An unforgettable day in Seville: what you can do and visit

One of the favorite destinations for AMA Residences Andalucía residents, regardless of whether they come on vacation or live permanently at the Resort, is Seville. And no wonder: it is a city that is only 1.5 hours away from our resort and boasts centuries of history. If you go to the city without a specific plan, just to stroll around and enjoy the sights, you will probably find your visit pleasant as the city is full of charming corners.

But if you want to make the most of your time in Seville and visit the most representative monuments, we can help you. Below, we suggest some of the most popular places. We are sure you will enjoy them and they will make your day unforgettable because as the English poet Lord Byron quoted about this city “he Who has not seen it will be much to pity, So says the proverb- and I quite agree; Of all the Spanish towns is none more pretty”.

What to do in Seville?

Walk along the Guadalquivir

The Guadalquivir River, which crosses the city of Seville and Andalusia as well, is one of the few navigable rivers in Spain and thanks to it Seville was in the sixteenth century the trading center of the western world. It is a river that nowadays is very enjoyable for walking or practicing sports such as rowing or canoeing.
A good plan to get to know the city is to book a boat ride with different local companies, which also have guides who will liven up the tour with comments and curiosities about the city. You can opt for short trips, where you will pass under historic and modern bridges, built for the 1992 Universal Exposition and the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. There is also the option of sailing downriver to the sea, passing through Doñana to Cádiz but we would be talking about a longer cruise.

La Torre del Oro (The gold tower)

On your walk along the river you will see the “Torre del Oro”, which was part of the fortified enclosure that surrounded Seville. Since its construction in 1220 it served as a watchtower, from which you could see any intruder who approached sailing and give notice to the city. Over the centuries it has undergone various modifications, with the addition of elements that made it reach the 36 meters high it is today. Its curious name comes from the golden reflection it projects on the waters of the river. Nowadays it is one of the 114 Assets of Cultural Interest (B.I.C. in spanish) of the city of Seville and its interior houses a naval museum.

La Catedral (The Cathedral)

The cathedral of Seville is one of the most impressive monuments of the city, which is why it is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site along with the Real Alcazar and the Archivo de Indias. It is not necessary to be religious to enjoy the grandiosity and complexity of this construction. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, although in its construction you can find traces of architectural styles as dispare as the Almohad or Baroque. This is because its construction began on the space occupied by an old mosque, which took advantage of various elements such as the minaret, which would give way to the famous Giralda. Inside are the remains of Christopher Columbus (although today there is still some controversy about it), which adds a curious touch to the visit.

Plaza de España

This is a large square built in 1928, on the occasion of the Ibero-American Exposition held in the city in 1929 under the reign of Alfonso XIII cataloged as B.I.C. Anibal Gonzalez’s masterpiece amazed the monarch greatly. When he saw it for the first time he said “Gentlemen, I knew this was beautiful… But not that beautiful”. And the fact is that the intricate tile decoration of the square invites you to explore every nook and cranny. The most observant will notice, as they walk around the square, that there are spaces dedicated to 48 Spanish provinces, since at the time of its construction the Canary Islands only had one province and Seville is represented in another part of the square. The provinces have a map on the ground indicating their location and a tile mural dedicated to some historical event that took place in the province in question. To complete your visit to the place, you can enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the small canal that runs through the square.

Maria Luisa Park

The most beautiful park in Seville, according to many, is located next to the Plaza de España. It was part of the private gardens of the palace of San Telmo, and was not opened to the public until 1914. Walking through the interior of this garden cataloged as B.I.C. you will find different gazebos and fountains that will transport you to another era. The best known, and that you can not miss, are the Glorieta de Becquer, the Pavilion of Alfonso XII or the fountain of the frogs. It is an especially pleasant place if your visit takes place during the hottest season, as its trees provide much sought-after shade in the summer months.

The Royal Alcazar

The origins of this palace complex date back to the Arab occupation of the south of the peninsula, although it was not until the tenth century when some of the constructions that are still standing today were begun. It has housed, therefore, both Arab emirs and Christian kings throughout history. Gradually, its various residents added architectural elements of different styles, which has resulted in the current construction. If you decide to visit it, you cannot miss the gardens, where the whisper of the water of the fountains will accompany you constantly.

Its neighborhoods!

Getting lost in the historic neighborhoods of Seville is like traveling back on time to savor the Muslim, Christian, Imperial past… Walking through the streets (Sierpes, del Agua, Mateos Gago…) squares (Encarnación, Salvador, San Francisco, Nueva…) of the old town – one of the largest in Europe – and contemplating its buildings, churches and temples, its people and the smell of the orange trees in Spring time… is an experience for the senses.

Tapas

Who doesn’t like to enjoy good gastronomy? It is not a monument, but you can not miss the opportunity to enjoy the local food, especially after a tiring day touring the city. The good news is that in Seville you will find an infinity of bars and restaurants of all kinds and suitable for any pocket. Our recommendation is to go a bit further away from the more touristy areas to find the bars that the locals tend to frequent. Not only will you find better prices, but you will taste tapas such as the “solomillo al whisky” (delicious sirloin steak cooked with whiskey) or “montadito de pringá” or authentic traditional dishes like “garbanzos con espinacas” (chickpeas with spinach) or “rabo de toro” (oxtail stew).

We hope you find useful our proposal of some of the most representative places to visit in Seville. If you are a resident of AMA Residences Andalucía and have any questions regarding the planning of your visit, please do not hesitate to contact the resort’s reception, as they will be happy to help you.