Arabic, Baroque, Renaissance and Medieval influences are used to describe the city of Sevilla, Spain. It is the capital of Andalusia, an independent community of Spain granted the title of historical nationality through the 1978 Spanish Constitution. Located on the River Guadalquivir, the second longest river in Spain, it houses 704,000 Sevillanos or Sevillanas also known as residents. It is the fourth largest city in Spain and is more than 2,000 years old. For the ardent history lover waiting to explore and caress the unprecedented jewel that is Seville, Spain, and all of its adorned artifacts and architecture, unmitigated bliss awaits you.
Originally, Seville was called Hispalis during the rule of Caesar Augustus and was renamed in the year 712 after it was defeated by the Moors or Muslims. It was known as the capital for the Kings of the Umayyad Caliphate, and the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties. The Umayyad Caliphate was the second of four major Arab successors. The Almoravid dynasty was a Berber-Muslim dynasty from North Africa. The Almohad dynasty was a Moroccan Berber-Muslim dynasty founded in the 12th century. This invasion was reversed when King Fernando III of Castile recaptured Seville. Today bits and pieces of Roman features in the form of an aqueduct and elements of the Moors remain in the City of Seville through its formations and structural design.
There are so many amazing historical sites to see in this city. The Alcazar, a royal palace originally a Moorish fort transformed after 500 years of construction, was built in the Muslim, Iberian and Renaissance styles and beautifully decorated. There is also the Cathedral of Seville built after the recapturing of the city. It is among the largest of all Gothic and medieval cathedrals. The interior exhibits the longest nave in Spain. The University of Seville is situated in the original site of the first tobacco factory in an 18th century building in baroque style, an artistic style from the late 16th to the early 18th century. The Town Hall was built in the 16th century in the plateresque style which is said to be “in the manner of a silver smith”.
Many museums are available to satiate the thirst for knowledge through carefully preserved relics. The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville, founded in 1839, contains a compilation of treasures from the medieval period to the early 20th century. However, if you are interested in other museum worthy subjects, The Maritime, Carriages, Flamenco Art and Bullfight Museums are also available. Many travelers can find a wide choice of historical as well as modern Seville accommodation available throughout this historical city.
Other activities for a day trip in Seville may include climbing the La Giralda Bell Tower, enjoying the Isla Magica amusement park, or taking a boat cruise on the Guadalquivir River. Wine lovers can celebrate at the Mountain Wine Festival of the Fiesta de Vino. Nature lovers can explore the Donana National Park which is also a wildlife refuge named after Dona Ana de Silva y Mendoza. They can also discover the wonders of The Alcazar Gardens, Gardens of Murillo or the Gardens of Catalina de Ribera.
If you are headed to Seville there are plenty of apartments in Seville that will put you in the heart of this historical city.
