Seville is the capital of Andalusia and stands as an embodiment of both history and modernization, its architecture reflecting this juxtaposition. Moorish and Venetian influences coexist alongside Renaissance embellishments and Spanish folklore in its design.
Flamenco dancers fill many local venues and the city museum offers multiple shows daily. NO8DO, which stands for this unique musical and dancing style can be seen emblazoned on walls, statues, utility/manhole covers and other locations around town.
History
Seville’s rich history can be seen etched into its architecture; every arch, dome and curve serves as a testament to the many cultures that have left their mark here. From Roman Hispalis (known in Arabic as sbiliyya) to its pivotal role as Spain explored and exploited America, Seville has an illustrious past which is evident through three Unesco World Heritage Sites as well as several monumental palaces now converted into museums, churches or convents.
Hispalis fell to Visigoths in 426, then became part of the Muslim Almoravid and Almohad empires until being reincorporated back into Castile Christian Kingdom in 1248. Seville at this time became one of the wealthiest cities in Europe thanks to trade between Europe, Americas and Philippines; Seville’s Casa de Contratacion had full control of city’s economy while port enjoyed exclusive transoceanic trade privileges.
Seville enjoyed an unprecedented golden age during which its fortunes flourished; this included becoming home for artists such as Diego Velazquez and Francisco de Zurbaran as painters, as well as writers such as Miguel de Cervantes (writer). However, after suffering through a devastating plague outbreak in 1649, its fortunes began to fade significantly.
Seville once more flourished as a cultural powerhouse during the 17th and 18th centuries, when wealthy aristocrats provided funding for cultural activities. Seville enjoyed a period of unparalleled brilliance during this time as the cathedral was completed, the ayuntamiento was constructed, and baroque masterpieces by artists like Murillo and Valdes Leal were displayed within it; Seville became an epicenter for arts, literature and trade; it was during this era that Don Quixote began.
Culture
The Cathedral, Alcazar and Archivo de Indias form an impressive complex in Seville that perfectly symbolizes Spain’s Golden Age, combining vestiges of Islamic culture, centuries of ecclesiastical and royal power and its expansion into the New World with trading power acquired during that era. Artists like Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Zurbaran and Juan Martinez Montanes (commonly referred to as El Dios de la Madera or The God of Wood) created works during this period that gave rise to their great works; Miguel de Cervantes wrote Don Quixote while living here!
Mudejar buildings, from Casa de Pilatos and Brutalist Museum of Ceramics, provide an invaluable introduction to ceramic art from Moorish pottery through postmodern styles.
Bitter Seville oranges continue to be grown in the city, providing an important source of income for local people. Most are exported back to Britain for use in making marmalade; others are kept locally for perfume production, herbal medicine use and as decorative plants in gardens and patios.
Seville is known as the birthplace of flamenco dance and Andalusian poet Antonio Machado. Modern Seville is an economically vibrant city built upon services and international trade; its port is among the largest in Europe, while an airport connected to Santa Justa railway station opens it up for global tourism. Seville also plays an important role in Spanish trade union movements with strong presence of Compones Obreras union.
Food
One of the defining characteristics of any city in Spain is its cuisine, and Seville is no exception. Here, the culinary offerings reflect its history and culture – whether that means serving up cocido or rabo de toro dishes to bring people together around a table.
Seville’s markets provide an excellent place to source delicious and local food items for meals and snacks, including those at Lonja del Barranco and Triana markets. Don’t miss these two must-visits for local produce and treats!
Traditional Sevillian dishes remain true to centuries-old traditions and techniques while remaining open to new chefs and flavors from all corners of the globe. As such, their dishes combine classic tastes with contemporary creativity for an incredible culinary experience that’s sure to please every palette.
Tortitas de Aceite (olive oil cakes) and Cazon en Adobo (marinated dogfish) are two must-try dishes in Seville that shouldn’t be missed, served in tapas bars all across town. Chorizo sausage is another delicious treat served smothered in tomato sauce; and Christopher Columbus introduced paprika from South America which now plays an integral part in many local dishes – sprinkled over octopus, added to patatas Bravas or added as flavor in Sherry-based stew called Puchero.
Huevos a la flamenca is one of Seville’s signature dishes, and an incredible example of innovation in combination. By marrying two beloved foods: eggs and flamenco dance – such an unforgettable combination resulted in this popular traditional recipe!
Nightlife
As soon as the sun goes down, bars and nightclubs open across Sevilla – particularly along the riverbank – offering cocktails and dancing until dawn. When summer hits, many Sevillians take to terraces for al fresco dinners on warm evenings.
On the banks of the Guadalquivir river can be found an array of charming terrace bars offering cocktails and gin and tonics – an area specialty. For something more lively, head to nearby three-floor nightclub Uthopia, featuring music on each level.
There are also traditional flamenco bars which are beloved among both residents and tourists, as well as experimental dance venues with an emphasis on contemporary styles of dancing. At these places, no talking or noise should be heard during performances; only respectful silence should be maintained throughout their duration.
Cerveceria El Tremendo has been serving beer to an eclectic crowd since 1670; their regular customers gather after work or just to pass the time at one of their many locations across town for drinks and conversation. One such bar is Cerveceria El Tremendo which draws people from all backgrounds for drinks at night. They offer large glasses filled with beer to attract an avid following that makes for a fun social scene – and have loyal supporters like people from every background who frequent this establishment!
The owners are known for their eccentricities and it feels like entering a church that serves alcohol – think candelabras and statues of Mary as well as dark red walls and an audible sound system. The place always remains packed with younger patrons.
Flaherty’s, opened in 2006 in Alameda district, draws a diverse mix of both locals and tourists. It boasts an upstairs dining room as well as a covered terraza which becomes very busy during summer. You may catch live acts performing, making for a friendly crowd ambiance; and the bar also attracts sports enthusiasts, showing all major European soccer and rugby matches on TV screens in its back room.
Shopping
There’s a good reason that Spaniards say “ver Sevilla es ver maravilla”, or seeing Seville is truly astounding. From local produce markets to Andalusia artisans, Seville knows exactly how to shop.
Fashionistas will enjoy browsing the boutiques along Calle Sierpes and its adjacent streets – Velazquez Tetuan and Cuna -, where both national and international designers showcase their creations. In addition, there is an assortment of stores, from exclusive jewellers to charming workshops crafting unique accessories related to local culture such as fascinators.
Sevillano women take great pleasure in collecting bags, jewelry and shawls as an avid pastime. In Alfalfa you will find shops selling everything from workaday beige leather shoulder bags to sparkly purses and vintage-style moulded plastic evening bags; Elena Berenal offers flamenco accessories with their selection of shawls in every shape, size and colour imaginable along with mantones (triangular fringed shawls often decorated with embroidery), an essential component of any flamenco outfit.
Taller de Diseno offers beautiful flamenco dresses at any budget level; their helpful staff will assist in finding you your ideal piece. Plus, you’ll find top CDs from flamenco artists as well as an impressive selection of souvenirs here.
Dizal offers traditional fans in an incredible selection of colours and patterns, making this an excellent place to find affordable shawls under 20 euros – although most typically range between 40-50. Ceramica Santa Ana on Calle Argote de Molina sells dolls and toys while Red Verde in Triana has eco-friendly gifts available as well.