Continuing Thrifty Traveller’s two-day visit to Seville, the capital of the Spanish region and province of Andalusia. The writer was only able to scratch the surface of this impressive city, but these few snapshots – in addition to the ones yesterday – should give you an idea of its rich culture and flavour.
The Torre del Oro was built around 1220 by the Almohad Caliphate (the Moors) to control access to Seville via the Guadalquivir River. A heavy chain was once slung between it and another tower – since demolished – on the opposite bank to block the river.
There are lovely buildings wherever you look in central Seville, including the above-featured Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace), situated just behind the cathedral, as well as the Portuguese Consulate.
Then there’s the Hotel Alfonso XIII, which was built for the 1929 Exhibition to accommodate international visitors.
Since the 1950s, the University of Seville’s headquarters have been housed in a neoclassical, 18th-century stone building that was originally a tobacco factory, the Fabrica Real de Tabacos.
Casa de Pilatos was begun in 1483 and is a mixture of Italian Renaissance and Mudéjar styles. It contains one of the world’s largest collections of azulejo glazed tiles.
The Macarena district was once one of the poorer slums in Spain but has since been smartened up somewhat. Today, it is a popular spot for tapas, small bars, and quirky shops.
The district surrounds the Basilica de la Macarena, where a virgin statue of La Macarena de la Esperanza is displayed. The statue is adorned with five emeralds donated by the bullfighter Joselito, who has his own statue outside the church.
Finally, the Metropol Parasol, referred to by locals as Las Setas, is a striking modern structure said to be the largest timber-framed construction in the world. It sits, rather jarringly, in the heart of the old city.
You can take a lift to the top and admire the view from an elevated walkway, while skateboarders clatter around below.
Thus concludes the tour around Seville – next stop, Cordoba!
This article first appeared in Thrifty Traveller.