Only 24 hours in Seville, Spain!

Seville, the capital of Andalusia in southern Spain, is a city that truly captures the spirit and essence of Spain. Known for its rich history, culture, and beautiful architecture, but we only had 24 hours before we needed to head to the airport for our flight to Morocco. Come along as I see all that I can on an overnight stop in Seville.

Seville has a rich and diverse history, spanning thousands of years. The city was founded by the Romans in the 1st century CE, and has been ruled by the Visigoths, Moors, and Christians over the centuries. The city played a crucial role in the discovery of the New World, as Christopher Columbus received funding from the Spanish monarchy in Seville for his famous voyage.

The culture of Seville is a blend of different traditions, including Moorish, Jewish, and Christian influences. The city is famous for its flamenco music and dance, which originated in the Andalusian region. Seville is also known for its traditional bullfighting, which takes place in the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza.

Unique Events

Seville is home to many unique events and traditions that attract tourists from all over the world. One of the most famous events is the Semana Santa, or Holy Week, which takes place in the week leading up to Easter. During this week, the city comes alive with processions and ceremonies, featuring elaborate floats, religious statues, and traditional costumes.

Another unique event is the Feria de Abril, or April Fair, which takes place two weeks after Holy Week. The fair is a week-long celebration of local culture, featuring flamenco music and dance, traditional costumes, and plenty of food and drink. The fair takes place in a large fairground, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from bullfighting to carnival rides. We missed these events but if you are considering visiting Seville during this time, be aware that hotels and events are booked often up to a year in advance, and prices are at their highest.

Tourist Sites

Seville is home to many beautiful and historic tourist sites, ranging from grand palaces to stunning cathedrals.

Real Alcazar

One of the most popular sites is the Real Alcázar, a Moorish palace that was built in the 14th century. The palace features beautiful gardens, intricate tilework, and grand halls, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Spanish history and architecture. Check out my post on the palace here.

Catedral de Sevilla

The Cathedral of Seville, also known as the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seville. This stunning cathedral was constructed in the 15th century and is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. The cathedral is home to many significant features and artworks, including the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda bell tower.

Columbus' tomb is located in the north transept of the cathedral and is a stunning masterpiece of funerary art. The tomb was designed by Arturo Mélida and features four figures representing the kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Aragon, and Navarra. Visitors to the cathedral can pay their respects to Columbus and learn about his contributions to the history of Seville and Spain.

Another significant feature of the Cathedral of Seville is the Giralda bell tower. The tower was originally built as a minaret for a mosque that stood on the site before the cathedral was constructed. Today, the tower stands as a symbol of Seville and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy stunning views of Seville and the surrounding area.

To plan a visit to the Cathedral of Seville, tourists can purchase tickets in advance from the official website. The cathedral is open daily, with different hours of operation depending on the season. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral to learn more about its history and significance.