Table of Contents:
SEE OLD SEVILLE.
SEVILLE TOWN AND AREA
NEARBY.
See Seville, the old and the new.
With a history that proceeds the Romans and cuisine that defies expectation, you should see Seville and taste it.
Some try to power through on a day trip from the port of Cadiz, 90 minutes to the south. As with many big-bus trips, you get a little taste of several things (buffet), but nothing you can savor.
Come, let’s see Seville, old and new. You will understand why a few hours is not enough time to experience Seville.
See Old Seville
Wall of Seville.
As you stand facing the front (outside) of Arco de la Macarena, look to your left. Approximately four blocks of wall and towers, dating from the 12-century, stretch to the next gate, the Puerta de Córdoba.
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville.
Cathedral of Seville.
This 1403 Gothic Cathedral sits on the former location of a circa 1172 mosque. The structure is the largest Gothic building in Europe.
The royal chapel holds the remains of Ferdinand III of Castile, his heir Alfonso XI and his heir, Peter. The Cathedral is also the final resting place of Christopher Columbus and his oldest son Diego.
La Giralda.
The bell tower of the Cathedral is the former minaret of the 1172 mosque. Standing 343 feet tall and 44 feet wide, it has many architectural styles due to changing times and an earthquake. You can climb the tower by walking up a series of ramps originally for horses.
Reales Alcázares de Sevilla (The Alcazar).
This palace is the Royal residence in Seville since the reconquest. The royal family still has apartments here, making it Europe’s oldest castle in use by monarchs.
Archivo General de Indias.
This 1512 building began as the merchants’ exchange. Today it houses valuable documents of the Spanish Empire.
Hospital los Venerables.
The building, dating from 1697, was a retirement home for the elderly, poor, and disabled priests. Today, it is the Velázquez Centre, where you can tour the chapel and art galleries with a collection of modern and traditional works by Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, and others.
Naval Museum Torre Del Oro.
This museum is in a 13th-century defensive tower along the river, near what was the old port of Seville. The collection includes charts, old maps, nautical instruments, and more.
Royal Tobacco Factory.
At the time of its construction in 1758, it was the second-largest building in Spain. It is in use for tobacco production until 1956. Today it is the home of the University of Seville.
San Telmo Palace.
This 1682 Baroque structure began as a university for navigators for the first 150 years. Today, it is the seat of the presidency.
Hospital of the Five Holy Wounds (Hospital de las Cinco Llagas).
Upon completion in 1558, this was the largest building in Spain. It serves as a hospital until 1972. During the Great Plague of Seville (circa1650,) It was the plague hospital as it was outside the city walls. Close to 23,000 patients did not survive. Today, it is the current seat of the Parliament of Andalusia.
Barrio de Santa Cruz.
The Jewish neighborhood is near the Cathedral until the 1391 massacre.
The old sites of Seville can take at least a day to see. There is exploring small streets, excellent museums, and delightful cuisine. Then you can start on the newer sections.
Newer Seville (1900 onward).
Plaza de España
The centerpiece of the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929, today it houses many government offices and one museum.
Parque Prado de San Sebastián – Is the park north of the Plaza de Espana and east of the University. Check out the exterior architecture of the Consulate General Of Portugal in the northwest corner.
Costurero de la Reina – Legend (made up stuff we usually cannot prove) is it is the queen’s sewing room. In reality, it began as a watchtower for the guard. Today, it is an information office.
Plaza America
At the south end of the gardens is the Plaza de América, you can see Sevilles buildings from the exposition.
- Archeological Museum of Seville – includes many artifacts from the nearby Roman city of Italica.
- Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions – includes lace, embroidery, furniture, tiles, ceramics, and more.
Hotel Alfonso XIII – also a holdover from the 1929 Exposition, is a grand hotel in the regionalist style. A walk through the lobby to view the tile work is a treat.
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
The Seville mushroom is a modern structure dating from 2010 and housing several sites. While excavating, they uncover ruins from the Roman and Al-Andalus eras. The building has five levels, the top, Setas Viewpoint, being a magnificent overlook of the city.
Below are remains from the Romans 20 A.D. to the Al-Alucians 1220 A.D. on display behind plexiglass. You can see several parts up close as well as the many layers of the city.
From 1842 – 1973, this was the location of one of the city’s most important markets. Today, the street level contains a new modern market. You will also find the city’s official tourism shop with authentic items for purchase.
Pabellón de la Navegación
A landmark for the Triana area, this building is from the Expo 92. Today, it is home to an interactive maritime museum about maritime navigation, exploration, and more.
The city has been host to two international expositions, so it must have something to offer. Wear comfortable shoes, as many sites are pedestrian-only. And bring an appetite.
See Seville’s Surrounding Areas.
You will need additional days to explore the sites outside of Seville. It is worth it.
Arqueológico de Itálica
The UNESCO site of The Hadrianic City of Italica is a twenty minutes drive northwest of Seville. Dating from 206 B.C., it is the home town of Roman Emperors Trajan and Hadrian.
Old Italica
- Teatro Romano de Itálica – dates from circa 20 B.C. You can see into the theater through the metal fencing, but it is only open for performances and festivals.
Nova Urbs (new town)
There has never been another structure on top of this area. Much of this area dates from circa 100 A.D. during Hadrian’s rule.
Amphitheater – is straight ahead as you enter. At the time of its building, it is the third-largest in the Roman Empire. There is plenty of space for the 8,000 residents as the stadium holds 25,000 people.
As you first enter the residential area, look at the street. Sections of the original stones and gutters are still visible.
The Houses
As you walk from the theater, you will come to the following “houses” (floors) on your left: Many of the houses have several tile paintings, their name from the most famous mosaic.
- The House of the Exedra is in the second block. It has some of the features of a house, but it takes up most of the space. It may have been a school with the teacher’s home in back.
- House of the Neptune Mosaic is in the next (3rd) block. This black and white mosaic includes Neptune and marine creatures.
- The House of the Planetarium is across the street (the only one on your right) from the Neptune house. Some say it is a weekly calendar, not the planets.
- Termas Mayores – the large bath, is two blocks west of the House of Planetarium. You can make out some of the different rooms or pools.
- The House of the Birds is in the next block and is closest to the street you are on. It has 35 mini pictures.
- House of the Rhodian Patio is in the same block, behind the House of Birds. It has several levels (patios.)
- The House of The abduction of Hylas is the last house before coming to a wall. What is this wall? In a perfect example of “they just build on top of the old,” here is a cemetery from the 1900s?
- The Traianeum – was an impressive temple sitting at the highest point of the city.
You will see the random pillar here and there or partial statue. Unfortunately, most of the city became building material elsewhere. The theater and the mosaics are the highlights.
Further Afield
La Rábida and Huelva
Just over an hour’s drive west, are these port cities at the mouth of the Odiel and Tinto rivers. La Rábida has several sites that tie in with Seville. From the now buried Palos de la Frontera, in 1492, Columbus set sail on the ocean blue. You can see the excavation of the old port from the car park along Calle Vicente Yáñez Pinzón. The dig is not open to the public.
Muelle de las Carabelas
The Wharf of the Caravels is home to three replicas of the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. The museum has a visitor center, and the dock area is a recreation of a medieval quarter. There is a simulation of Guanahani, Christopher Columbus’s first landfall in the new world, and now part of San Salvador.
La Rabida Monastery
This white-washed structure is a Franciscan monastery dating from the 13th-century. It is here where Christopher Columbus would pray to the image of Santa María de la Rábida, Lady of Miracles.
Huelva
As you cross the bridge, the 120-foot statue on your left, Monumento a la Fe Descubridora, is not Columbus. It is a friar symbolizing the faith that guides all the discoverers.
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cinta chapel.
This white chapel from the 1400s used to sit on a hill outside of town. Now the city surrounds it. Chris Columbus prays here before his voyage, promising to return if the saint brings him back.
Niebla
On your way to or from Huelva, take the five-minute detour to Niebla, although it has no ties to Columbus.
Castillo de Niebla
Here you can visit the 15th-century medieval castle, the cavalry grounds, and the museum of arms. You can also visit the dungeons
Roman Bridge
Dating from before the Arabics, just north of town, the road crosses the Rio Tinto. Stop and look at the bridge from either side. It incorporates a Roman bridge still in use.
Read more about Seville.
See Seville Summary
As you can see, Seville and the surrounding area offers more than just some old buildings.
Make sure to leave plenty of time to explore the archeological site and museums.
And make sure to sample the local cuisine and wine.
Come, see Seville and discover for yourself.