its origins in an animal market at the Prado de San Sebastian. Successively, the party after the business became more and more important and since 1920 the market has completely disappeared. Many institutions, clubs and private persons have their own tents (Casetas), which are decorated like a living-room. Members meet every night to eat, drink and dance.

Location:
             Los Remedios.
Schedule:
            See horses and carriages parading in the late morning and people dancing Sevillanas at night
Entrance:
            Most casetas are open for members only. Political parties, labour unions and other institutions provide large public casetas. However, the atmosphere is different there.
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