Seville (Spanish: Sevilla) - the most beautiful city in Andalusia

But also a city that is a real concentration of the Andalusian spirit and Andalusian culture. Seville is an absolutely special city for Andalusia; it stands out for the luxury of its architecture, its temperament, and its economic and political significance. It is not for nothing that the city has a population of 700,000 people and is the most populous in Andalusia and the 4th most populous in Spain.

For the elegance of its architecture, romantic narrow streets and boats sailing through the city's ponds, it was called the “Spanish Venice.” The city is famous not only for its architecture with its striking Cathedral, considered the largest Catholic church in Europe by cubic capacity, and Plaza de España, one of the most beautiful public spaces in the world, but also for its temperament.

The townspeople's love for holidays, dancing, fun and theater became simply legendary and was embodied in culture in such characters as Don Juan, Carmen and Figaro.

Seville during the Roman Empire

Seville, according to one of the ancient legends, was founded by Hercules, which once again expresses the power of this southern capital of Spain. The first civilization to settle on the territory of the modern city were the Iberian tribes, which were later replaced by the Phoenicians, who were actively trading in the Mediterranean Sea. Like other cities in southern Spain, the Romans came to power here around the 3rd century BC. During this era, the importance of the city increased significantly. The importance of Seville in the political life of the Roman Empire is evidenced by the fact that the Roman emperors Marcus Ulpius NervaTraianus and Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus were born there. Both of these emperors belong to the so-called "Five Good Emperors of Rome", whose reign was characterized by stability and lack of repression, and the Roman Empire itself reached its highest peak. When the Roman Empire collapsed, the Visigoths made Seville their capital.

Seville during the era of Muslim rule

The Muslims captured Seville in 712, giving it the status of the main city of the province of Ishbilya (إشبيلية). In fact, the modern name of the city itself comes from this Arabic name. The year 844 was tragic for the city, which was captured and almost completely destroyed by the Normans.

During the period of Muslim rule, the city became increasingly inferior in political and economic importance to the capital of the Cordoba Caliphate, Cordoba. After the caliphate ceased to exist, the Abbasid dynasty gained power over the city. True, she did not last long in power; already in 1090 the city was captured by Berbers who arrived from North Africa.

Seville after the Reconquista

The next important page in the history of Seville began after the completion of the Reconquista and the recapture of the city by Catholics in 1248. The siege lasted for 16 months, and the victory turned out to be an extremely significant event for the then monarch Ferdinand III. Christians appreciated the advantageous geographical position of the city and built a shipyard and port in the city, which subsequently had a very important influence on the history of the city.

The main turning point in the history of the city was the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. It was in Seville, in the royal castle of Alcazar, that the department responsible for equipping and planning expeditions to the New World, as well as for organizing political life in the new colonies, was located. It was here that the “golden streams” from America flocked, and the gold and silver of the New World made the city fabulously rich, which, of course, manifested itself in its architecture, as well as in the increase in its political importance. Spanish monarchs increasingly began to spend time in this city.

But even after trade with the colonies lost some of its importance over time, Seville continued to play a vital role in the history of Spain. For example, during the capture of Spain by Bonaparte's French troops, this city became the main city of the Spanish resistance.

Seville in modern history

The city also played an important role during the Civil War. On July 18, 1936, an anti-republican coup took place in the city, led by the famous General Gonzalo Queipo de Llano (Spanish: Gonzalo Queipo de Llano). Seville becomes one of the first cities to come under Nationalist control.

Today Seville is one of the most visited cities in Spain, the city plays a central role in the economy, politics and culture of the autonomous community of Andalusia, being its capital.

Attractions

Of course, a city with such a rich history, which played an important role throughout almost the entire history of Spain, starting from the times of the Roman Empire, has a rich architectural heritage, which is extremely difficult to describe in one article. Therefore, we will try to concentrate on the most important and interesting sights of Seville.

  • Cathedral of Maria de la Sede (Spanish: Catedral de Santa María de la Sede). This grandiose structure is considered not only a symbol of the city, Andalusia and Spain, but even one of the symbols of the Catholic world as a whole. In a record time for that time (about 100 years), one of the largest Catholic churches in the world in terms of cubic capacity was erected in Seville.
  • Giralda (Spanish: Giralda). The 114-meter-high minaret, left over from the times of the mosque, was rebuilt into a Catholic bell tower and is now considered a symbol of the city. The Giralda, combining elements of Christian and Arabic architecture and rising above the city roofs, gives the entire city a special charm.
  • Palace - Alcázares fortress (Spanish: Reales Alcázares de Sevilla). A majestic castle that has been the residence of local rulers since the Roman era. The castle was then completely rebuilt by the Muslims who settled there, and later by the Spanish monarch Pedro I, who thoroughly reconstructed it in the Mudejar style.
  • Archbishop's Palace.
  • Plaza de España. Plaza de España is made in the shape of a semicircle, amazes with its architectural elegance and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The building that frames the square is the government building of Andalusia. The lower tier of the balustrade is lined with stunning ceramic panels telling the history of Spain.
  • Maria Luisa Park (Spanish: Parque de María Luisa)- a favorite vacation spot for townspeople. The park is richly decorated with architectural elements in the Art Deco style, and in its dense greenery local residents find shelter from the scorching sun.
  • Golden Tower (Spanish: Torre del Oro), built in the 13th century and so named because it was here that treasures from the countries of colonial America were brought.
  • Archive of the Indias (Spanish: Archivo General de Indias). An archive that contains many interesting documents, manuscripts, and maps related to the life of Columbus and his travels to the New World. The Archive building and its exhibits are classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Humanity.
  • Archaeological Museum (Spanish: Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla), located in the Plaza América on the edge of the Maria Luisa Park, contains a rich collection of artifacts from the Tartessian and Roman periods.
  • Old tobacco factory (Spanish: Antigua de Tabacos). Currently, the factory buildings house the faculties of the University of Seville.
  • Pilate's House (Spanish: Casa de Pilatos) is one of the most beautiful palaces in the city.
  • Hospital of Mercy (Spanish: Hospital de la Santa Caridad) is a historical building inextricably linked with the name of Don Juan.
  • The Iglesia del Segrario is one of the city's most beautiful churches, built in the 17th century.
  • District of Santa Cruz (Spanish: Santa Crus). Perhaps the most romantic area of ​​the city: snow-white houses, narrow streets, well-kept patios, old mansions are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.
  • Guadalquivir River (Spanish: Guadalquivir). Of course, we cannot ignore the river, which played such an important role in the history of the city, because it was along it that gold was delivered to Seville from the New World. Now you can take a romantic boat trip along Guadalquivir and visit the maritime museum in the Golden Tower
  • Triana area. The area can be called a direct contrast to Santa Cruz. The houses here are located randomly, the streets are noisy, and the low voices of flamenco singers can be heard. Here you can find corrals - quite large houses in which people used to live as in communes.
  • Museum of Fine Arts. Founded in 1835, the Museum of Fine Arts has a rich collection of works by both Spanish and foreign artists and is considered one of the best art galleries in Europe.
  • Roman Italica (Spanish: Italica). Not far from Seville are the remains of the ancient Roman city of Santiponce. History was once made in this place, and such great personalities as the Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born.

Events in Seville

Seville is famous not only for its architecture, but also for its holiday traditions. Many holidays take place here, each of which demonstrates the townspeople’s inherent love for holidays, music and dancing. Among all the holidays in the city, the April Fair and Holy Week occupy a special place:

  • April Fair

One of the most fun and wild holidays in Andalusia. For a whole week the city is in an atmosphere of unbridled fun, traditional Andalusian tunes are heard in the air, dancing takes place everywhere, locals wear colorful, traditional costumes, and wine flows like a river. Initially, this holiday was associated exclusively with the fair taking place in the city, which is why it received such a name.

  • Holy Week

This is one of the most important religious holidays not only in Andalusia, but throughout Spain. Religious processions carried out by people in cone-shaped hoods, with stretchers in their arms, repenting of their sins are known far beyond the borders of Spain. The gloomy images of the Passion of Christ depicted on a stretcher and the processions of tragic people in hoods contrast with the dancing and fun that takes place throughout the city.

Seville. Plaza de España. SEVILLE, a city in Spain, on the Guadalquivir River. 659 thousand inhabitants. Port (accessible to sea vessels); international Airport. Mechanical engineering, large food processing, textile, chemical and petrochemical industries... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

City in southern Spain, adm. c. auto region Andalusia. Founded by the Phoenicians as a colony of Sephela (lowland, plain), the Greeks adopted the name as Ispola, the Romans Hispolis, from the Greek. Arabic forms Ishbilya... Geographical encyclopedia

- (Seville), a city in southern Spain, on the river. Guadalquivir; center of the historical region of Andalusia. In ancient times, one of the centers of the Iberians. From the 3rd century. conquered by the Romans. In the old part of Seville there is a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, to the west and southeast... ... Art encyclopedia

Exist., number of synonyms: 2 city (2765) team (163) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Synonym dictionary

- (Sevilla) Ch. the city of the Spanish province of the same name, the largest in space and the fourth city in Spain in terms of population, on the left bank of the Guadalquivir, 85 km. from its mouth, in the suburb of Triana on the right bank, in a fertile and... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

Seville- ■ She became famous for her barber... Lexicon of common truths

- (Sevilla), a city in the south of Spain, a port on the river. Guadalquivir (accessible by sea), capital of the province of Seville and the autonomous region of Andalusia. 714 thousand inhabitants (1994). International Airport. Mechanical engineering, chemical and... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Sevilla) a city in southern Spain, the center of the province of Seville and the historical region of Andalusia. Located on a navigable river. Guadalquivir, 87 km from the Atlantic coast, in the center of the Andalusian lowland, 548 thousand inhabitants (1970,... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

- (Sevilla) city in Andalusia (Spain), adm. c. province of the same name 531.6 t. (1965). Port on the river Guadalquivir, available for marine vessels, ind. center. In ancient times, S. (Hispalis) was the center of the Iberian tribe of the Turdetans. Under Caesar, S. became Rome... ... Soviet historical encyclopedia

Seville- city in southern Spain, adm. c. auto region Andalusia. Founded by the Phoenicians as a colony of Sephela (lowland, plain), the Greeks adopted the name as Ispola, the Romans Hispolis, from the Greek. Arabic forms Ishbilya (IJbilija) and modern. Spanish Seville.... ... Toponymic dictionary

Books

  • Seville, Massenet Jules. Reprint sheet music edition of Massenet, Jules`Sevillana`. Genres: Melodies; Songs; For voice, piano; For voices with keyboard; Scores featuring the voice; Scores featuring the piano; French...

Perhaps the most famous city in Spain is Seville. Carmen, Don Juan and flamenco are strongly associated with this place. Seville remains as beautiful as it was in the Middle Ages. The city is drowning in a green haze of orange trees and palm trees. Seville (Spain) is rich in architectural and artistic attractions. We offer a brief excursion into the history of the most famous place in the country and a guide to its interesting corners.

In Spain, Seville belongs to Andalusia, which is famous for its beautiful cities with a rich history. A variety of cultural traditions easily coexist in such a small area. The very air here is saturated with art: over centuries, people have created a unique eclectic culture here, which has left a deep mark on world artistic history.

According to legend, Seville was founded by Hercules himself. Along the banks of the Guadalquivir River is a large and beautiful city. It’s easy to believe this if you at least once visit a place that has become synonymous with passion, beauty and ardor. They say that visiting Spain, Seville in particular, brings even the most desperate pessimists back to life.

In this wonderful Spanish city, the most passionate dance on the planet - flamenco - was born. Life is wild and boils in the blood of the indigenous Spaniards, which is why the city does not sleep to this day in the evening and at night.

Everyone here believes in the legend of Hercules, without exception. But we can name other important events in the official history of the city of Seville. Thus, it is believed that the city was founded by the Iberian tribe, and then captured by the Phoenicians. This was in the third century BC. Seville then came under the banner of the Roman Empire.

The best people of antiquity were born here. Emperor Marcus Aurelius ruled wisely, leaving behind an excellent literary heritage. In the eighth century, Spain was conquered by the Arabs, who occupied the territory for five hundred years. In 1248, the city of Seville was recaptured by the Spaniards, who gave it the site of a shipyard. From this moment rapid positive development begins.

Seville in the 15th century became a property of world significance because the New World, hitherto unknown to Europeans, was discovered. Spain became the key to exploring new territories that became colonies of especially developed countries.

By Russian standards, the city of Seville is not very large; about 700 thousand people live there. It is the fourth largest city in Spain. Madrid takes first place. Another interesting fact is that Seville has the largest historical quarter in all of Europe, covering a vast area of ​​more than 335 hectares.

The cultural significance of Seville is difficult to exaggerate. Every year the city attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. They flock to the Cathedral, view the Alcazar Palace, visit the interesting Archive of the Indians and are amazed at the indescribable beauty of the Golden Tower. The city has managed to preserve most of the buildings in their original form, although Seville's rich history is full of destruction.

Many architectural objects were included in the UNESCO heritage list at the end of the last century. Among the museums, art historians especially highlight the Museum of Fine Arts, which preserves echoes of the fruitful Renaissance.

The city is well developed. Its only river port is located 80 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The Guadalquivir River, on which the famous Spanish city stands, is not very large, but small ships still sail along it. The sizes of boats are strictly limited and are indicated in navigation charts. The spectacle of rafting at sunset is mesmerizing.

Among other infrastructure, the Spaniards well developed railway communications and aeronautics. The aviation industry is developing here, and military affairs is not lagging behind. The government also does not forget about the architectural appearance of the city: the implementation of several interesting projects has recently been completed, the fruits of which you can see with your own eyes.

Educational activities in Seville are well developed and one of the largest universities in the country is located here. Students go on exchange programs to Europe. Education is provided at the highest level, the government makes sure that graduates get good places. Work in Seville can be very interesting. Largely because it is an ancient city with many museums. Here it is possible to realize yourself and your talents on any path.

The first thing tourists notice in Seville, Spain, are the sights created by nature itself. Firstly, these are the parks that literally fill the city. You can hide in them from the routine and constant bustle of the big city. Central Park Marie Louise, the largest recreational area, covers an area of ​​400 thousand square meters. meters.

Another attractive park is Parque de los Principes, which was founded in 1973. The government specifically identified a location for the green zone, which has not yet been developed, unlike most of the city. Palm trees and jacarandas alternate with ponds and benches for vacationers.

The city of Seville has a rich history. It has been under Muslim rule for five centuries. This left its mark on the appearance of the city. The Giralda Minaret is even a symbol of the city. Its height is 97 meters, and now an observation deck is open to everyone. Tourists can freely move around the hundred-meter fortification, looking for the best angles for photographs and absorbing impressions that stay with them forever.

In Seville, Spain, the attractions are very diverse. Sometimes it seems that a little bit of different cultures and eras has gathered here. Thus, tourists and locals flock to the Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz to try the local tapas. This dish was invented in Seville. Ferdinand III allowed Jews to settle here.

The city of Seville is crowded with tourists during the summer season. There are especially many of them on Calle Mateos Gago. Nearby is the Plaza de Doña Elvira, at number 6 where Don Juan's lover once lived. The Spaniards made a restaurant on the ground floor of the house serving local cuisine. Legends about the devourer of women's hearts are extremely common in Spain. Seville sincerely believes in the existence of the character, local residents even claim that Don Juan was born in a certain house, indicate which one, and do not doubt for a minute the reality of the hero’s life.

Seville, the heart of Spain, has many attractions. Tourists are very fond of the House of Pilate in Santa Cruz, a masterpiece of Magyar architecture from the 16th century. The magnificent courtyard garden at the back of the house is truly impressive. In Spain, all kinds of greenery, trees, and beautiful plants grow well, so almost all corners, even in the city center, are full of greenery. The urban landscape beautification program is working well here.

The gardens located near his grave are named after the Spanish artist Murillo. The best way to spend time in the Santa Cruz neighborhood is to stroll quietly and look at the local buildings. You can easily get lost without fear of ending up in the slums, because there is nothing like this in the historical center of the city. We present to your attention ancient stone, architecture, frozen history, made by the hands of the best masters of the Renaissance. It is also easy to find more ancient monuments literally in a random courtyard. Seville residents are accustomed to preserving their historical and cultural heritage, so the courtyards are well-groomed and beautiful, and acts of vandalism are practically unnoticeable, especially in the historical center.

A must see in Spain is Seville's El Cento, or old town. All the main attractions and interesting places are concentrated here. In El Cento you will find cozy medieval-style courtyards, modern restaurants with a varied menu, and beautiful ancient buildings. By the way, here you will find the most famous tapa in Spain. The secret to making flavorful ham lies in the pigs' special feed. They are given only acorns.

Many consider the Cathedral to be the main attraction of Seville. This is a truly beautiful building with a height of 117 meters. It went down in history as the third largest church in the world. The remains of Columbus are buried on the territory of the Cathedral, because it was from here that he began his voyage to the shores of India.

From the Moorish era, the city remains the magnificent Alcazar Palace, which proudly towers over the city. The palace was restored several times by different owners, decorating it to their own taste. It is now an administrative office that houses the Seville city government.

The Golden Tower is another interesting landmark in Spain. It was also built by the Arabs in the 13th century. The tall tower of an unusual shape is one of the main decorations of the city. Available for visiting and viewing the architectural features from the inside.

Not far from the spectacular tower there is a bullring. The famous Spanish bullfights take place at Plaza Toros Maestranza, built in 1863. This is the most important bullfighting venue in all of Spain. The site can accommodate 18,000 people. Bloody and exciting battles take place here quite often and are broadcast on television to the whole world.

The most fashionable quarter of the city is located on Tetouan Street. Here you can stop for shopping, devote your time to purchasing branded clothing from European manufacturers and buy some souvenirs for your family and friends.

You need to visit Seville at least once to get a taste of life, enjoy fiery sunsets and sleepless, cheerful nights, and see with your own eyes the synthesis of a wide variety of cultures that still live in peace with each other.

Seville itself is good because it provides rest for the soul. The atmosphere of a stormy and happy life literally hangs in the air. Impressions from visiting Seville remain in the hearts of travelers for a long time. Join the ranks of the lucky ones who have visited Italy.

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Seville, a famous city in the south of Spain that experiences intense heat in summer, can be proud of its popularity among travelers. There are three main attractions here - the Giralda Tower, the Cathedral and the Alcazar Fortress. The whole world knows the names of famous literary characters: Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. Two major festivals take place here on an incredible scale: the Holy Week of Semana Santa and the April Feria, which lasts a week at the end of the month.

Food, drink and entertainment in Seville

It's a wonderfully quirky town, full of bustling bars and restaurants, but it can also be expensive, especially in the Barrio de Santa Cruz. There are several good restaurants on Calle de Mateus Gago, notably Cerveceria Giralda (Mateus Gago), La Sacristia and Cafe Bar Carpanario. Other establishments in the center are located on the streets in the Plaza Nueva area. Delicious breakfasts for a few euros and good lunches later can be had at the characteristic Casa la Vidan on Calle Albareda. A fixed menu priced at 5 euros is available at Bar Laredo in Plaza de San Francisco.

Good place Altamira, Plaza de Santa Maria La Blanca 4. A good Cuban vegetarian restaurant, Habanita, is located on Calle de Golfo in the Alfalfa area. You can simply have a drink and a snack in all the city bars - many of them (where you can drink sherry) are located in the Jerez and Sanlucar areas (locals drink cold, dry fino). One of the best places in the center of Santa Cruz, the very lively Las Teresas on Santa Teresa 2, attracts visitors to Bodega Santa on Rodrigo Sago with its selection of tapas. But probably the best dive bar in the city is Modesto on Cano at Cuento 5, in the northern corner of the block near Avda Menendez Pelavo.

It's also worth visiting the less expensive and innocuous-looking Bodeguita at Arfe 5 south of Plaza Nueva. Patio de San Eloy at San Eloy 9 and Bar de Pepe Hillo at Adriano 24 are also excellent bars. The Alfalfa district, just north of the cathedral, is filled with loud music in the evenings from local bars: Bat Nao and Sopa de Ganso, Perez are worth checking out Galdos. Another entertainment area popular with many foreign students is located across the river on Betis.

Flamenco music and dancing (in the style of Sevillanas) is offered in many establishments (some of them quite expensive and tasteless). Excellent places are La Carboneria at Levias 18 and Bar Casa Anselma at Pages del Corro 49. An alternative is the regular performances at the museum in the center of the old town of Casa de la Memoria del Andalus at Ximenez de Enciso 28, where their goal is to preserve the traditional flamenco style.

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Seville is proud of luxury and glory, The features of the past are beautiful in it

Seville is proud of luxury and glory, The features of the past are beautiful in it...
(Byron. Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.)

Perhaps the most famous city in Spain is Seville. Seville is located along the banks of the Guadalquivir River in southern Spain, in Andalusia, which is famous for its beautiful cities with a rich history. BUT it is Seville that is called the pearl or even the heart of Andalusia.

According to legend, Seville was founded by Hercules himself. Everyone here believes in the legend of Hercules, without exception. In addition to Hercules, contenders for the title of founding fathers are the Iberian tribe. Over the centuries-old history of Seville, whoever ruled here was the Phoenicians (III century BC), the Romans, in the person of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
In the eighth century, Spain was conquered by the Arabs, who occupied the territory for five hundred years.
After the collapse of the Cordoba Caliphate, the Taifa dynasty strengthened in Seville, under which the city reached its peak. In 1091, Seville was conquered by the Berbers. On November 22, 1248, the troops of Ferdinand III of Castile, after a month and a half siege, took Seville, which has since remained in the hands of the Christian Spaniards. It was given the place of a shipyard.
In 1503, Seville was granted a monopoly on trade with the West Indies discovered by Columbus. A Spanish proverb of the time said: “Whoever has not seen Seville has not seen a miracle” (Quien no ha visto Sevilla no ha visto maravilla).

By Russian standards, the city of Seville is small, about 700 thousand people. Seville has the largest historical quarter in all of Europe, covering a vast area of ​​more than 335 hectares.
A variety of cultural traditions easily coexist in such a small area.

The very air here is saturated with art: over centuries, people have created a unique culture here, which has left a deep mark on world artistic history. Carmen, Don Giovanni and of course the Barber of Seville Figaro are associated with this place. Life is wild and boiling in the Spanish blood; the most passionate dance on the planet - flamenco - was born in Seville.

Seville - turret
in a jagged crown.

Seville hurts.
Cordova buries.

Seville catches the slow rhythms
and, crushing on stone edges,
they twist like labyrinths,
like vines on a fire.

Seville hurts.

Its plain, ringing from the heat,
like a bowstring taut, groans
under the ever-flying arrow
Guadalquivira.

Cordova buries.

She mixed, drunk from the distance,
in the patterned bowl of each fountain
honey of Dionysus,
bitterness of Don Juan.

Seville hurts.
This wound is eternal.

Fcderico Garcia Lorca


Joaquín Domínguez Bécquer The Seville

Having become synonymous with passion, beauty and ardor, Seville remains as beautiful as it was in the Middle Ages. The city is beautiful, it is drowned in a green haze of orange trees and palm trees. Seville (Spain) is rich in architectural and artistic attractions.

Golden Tower
(Spanish: Torre del Oro, “golden tower”) is a landmark of Seville on the Guadalquivir waterfront.


Francois Antoine Bossuet, painting "The Golden Tower, Seville.

The tower was part of the fortifications of Seville; powerful walls led from Torre del Oro to the Alcazar (the walls have not survived to this day). The shape of the tower was two dodecahedrons placed on top of each other. The shape of the tower in the form of a polyhedron was not original for the architecture of the 13th century - this type of tower came from Byzantium and was already found in the architecture of the Cordoba Caliphate. The tower remained two-tiered until the 18th century, when the third tier was completed - a cylindrical lantern with a dome (which did not fit well into the overall appearance of the tower). The tower was severely damaged during the powerful Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

The origin of the name of this tower is a matter of debate. Some claim that the name came from the golden color of the tiles covering it, while others claim that it contained gold brought from the New World. In wartime, a chain was attached to one end of it, blocking the river. The other end of the chain was attached to an unpreserved tower on the other side of the river. In the 20th century in this twelve-sided tower of the 13th century. with loopholes there is a small Maritime Museum.

Cathedral in Seville.
Seville Cathedral (Spanish: Catedral de Sevilla) or Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede is the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe.


Francois Antoine Bossuet.

The cathedral was built in 1401-1519 on the site of a former mosque left after the Reconquista. The cathedral consists of five side chapels, a large main chapel with a flaming vault, rising 56 m above the transept (transverse nave). The Chapter in 1401 decided to “build a church so good that it could never be surpassed. Let posterity admire it after its completion and say that those who dared to conceive this work were crazy.”


Replica of the Giralda Tower weather vane

In the dark shadows of the cathedral, many relics and treasures are kept, including paintings by Murillo, Velazquez, de Zurbaran and Goya. It is said that the cross of the cathedral is made of the first gold brought by Columbus from America, and the remains of the navigator are buried in the cathedral, i.e. this is where it is locatedChristopher Columbus's grave.


The lead tomb of Columbus was transported from Seville to the Cathedral of Santo Domingo in 1544. It is believed that in 1795 his remains were transferred to Havana, and a hundred years later - from Havana to Seville. But somewhere along the way, everything got mixed up, and it is now generally accepted that the remains in the Seville Cathedral belong to Columbus’s son, Diego.


Nearby is the so-called Giralda - a 114-meter-high bell tower with rich patterns and ornaments, housing 22 harmoniously tuned bells. It was built as a minaret in 1196 by Abu Yusuf Yaqub, its height was 82 meters. A 32-meter superstructure was added in 1568.


Alcazar of Seville


The Royal Alcazar in Seville was originally a Moorish fort and was expanded several times. The first palace was built by the Almohad dynasty. Most of the modern complex was built on the ruins of an Arab fortress by King Pedro I of Castile; construction began in 1364. The palace is one of the best surviving examples of Mudejar architecture. Added later (during the reign of Charles V), Gothic elements contrast with the dominant Islamic style.


For almost 700 years it was the palace of the Spanish kings. The upper chambers of the Alcazar are still used by the royal family as their official residence in Seville.


Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (SPANISH, 1863-1923)
PALACIO DE CARLOS V, ALCAZAR DE SEVILLA

In size, the Alcazar of Seville is inferior to the Alhambra ensemble in Granada. The intricate floors, ceilings and walls are masterpieces.
The Maiden's Patio (Patio de las Doncellas) is famous for its friezes, tiles and stucco. The overall feeling of an elegant summer retreat is complemented by beautifully trimmed gardens with fragrant roses and orange trees along the avenues.



Manuel Garcia y Rodriguez (1863-1925)


Manuel Garcia y Rodriguez (1863-1925)


Raymundo de Madrazo y Garrett


Manuel Garcia y Rodriguez (1863-1925)

City Hall


City Hall, former Royal Tobacco Factory. The building is from the 18th century and now houses the rector's office of the University of Seville and several faculties. It was here that the beautiful Carmen, the heroine of Prosper Merimee’s novel, once worked.

Semicircular Plaza of Spain


The mosaic paintings are dedicated to individual provinces - kingdoms of Spain


Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla)

The Museum of Fine Arts has one of the richest collections of Spanish culture. The museum building dates back to the 17th century. Previously, it housed the ancient monastery of La Merced.
This building became a repository for art in 1839, and the original building is beautiful
Gothic halls and alternating courtyards created back in the 13th century have been preserved


The ancient part of the city (Casco Antiguo) consists of a labyrinth of narrow streets. Of the large squares, it is worth noting the Square of St. Francis, Constitution Square, Ducal Square, Resurrection Square and Museum Square. One of the most popular streets is the serpentine Calle do Sierpes. Among the houses there are villas, built mainly in the ancient Roman style, and with courtyards paved with marble. In addition, oriental architecture is common: many houses have flat roofs and a maximum of two floors. The right bank district of Triana has been connected to the rest of the city by a steel bridge since 1848. There are many public fountains in Seville, most of which are supplied by the famous Canos de Carmona viaduct, built in the time of Julius Caesar.

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