Seville, Spain

What to do in Seville, Spain

Cathedral and La Giralda

Europe's largest church, begun in 1401occupies the site of a great mosque built in the 12th century. La Giralda, its bell tower, and the patio are a legacy of the Moorish structure. In addition to enjoying its Gothic immensity and the splendid artwork in its chapels and sacristy, you can climb La Giralda for stunning views of the city.

Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza

The famous bullring of Seville, begun in 1761, took nearly 100 years to complete. Easily the most beautiful in Spain, you can visit without attending a bullfight by taking a guided tour. See the grand entrance, the Prince's Gate, chapel, stables, and a museum of memorabilia, including a purple cape painted by Picasso.

Casa de Pilatos

Enraptured by the architecture and décor of High Renaissance Italy and the Holy Land, the first Marquis of Tarida built this house, which was believed to resemble Pontius Pilate's home in Jerusalem, which explains its name. It is now the home of the Dukes of Medinaceli and remains one of the finest in Seville.

Museo de Bellas Artes

This former convent built around three tree-and-flower-filled patios now houses one of Spain's best art collections. The pieces range from the medieval to the modern, and the convent itself features astounding creations like the church's Baroque domed ceiling.

Torre del Oro

This tower formed part of the fortified wall defenses of Moorish Seville, linking with the Reales Alcázares. It was built as a lookout in 1220, and a mighty chain was strung from its ramparts to another tower across the river to block hostile ships from passing.

Reales Alcázares

Seville's royal palaces are a glorious fusion of exquisite Mudéjar craftsmanship, regal grandeur, and richly landscaped gardens. They were commissioned in 1364 by Pedro I, who wanted a royal residence within the palaces of the ousted Moorish rulers. Continuously occupied by Spanish royalty for 11 centuries, the upper floor remains in use by them today.

Callejón del Agua

This whitewashed alleyway gives someone strolling through several gorgeous glimpses of patios simply dripping with plants, vines, and flowers. It's called "water street" because it was once the water conduit to the Reales Alcázares.

Maria Luisa Park

In 1893, Princess Maria Luisa granted the city part of the grounds of the Palacio de San Telmo to make this park. It is exuberantly landscaped and decorated with allegorical statues representing Art and Science. It is a favorite place to take leafy strolls, watch a show in the amphitheater, picnic by the lake, and other such respites.

Archivo de Indias

Housed in a 16th-century building, this historic collection of documents illustrates Seville's pre-eminent role in the colonization and exploitation of the New World. Among the 86 million hand-written pages and 8,000 maps and drawings are letters from Columbus, Cortés, Cervantes, and Felipe II.

Azulejos

These colorful, glazed ceramic tiles were introduced to Spain by the Moors, who created extraordinary mosaics in sophisticated geometric patterns for palace walls. The word "azulejo" is derived from the Arabic for "little stone." Look around as you stroll through the city and you will see them everywhere, on signs, shop fronts, tavern walls etc. They are a defining feature of Seville!.

Osuna

The Seville Campiña is a sweeping farm country extending east from the Andalusian capital. It is dotted with ancient, fabled villages, but none more interesting than Osuna. Its lords once rivaled the Spanish king in wealth and power and in 1562 King Felipe II bestowed on the reigning count the title of Duke of Osuna. Profligate builders, they filled Osuna with a dozen convents, renaissance palaces, and a university, which remain impressive places to visit. Sadly, the 19th-century, 12th Duke of Osuna personally squandered the wealth accumulated by his ancestors over several centuries.

Horse Country

Andalusia and horses go together. There are few more romantic outdoor experiences than a leisurely canter through olive groves, or a longer horse trek through the sierras of southern Spain, complete with camping under the stars. The province of Seville is one of the world's most-acclaimed equestrian centers for professionals and vacationers alike.