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Seville or Sevilla is a port city and a hub of commerce and tourism in Spain. Settlements on the present-day site of Seville date back to 207 B.C. Seville has a long history and was the center of the Western Roman Empire for over 700 years. The Iberian Peninsula was occupied by the Moors between 711 A.D. and 1248 A.D. Traces of their culture and influence still remain in these lands. There are many Islamic monuments in the city to this day, among which is the former Muslim palace, the Alcazar of Seville.

Seville flourished culturally and artistically in the 1600s. Among the artists working in the city were Velázquez, Murillo and Valdés Leal, who created many of their finest works here. Looking at its most recent history, Seville hosted the Latin American Exhibition in 1929 and the international Expo 92. It is also believed that tapas were invented here.

Some of the monuments in Seville can be entered at no cost on special days, so this is something you should check into if you have decided to visit the city. There are also special prices for students and/ or citizens of EU member states.

Plaza de España is one of the most extravagant and interesting plazas in Seville. Built for the Iberoamerican Exhibition in 1929, it is a beautiful sight. The tiled paintings adoring the plaza are of particular interest. This place is interesting by day, but it is downright fascinating at night. You can take some remarkable photos because the fountain and building on the square are all lit up. The lights go off at around 10:30. To get there, take the main road to the square – the park is a bit dangerous. You will find the plaza next to El Parque Maria Luisa, south of the main road.

The Ayuntamiento or Seville’s Town Hall is an exquisite building which has two different facades. The Plaza San Francisco side is built in the Renaissance style, while the Plaza Nueva is typical for the neo-classical period. The renaissance-style façade is unfinished because its architect died during the construction process. The Town Hall is found between plazas San Francisco and Nueva.

There is a small, private funeral chapel in Iglesia Salvador, which dates back to early medieval times. It was found near the patio and features Islamic and Gothic styles. It is currently undergoing restoration.

On Sundays, there is a weekly exhibit of the works of local artists at the market in Plaza del Museo, which is close to the Museum of Fine Arts. You can find all sorts of works in a range of prices and styles.

There are some Roman ruins on the outskirts of the city as well, which are one of a kind in that nothing was built over them. Seville was also where the Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born and raised.

Seville is the place to get a Cuban cigar as well. All varieties are available, and they are pretty cheap and can be found just about everywhere. And if culinary tourism is right up your alley, visit a local food market – among the options are Encarnacion, Arenal, Triana, and Calle Feria. There are all kinds of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Some of the local dishes are absolutely unique. Triana is the newest market.




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