Seville Travel Guide

Where flamenco, tapas, and history collide in a vibrant cultural explosion

Seville is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is almost like a living museum, particularly in the evocative old Jewish quarter, Santa Cruz. There is a unique quality of light in Seville, and the sensual perfume of the ubiquitous jasmine blossoms lends itself to the romance of the place. Unbelievably narrow streets lined with whitewashed palaces and balconies bursting over with fuchsia-colored bougainvillea, leading you from one tiny square to the next, inevitably full of orange trees, graceful courtyards which passers-by can sneak a peek at, and charming Tapas Bars covered in typical tiles and lined with wine barrels.

Conquered by the Moors in the 8th century, Seville has always been a royal residence. Even before the Moors arrived, the Romans and Carthaginians fought over Seville. And the Phoenicians and Greeks before them. Italica, just outside Seville, is the site of preserved Roman ruins dating back to the 3rd century BC. Roman Seville became Christian in the 4th century, and the Visigoths who ruled afterward built impressive Christian monuments, including the Cathedral. History in Southern Spain was tumultuous for the next few hundred years, including religious crusades, the “Reconquest,” the religious expulsions and cruel conversions, and the monumental discovery of “the new world.”

From the Spanish conquest of the Americas, riches flowed back to Spain directly into the country through Seville’s Guadalquivir River. Exuberant palaces and mansions were erected, and Seville was (and still is) the home of one of the leading Spanish aristocratic families, the Medinacelis. In the 1500s, Seville became wealthy, and the Port became one of the world’s busiest. However, the Spanish Armada’s defeat and the escalation of religious fanaticism did little good for Seville. The city suffered a decline until the 17th century’s “Golden Age” explosion of Baroque painting and architecture. This creative “boom” legacy includes Murillo, Zurbarán, Alonso Cano, Velasquéz, and Juan de Mesa.

The next few hundred years brought political insecurity, the loss of the colonies, and the horrific Spanish Civil War. In the late 20th century, things looked a lot better for Seville. The town hosted the Expo in 1992 and saw the introduction of the fast-speed train from Madrid to Seville (called the “Ave,” meaning “bird”).

  • Tapas menu in a typical bar
    Tapas menu in a typical bar

    Gastronomy & Wine

Nearby Wine Regions

Highlights

  • Reales Alcazares

    Seville fell to the Moors in 712, and the military chiefs built their fortress on where the Reales Alcazares is today. Called the “Royal Fortress,” this beautiful property houses the 9th-century Moorish Palaces built for the Emir, Abdulrahman II. These superb palaces are stunning for first-time visitors. Intricately carved arches, hand-painted tiles with Arabic calligraphy, and spectacular gardens can all be enjoyed here. This is an absolute “must-see” in Seville.

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  • Casa de Pilatos

    The First Marquis of Tarifa built one of Seville’s most beautiful palaces in the late 1400s to resemble Pontius Pilate’s residence in Jerusalem. The Duke of Medinaceli owns the palace, and is the most beautiful private residence in Seville, which is luckily open to the public. You will see beautiful Roman busts, an exciting fusion of Renaissance and Mudejar architectural styles, and a collection of family paintings, including ones of Barbara de Braganza, who once lived there.

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  • Archivo de las Indias

    The “Indies Archives” is a library/museum located in a gorgeous 16th-century building with more than four million documents relating to the discovery of “the New World.” One of the most exciting bits of the vast collection is the personal diary excerpt of Cristobal Colón (Christopher Columbus).

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  • The Cathedral and La Giralda

    This graceful building has an almost anarchic past. Seville’s massive cathedral site was the original site of Seville’s 12th-century Mosque (of which only the Giralda tower is left). A Visigoth church was rebuilt over the Mosque. Work began in 1401 and lasted until 1506! The beautiful result is a mix of Gothic, Plateresque, and baroque styles and is today the third-largest Christian church in the world (after St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London). You can climb up the Giralda tower to take in the sweeping views below but be prepared for a long wait in line.

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Cellar Tours Private Luxury Food & Wine Tours

Cellar Tours

Welcome to Cellar Tours, the premier Luxury Travel Specialist since 2003. Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate food and wine vacation experience, with exclusive Mercedes chauffeured tours that showcase the best of local cuisine and wines.

Our team specializes in crafting bespoke, custom-designed vacations, events, and incentives tailored to your unique tastes and preferences. Travel is not just about seeing new places - it's about creating unforgettable memories and indulging in the finer things in life.

As members of Slow Food, OTAVA (Travel Agency Association in Spain), and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals), we promote sustainable tourism and support local communities. We work closely with top-rated hotels, restaurants, and wineries to provide you with the highest level of service and attention to detail.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat, let Cellar Tours be your guide. With our passion for food and wine, extensive knowledge of local culture, and dedication to exceptional customer service, we're confident we can exceed your expectations.

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