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Magic Seville

A June 2001 trip to Seville by allain

Giralda TowerMore Photos

my travelogue after spending 3 days in magic Seville

  • 7 reviews
  • 14 photos

Magic SevilleBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Macarena
Sevilla is one of the most exciting cities in Spain. The capital of Andalousia is a mixture of several cultures and influences. Built by the Romans, the town has been under Arabic control over centuries. In the XIII century when the army of the Catholic King of Spain entered in Seville, they discovered a real jewel. Instead of destroying the works of the "heretics", Spanish were clever enough to improve the city by constructing a lot of lovely churches, cathedrals and monasteries.

Quick Tips:

Main spots are the cathedral (third largest in the world) with the Giralda tower, the gardens of Alcazar, the arena, and the gold tower. Do not miss taking a walk along the Guadalquivir River or the old Jewish district. As the heat could be incredible, locals use to live during night times. Enjoy the tapas restaurant, and the hidden bars where elegant ladies still dance the traditional "Sevillana".

Best Way To Get Around:

Buses are convenient even if they do not drive into the historic town. One funny means of transportation is the four-wheeled open carriage, tracked with superb white horses.

Tryp MacarenaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Macarena"

hotel Macarena
As the name suggests this 4 star hotel is located in Macarena district, 2 km from the historic center of Seville. To reach the cathedral or Alcazar take the bus n° C4 or C3. This 300 room hotel is very comfortable and clean. A pool is available on the roof of the hotel. The provided services (TV, breakfast, and pool) are satisfactory. The church of Macarena is 100 m from the hotel.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by allain on July 24, 2001

Tryp Macarena
SAN JUAN DE RIBERA 2 Seville, Spain 41009
34-95-4375800

El ParlamentoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This restaurant is located near the hotel Macarena. Its name comes from the local parliament, which is close to the restaurant. This is a typical Spanish "tapas" restaurant. Tapas in Spanish means "small". This is small portion of a meal; quantity is very similar to a common starter. You could order several tapas for lunch. This is a funny way to discover the local cuisine. even if you do not understand the Spanish word, it could a good the surprise. It could be squid (calamar), pork (lomo), vegetable, soup (gazpacho) or even snail (caracolo). The restaurant belongs the an aficionados of bullfight, the place is decorated with torero items (banderilla, red cape, poster).
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by allain on July 24, 2001

El Parlamento
Fray Isodoro de Sevilla, 6 Seville, Spain
95 437 66 57

Bull FightsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Bull Fights"

poster
The arena (plaza de toros) of Seville is the most famous of Spain. It is also called Real Maestranza. Large, convenient, beautiful, it is the perfect place for bullfights. Even if you consider bullfighting as a "murder" you will appreciate the arena. The white walls contrast with the red seats, the ochre sand and the blue sky. It could contain 15,000 fans (aficionados). Inside the arena everything is done for the comfort of the torero. There is a chapel to pray, and a small hospital to cure the serious wounds. In Seville and generally speaking in Spain, toreros such as El Cordobes or El Juli are real rock stars!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by allain on July 24, 2001

Bull Fights
Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza Seville, Spain

Torre del OroBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Golden Tower"

Torres de Oro
The golden tower (Torres de Oro) is the symbol of Seville. It is a fortress built during the XIII century along the shore of Guadalquivir River. Its role was to defend the city from attack from the sea. A huge chain was attached to the other side of the river in order to close the river to boats. This elegant construction has 10 edges, formally the roof was covered with gold thus its name. Inside the tower you will find the museum of marine. After the construction of Cadiz, the harbor of Seville became less important and the tower lost its prestige.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by allain on July 24, 2001

Torre del Oro
Paseo de Christobal Colon Seville, Spain

AlcazarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Garden
The Muslims built this palace. The rooms and the chambers are decorated with magnificent mosaics. The white walls reflect themselves in the pools of the patios. The ambassador room is the most famous. Columns of marble, wooden balconies, the palace was the place where the best artists (Arabic or Christian) made the best work.

Outside marvelous garden keep a welcomed fresh air in the palace. Palm trees, cypress give shadow to this land of fierce sun. Fountains, statues, flowers and even a floral maze are a real jewel for the eyes.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by allain on July 24, 2001

Alcazar
Plaza del Triunfo 7 Seville, Spain

Cathedral Santa Maria de la SedeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The cathedral"

cathedral by night
Huge, is the first word that comes in mind when you discover the cathedral of Seville. With its length of 126 meters and its width of 83 meters it is the third largest cathedral in the world (St Peter's of Rome is the first one, could anybody tell me which is the second largest?). It has been built on a mosque. Christians kept the patio of the orange and developed a gothic style construction. In 1528 Renaissance constructions included the royal chapel, the main vestry, the chapter hall and corresponding annexes. Most outstanding is the upper section of the Giralda tower. Herman Riuz Jimenez between 1558 and 1568 carried out remodeling works. Inside the cathedral you could see the vault of Christopher Columbus.

The Giralda tower is magnificent; it was a former minaret. The total height of the Giralda tower from the sidewalk to the weather vane is 96 meters. The tower has no stairs! The access is made through 35 light slopes. From the top the 360° view is superb.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by allain on July 24, 2001

Cathedral Santa Maria de la Sede
Plaza del Triunfo, Avenida de la Constitucion Seville, Spain

About the Writer

allain
allain
paris, France

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