Built by 13th-century Almohad rulers of Seville to control shipping along the Guadalquivir River, this attractive tower is within easy walking distance of the cathedral, Giralda Tower and Maestranza Bullring. There are a few legends that attempt to explain why it's called Torre del Oro (The Golden Tower). One says that the gold from the New World was stored here in the 16th and 17th centuries. Another claims that the Almohads originally covered its outer walls in golden tiles. The battlements on the upper part were added in the 18th century.
Its full name is the Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla (Bullring of the Royal Equestrian Society of Noblemen), and it is one of the most important bullrings in the world. Bullfighting critics claim a matador has not really made the grade until he has triumphed here. All the great bullfighters like Belmonte, Manolete, Paquirri, Curro Romero and Espartaco have delighted crowds attending special events during the April Feria and on Easter Sunday.
The Renaissance style, quadrangular floor is perhaps the most important characteristic of the Archivo General de Indias (General Archives of the Indies). In 1785 King Carlos III decided to transform the city's fish market into an archive for documents and testimonies from the New World, which up until then had been scattered throughout various territories. In this building, a meeting place for researchers, nearly 40,000 documents that deal with the first expeditions to the New World, from the moment of the "discovery" to the 19th Century, are carefully filed, making the archive a cornerstone for research of this historical period. A visit here is a trip through the development of trade between Seville and the New World, especially with the 'Old and New World Commerce' exhibit.
This museum is found inside the Plaza de Toros de La Maestranza; its complete name is therefore Museo Taurino de la Real Maestranza de Caballería. The museum holds a permanent exposition of paintings, sculptures, bullfighting costumes and apparel, and the fans and accessories found in social settings where the theme of bullfighting is center stage. Inside, you can purchase traditional souvenirs for a modest price, from fans to shawls, keyrings, posters, etc.--everything related to the popular Andalusian art of bullfighting. The Museum is surrounded by such representative places such as the Torre del Oro, the Giralda, and the catedral. If you decide to visit the museum, after leaving you can enjoy a long stroll on the banks of the river, complete with the characteristic bars of Seville.
The Seville Cathedral which took almost 400 years to build, is one of Spain's largest churches, and one of the largest in the Christian world. Standing on the site of what was Seville's main mosque, one can still see elements of the Mudéjar style of art and late Gothic-style architecture. Work began in the early 15th Century, and by the time it was finished, it had five naves with a floor space measuring 116 meters x 76 meters (380 feet x 249 feet). There is an astounding number of fine paintings and sculptures inside, making a trip here a must when in Seville.
One of Spain's most striking masterpieces of Moorish-Renaissance architecture, the uniqueness of the Alcázar of Seville lies in the harmonious confluence of its architectural styles, dominated by a set of rulers who contributed to distinct additions during their respective reigns. The palace originally started out as a fortress in the 10th Century, built at the behest of Seville's Cordoban governors. Upgraded to the stately position of a palace only around the 12th Century, the Alcázar of Seville owes its astonishing Mudéjar beauty to the Almohad Caliphate that took charge of the palace. An aesthetic string of Islamic elements were added during this time, manifested in vividly meshed tiles, delicate ornamental arches, arabesque designs, and intricate geometric patterns. At the dawn of the 13th Century, the Spanish Reconquista brought about a wave of Gothic and Renaissance elements that heralded the rule of Spain's Catholic Kings. While the palace is touched by years of history that swept through its walls, some corners command more respect than others. Some of the most impressive rooms in the Alcázar of Seville are the Patio de Banderas, with the Giralda Tower forming an arresting backdrop, the Patio de las Doncellas, and the Patio de la Montería. The Salón de los Embajadores (Ambassadors' Hall) is an especially ornate addition, while the exquisite beauty of the palace spills over into its fruit-laden orchards and landscaped gardens.
The cathedral where you can find this museum stands where the 12th Century Great Mosque stood, whose minaret, now called La Giralda can still be seen. It is the biggest Gothic Temple in the world, and the third biggest Christian temple. Inside the museum, you can find a complete collection of sacred art, paintings, sculptures, silver and gold work and furniture from the era. You will also find the cathedral's Baroque sacristy and the sculptures by Montañés, Murillo and Valdés Leal a magnificent sight. For more details, cal +34 902 09 9692.
One of Seville's most impressive structures, it was originally the Mohammedan minaret and attached to a mosque. La Giralda was later converted into the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral. It's well worth climbing to the top for some stunning views of the city.
Do you like beer? If you do, Cerveceria La Internacional is your place. It is almost a temple for everybody who loves this drink. There are more than 250 brands from all over the world, so you can try German, Belgium, Czech, French, Irish, English and, of course, Spanish beer. Cerveceria La Internacional also has some specialty brews that are made with strawberry, peach and chocolate. Besides the bar aspect, La Internacional doubles up as an authentic museum, dedicated to beer. They have a huge bottle exhibition. It is a very good place to eat, too. Their tapas, unlike most of the beers, are totally local. The specialties are Prawn Salad, homemade Fabes, Cheakpea with Cod or Hake in Almond Sauce.
Reviving an old tradition, Aire de Sevilla offers a host of premium Arab baths. Try any of the authentic Hammams or select from their list of salt, essences and thousand streams baths. Complete your trip here with aromatherapy or a massage and retire to the tea shop. Make sure you pay a visit to Aire de Sevilla for a truly uplifting experience. All you need is a swimsuit and a reservation. Please check website for specific timings.
A magnificent semi-circular square that has become a symbol of the city. Along with the adjacent building it was designed by Aníbal González for Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Expo in a style that has become known as Andalusian regionalist because it employed a mixture of architectural influences from the past including Renaissance and Gothic. The most outstanding feature is the overwhelming use of exposed red brick. The inner part of the square contains a series of glazed-tile depictions of historical scenes from every province in Spain. A canal runs around the perimeter of the square where you can hire a rowing boat or motor boat for a short pleasure trip.
Sitting in the center of the city is a huge expanse of parkland planted with a wide variety of trees from all over the world. Maria Luisa Park is the perfect place to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon. It has been carefully laid out with lots of space to wander among the exotic plants and numerous areas where you can sit and rest. You can rent bicycles and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride. It's named after Princess María Luisa who donated some of the land and plants from her palace gardens to start the public park. Inside, you'll find examples of all styles of architecture in the buildings erected as pavilions for Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Expo. Join one of the free guided tours given by students of the tourism school on weekends.