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book a Spanish Course in Seville
Seville, capital of Andalucia, is a beautiful
city with a real 'feel good' atmosphere. The old town is a representation
of true Spain, and it is easy to find yourself lost in the small
streets and plazas. It is an enchanting city where you will
find yourself immersed in a truly Spanish atmosphere.
History
Under the Romans Seville was a busy port
town, but was always overshadowed by Cordoba. Even when the
Muslims arrived and called it Ishbiliya, it was still regarded
as less important. However, after the collapse of the Cordoba
Caliphate in 1031, the town became the most powerful of the
small taifa states into which Al-Andalus broke up. By 1078 it
had become the largest town in the area, stretching from the
Algarve to Murcia.
In 1248 Castilla's Fernando III El Santo
(the Saint) captured the city after a 2-year siege. He brought
in 24,000 Castilian settlers and by the 14th century Seville
was regarded as the most important Castilian City. With the
discovery of the Americas in 1492, the city became one of the
richest and most cosmopolitan in Europe. It was given a monopoly
on Spanish trade with the new continent and by 1600 its population
leapt to 150,000.
Following 2 plagues in 1649 and 1800, and
the loss of much of the new American trade to Cadiz, Seville's
fortunes changed and the city was left in decline. The population
dropped to 60,000. Fortunately prosperity returned in the 19th
century with industrialisation and in 1929 Seville hosted its
first great international trade fair. The civil war of the 1930s
and urban development in the 1950s only slightly helped the
city regain its lost grandeur. It was not until the city was
chosen to host the 1992 Expo world fair, on the 500th anniversary
of the discovery of America, that the city experienced a huge
lift internationally.
Climate
In general you can rely on pleasant or hot
temperatures just about everywhere from April to early November.
The temperatures normally range from 15°C to 35°C. In
Andalucia there are plenty of warm, sunny days right through
winter. However, in July and August, temperature inland can
get unpleasant, unless you are high enough in the mountains.
Five
day weather forecast
City Sights
Catedral & Giralda
Seville's immense cathedral stands on the site of the main Almohad
mosque. Dominating the centre of the city, 160 metres wide and
140 metres long, only St Peter's in Rome and St Paul's in London
are larger. The gothic style building was completed in 1507.
From the outside, despite its size it appears to be just another
bulky historical building. However, once you step through the
door the treasures start to unfold. In contrast, La Giralda,
with a tower on its east side, is much more impressive from
the outside. Standing at over 90ms high, it was built between
1184 and 1195, almost entirely of brick. The patterned decoration
and colours change with the light and are something to look
out for.
Both the tower and the cathedral are open from Monday to Saturday
from 11am to 6pm, and on Sunday from 2 to 5pm.
Alcazar
Built originally in the 10th century for Seville's Muslim rulers,
the Alcazar (fortress) is rather more of a palace than a fortress.
It has been changed, adapted and enlarged throughout history
and is a truly fascinating place to visit.
It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5pm (June to
September from 10am to 1.30pm and 5 to 7pm), and on Sunday and
public holidays from 10am to 1pm.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Seville's medieval Judaic or Jewish quarter, situated just to
the east of the cathedral, is a fascinating tangle of quaint,
winding streets and lovely plant decked plazas. It's well worth
exploring and is definitely a highlight of any stay in Seville.
The barrio's best plaza is Plaza de Santa Cruz.
Day Trips
Granada
Famous for La Alhambra, this beautiful Moorish City is only
4 hours away by bus and is definitely worth a visit.
Cordoba
The old Jewish and Muslim quarters and the famous Mezquita are
fascinating places to explore, just 2 hours away by bus.
Jerez de la frontera
World famous for its Sherry. Jerez is a wealthy town of spacious
streets, old mansions and beautiful churches, no more than an
hour away by bus.
Ronda
Balanced astride the amazing 100 metre deep El Tajo gorge and
amid the beautiful Serrania de Ronda Mountains is a town which
can justifiably claim to be the home of bull fighting. It is
a fantastic day out and is 2 ½ hours away by bus.
Nights out
The nightlife in Seville is amongst the
countries liveliest. The numerous bars are throbbing, especially
those situated on the East bank of the Guadalquivir. For organised
events take a look at the listings in the local newspapers such
as ABC or El Correo.
Activities
Shopping
The main shopping areas are located in and around Calle Sierpes.
There is an El Corte Ingles department store on Plaza del Duque
de la Victoria and the large flea market. The market takes place
on Thursday mornings, on Calle de la Feria in the Barrio De
la Macarena, and is well worth a visit.
Bullfights
Seville has some of the best bullfights in Spain if you wish
to go and view this ancient spectacle. The Plaza de Toros de
la Real Maestranza on Paseo de Cristobal Colon is the place
to go. The season runs from Easter to October and the fights
are held on Sunday at about 6p.
Special Events
5 January: Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos
- the parade of the Three Kings.
24- 26 July: Vela de Santiago - fiesta of the Triana barrio.
September: Bienal de Flamenco - one of Spain's biggest Flamenco
festivals.
Where can I find the….
Tourist information
The main tourist office can be found on Avenida de la Constitucion
21 and is open in the week from 9am to 7pm and on Saturdays
from 10am until 2pm. The phone number is 422 14 04.
Medical and Emergency Services
The main general hospital is the Hospital Virgen del Rocio (Tel:
4248181) on Avenida Manuel Siurot s/n, 1 km south of the Parque
de Maria Luisa. For an ambulance call 4425565. The Policia Municipal
(Tel:092) is in the Pabellon de Brasil, Paseo de las Delicias
15 (at the South end of the Parque Maria Luisa) and the Policia
Nacional (Tel:091) is on Plaza Concordia.
Banks
There are a number of ATM machines dotted around the centre
of town. The American Express on Plaza Nueva will cash travellers'
cheques commission free.
Post and Communications
The main post office is situated on Avenida de la Constitucion
32, just opposite the Archivo de Indias. The telephone code
for Sevilla Province is 95.
Internet @ccess
There are two main Internet cafes, both are to be found on Calle
Betis on the West Bank of the Guadalquivir. Big Ben is at number
54 and Café Metro is at number 29.
Airport Transfers
The airport in Seville is about 7kms from
the centre. The airport bus is a 30-minute trip and runs 12
times a day.
Useful Websites
www.sevilla.org Tourist information
www.sol.com Seville on-line
To
book a Spanish Course in Seville
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