Magnificent Seville
Plaza de Espana bridge.
Cadiz, Andalucia, Spain and Canary Islands Sunday April 19, 2015
SEVILLE is the capital of Andalucia and the cultural and financial center of southern Spain.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE NOT- TO-BE- MISSED LANDMARKS
THE CATHEDRAL OF SEVILLE - was once judged the third largest church in the world after Saint Peter's in Rome and Saint Paul's in London, it is now arguably the largest church in the world when compared using the measurement of volume. Seville's fifteenth century cathedral occupies the site of the former great mosque built in the late twelfth century. The central nave rises to an awesome 37 metres over a total area of 11,520 square metres. The Cathedral is the final resting place of the remains of Christopher Columbus. Adult admission is €8 each.
LA GIRALDA - is a large and beautiful minaret tower, originally intended for the chief mosque, but now is the magnificent bell tower of the Cathedral and a symbol of Seville. Climb the 34 ramps for a great view of the city. Adult admission to both attractions is €9 each.
Seville’s Plaza de Espana Monument with a magnificent structure swinging around the Plaza in a semi-circle. At its enter stands a spectacular fountain. It is surrounded by a moat.
THE REAL ALCAZAR - is a beautiful palace in Mudéjar (Moorish) style, built in the XIV Century by Pedro I the Cruel. With its myriad rooms, extravagant architecture, lavish gardens with many courtyards, ponds and secrets to be explored, it is a fascinating place to visit. Be sure to check out the room where Christopher Columbus's journey to the Americas were planned. You can see his coat of arms embroidered on the wall along with many other royals. In the heat of summer it offers a cool retreat from the suns glare and can quite easily keep you occupied for a few centuries, if not all of your life. Adult admission is €8,75 - students younger than 25 years pay €2. To see the Upper Palace with audio guide, admission is €4,20. Open Mon-Sun: 9:30-19:00, Closed 1 Jan, 6 Jan, Holy Friday and 25th Dec.
THE JEWISH QUARTER - (Barrio Santa Cruz) is located around the Cathedral. It is filled with small winding streets and is generally regarded as the most charming part of the city, but it is also fairly touristy.
THE HOSPITAL DE LOS VENERABLES - Plaza de los Venerables. A 17th century retirement home and hospital for aged and sickly retired priests, recently restored by the Fundación to preserve an example of Andalusian architecture at its very best. Includes a resplendent Baroque chapel which is highly recommended. Adult admission is €4.75 and includes an informative audio guide.
TORRE DE ORO - is a thirteenth century tower, the top of which is rumored to have once been covered in gold. It now houses the local maritime museum. Admission €1.50 for students €3 for adults. Free on Mondays. 10am-2pm.
PARQUE MARIA LUISA - was built for the 1929 Iber-Americano World's Fair and now is landscaped with attractive monuments and museums.
