Authentic and full of sunshine. This gem in Spain delights at every turn

Located in the southern part of Spain, Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain. The capital of the Andalusia region attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. And there is nothing surprising about it, because this is where you can feel the real Spanish atmosphere: walk through sunny squares smelling of oranges, see a flamenco show or sit in the evening with tapas on one of the bustling streets.

Spain at its best. Why is it worth visiting Seville?

Seville does not need advertising. It combines everything that is most characteristic of Spain: sun, music, architecture, taste and unhurried everyday life. It attracts not only with its unique atmosphere, but above all because it is authentic. Although there are a lot of tourists, the Spanish atmosphere has still been preserved.

The first walk around the center of Seville makes a huge impression. The narrow streets of the old town, small squares full of restaurants and monumental monuments make almost every corner suitable for a photo.

The most important symbol of the city remains the impressive Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede de Sevilla)one of the largest Gothic temples in the world, which is 76 meters long and 116 meters wide.

This is where the tomb of Christopher Columbus is located and the monumental main altar of Capilla Mayor, which consists of 45 scenes depicting, among others, life of Jesus and Mary. Pierre Dancart used approximately 1,000 figures to create the work. Moreover, from the Giralda tower you can admire the panorama of the entire city. The view is especially stunning at sunset. In 1987, the cathedral was included on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

A palace like from a fairy tale. This is where “Game of Thrones” was filmed

Just like the Alcazar located right next to it, a former royal palace that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Initially, it was the seat of Arab rulers, but after the Reconquista it was completely taken over and rebuilt by Christian rulers. What attracts attention is the richly decorated rooms in the Mudejar style, which originated in medieval Spain. During your visit, you can also stroll through the impressive royal gardens. No wonder that the Alcazar became the setting for “Game of Thrones” and “Kingdom of Heaven”.

There are many more film plans in Seville. Scenes for films such as “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and “Lawrence of Arabia” were shot on the nearby Plaza de España. The characteristic semicircular building was built in 1928. The design by Anibal Gonzalez also includes references to the Mudejar style. Bridges over canals and colorful mosaics depicting motifs from Spanish cities create an extraordinary space. In the evening, the place becomes even more charming thanks to street musicians and flamenco shows.

Feria de Abril. Then it’s worth visiting Seville

Andalusia, but especially Seville, is the cradle of flamenco. One of the most important Spanish symbols comes from the culture of the Andalusian Roma who settled on the Iberian Peninsula at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. Flamenco also draws influence from other cultures – Arab, Jewish and Spanish.

Many venues in Seville organize intimate shows during which you can see the extraordinary energy of the dancers and hear their characteristic, passionate singing. Even people who have not been interested in flamenco before often come away from such performances very impressed.

If we want to feel the flamenco culture a little more, it is worth visiting Seville during Feria de Abril. It is a city festival lasting over a week, which every year turns the capital of Andalusia into one of the most colorful and dancing places in Europe. An integral part of the holidays are the so-called casetas, i.e. colorful tents placed one next to the other. Families, companies or local associations are responsible for their preparation.

In the evenings, flamenco shows take place inside, music plays and tapas are served. Most casetas, however, are private and admission is by invitation only. Tourists who want to feel the atmosphere of the holiday can take advantage of public casetas organized by the city. However, it is worth remembering that they are relatively small and the number of people interested far exceeds the admission capacity.

Which places are worth visiting in Seville?

When visiting Seville, you must visit the Museum of Fine Arts. The gallery has been located in the old Convento de la Merced Calzada monastery since the beginning of the 17th century and its collections include, among others: works by El Greco, Velazquez and religious paintings by Francisco de Zurbaran, a representative of the Seville school in Spanish painting.

It is also worth going to the other side of the Guadalquivir River and taking a walk through the streets of Triana. This district, slightly away from the center, is famous for its strong craft traditions. For centuries it was a center of ceramics and to this day in many places you can see colorful azulejos, i.e. characteristic Spanish tiles that decorate house facades. Walking through the narrow streets, you can easily come across small workshops and shops that continue this tradition. When you get hungry, you can visit Mercado de Triana, a local market with fruit and tapas.

They appear in many photographs from Seville the famous Setas de Sevillai.e. the so-called Seville mushrooms. The structure, made of wood imported from Finland, is officially called Metropol Parasol and was opened in 2011. This is one of the best viewpoints of the city, but unfortunately there is an entrance fee.

Seville for cuisine lovers. Sample prices

The cuisine is another reason why Seville wins the hearts of tourists. Andalusia is famous for its tapas, and in Seville you can try them at their best. Seafood also dominates the tables (including gambas al pil pil, i.e. shrimps fried in olive oil with garlic, chili and parsley, for which we will pay about 12-14 euros, and calamar a la plancha, fried squid rings sprinkled with lemon juice, which usually cost about 14-16 euros for a full portion in restaurants). Gazpacho – cold tomato soup, sometimes served with eggs or jamon iberico ham in the salomorejo version, costs about 3-4 euros per glass. In Seville, you can also taste chicharrones de cadiz (fried salted pieces of beef – 17-20 euros) and paella (a dish based on rice with saffron with vegetables, seafood or meat – usually served for 2 people at a price of about 30 euros for the entire portion).

One of the most popular dishes in Seville, which consists of spinach and chickpeas fried in olive oil, is espinaces con garbanzos (4-5 euros for a portion of tapas and 10-12 for a full dish. Add a glass of local wine (prices start from 3-4 euros) or sangria and it’s hard to find a better way to end the day.

Over 300 sunny days a year

Importantly, Seville still remains more affordable than many other popular cities in Spain. You can eat well in numerous bars without spending a fortune, and local restaurants often offer much better quality than typical tourist places. The average price of tapas is 3-5 euros, the prices of dishes range from 12 to 20 euros. Drinks such as beer, coffee, water or juice cost around 2-5 euros.

One of Seville’s greatest assets is the weather. The city boasts over 300 sunny days a year. Even in winter, temperatures often resemble Polish spring, which is why Seville is perfect for a city break outside the season.

It can be very hot in summer, thermometers often reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, but even then the city has its charm. Life then shifts to the evenings and nights, when the streets are filled with residents and tourists again.

Seville is also a great starting point for exploring other parts of Andalusia. From the city it is easy to get to Cordoba, Granada or Malaga. In less than 1.5 hours you can reach Cadiz, the oldest city in Spain, founded by the Phoenicians nearly 3,000 years ago. It was here that the first democratic Spanish constitution was adopted, and Playa de la Caleta, located between two sea fortresses, played the role of Havana in the film “Die Another Day” about the adventures of James Bond.

However, Seville itself offers so many attractions that you can easily spend a few days here without feeling bored. And fall in love with this place so much that even before leaving you will think about buying tickets for your next trip.