Holiday Seville

Seville is located on the southeast coast of Andalucian Spain sharing borders with Cordoba, Huelva, Cadiz and Malaga.

Folklore has it that Seville was founded by Hercules himself and being such a visually romantic place this myth could be easily believed. As with all of Andalucia, its history is one of the richest of all European Cities, having links with the Tartessians, the Romans and of course the Moors. Seville is also the administrative capital of Andalucia.

Museums and History

The Romans held rule over Seville for six centuries and many Roman artefacts can be found on display at Seville’s archaeological Museum. One of the greatest Museums in Spain; with bronze, stone, and iron age artefacts it also has a fine display of 6th century jewellery wich was discovered in 1958 by labourers digging on a new construction site. It has many Oriental exhibits all set out in this 1929 neo renaissance building designed by Anibal Gonzalez, it is located in the Plaza de Americas surrounded by the semi tropical Maria Luisa Park.

Being the great city it is, Seville is home to many galleries and museums.

The Museum of Art and Popular Costume is worth a visit; steeped in the history of Seville with many crafts on display featuring leather work and, with Seville being famous for its tiles there is also a ceramic workshop display. Amongst its fascinating collections are an exhibition space of 19th century costumes.

Another Museum is the Museo de Bellas artes which has yet more works by Spain’s most successful artists.

Art and Architecture in Andalucia

Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporeneo, this wonderful building dates back to around 1612 and was once used as a convent designed by the architect Juan de Oviedo.

It is home to some impressive works of art and sculpture with some paintings dating back to the medieval period. Artists featured are Juan de Valdes Leal (1622-1690), Bartolome and Francisco de Zurbaran to name but a few.

Barrio Santa cruz is a great day out with its beautiful andalucian white washed houses and pleasant atmospheric charm home to many impressive monuments.

Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife

All under one heading because refreshments , relaxation and celebration all go together in Seville.

The perfect place for an evening drink is down by the cool of the river; try around Alfalfa, or for the younger crowd Alameda. There is something for all tastes, a quiet drink or an all night rave.

Nightlife, (la Marcha) is a serious business in Seville, start with a beer at a Copa bar, head down to the terrazas by the river. A great variety of venues is on offer, from Irish pubs to Moroccan Tea Rooms or the midnight street parties. Clubs stay open through till morning.

The speciality of course is flamenco and you’ll see the most authentic exhibitions in the local bars; the tabloa.

Shopping

The main Shopping area is the Calle Sieres and the surrounding streets. Shopping here is a major attraction, plenty for the tourist looking for souvenirs, flamenco, bullfighting. Lots also for the more discerning shopper looking for craft wares, art and antiques.

Try the ceramics market in triana, the old Gypsy quarter, or the Thusday Antiques market in Feria Street.

The streets around La Campana not only have an historic beauty of their own but are home to many of the more traditional stores dealing in Flamenco, guitars, fans and all things Spanish.