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.
This historic monument, Real Fabrica de Tabacos, now stands as the main building of the Seville University. It was built with the intention of making it the cigarette manufacturing hub of the new world; you'll be glad it deflected from its original purpose. Today you can wander aimlessly through the building and the adjoining garden without being prodded by nosy guards. The architecture is reminiscent of the 18-century and there are some wonderful works of European art and sculpture in the vicinity. Bizet's famous opera Carmen was inspired by this landmark, which was once touted to be the largest European industrial center. Entry is free and the food in the cafeteria is cheap.
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.
It's one of the most beautiful examples of plateresque architecture. Two architects were involved in the building work: Diego de Riaño began it in 1527, and Demetrio de los Ríos continued it in the 19th Century. Of the building's two facades, the most interesting is the one that can be seen from Plaza de San Francisco, as it is covered in decorative detail. Inside, there are several beautiful rooms. Among the most notable are the Apeadero and the Sala Capitular, because of the way they are intricately decorated, although there are also other rooms inside, such as the Sala de los Fieles Ejecutores and the Salón Colón, whose walls are reminiscent of a Medieval castle. The staircase and banister are notable features, as well as the beautiful pictures that hang on its walls.
The most notable aspect about the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija is that it is tiled with Roman mosaics. It has a central courtyard surrounded by columns, and three rooms containing a large number of valuable antiques. The 16th and 17th-century tiles are also worth having a look at, as are the Mudéjar style ceiling and the portico statues. Now functioning as a museum, visitors can explore the fascinating archaeological assemblage of Countess of Lebrija, an art collector in the true sense.
This wonderful old house in the center of the city is open to the the public all day. Its numerous rooms are full of antique furniture and collections of vases, plates and silverware spanning many different historical time periods. There's an important collection of paintings dating from the 16th-19th Centuries as well. The Spanish Royal Family and sundry members of the aristocracy stay here when they come to Seville and the house closes on those days.
Blending in a taste of modernity to the old world charm of Seville's Historic center, Metropol Parasol stands out as one of the distinct architectural marvels in the world. The gigantic complex functions as an urban center with a market, museum and dining places inside. Made of concrete, timber and steel, the site sprawls over 18,000 square meters (1,93,750 square feet). The four level structure, also known as Las Setas de la Encarnación, was designed by the architect Jürgen Mayer-Hermann. The construction of this prominent tourist site took around six years and was completed in 2011.