“The best place on earth to find Alegria”

Seville is the master of awe. The Sevillans have perfected the ability to demonstrate a level of cultural integrity and social infrastructure. There is so much do here, one weekend is simply not enough.

What you must see in Seville

With the many neighborhoods listed above as great locations around Seville, there many more specific places that don't quite fall into the neighborhood categories, yet form a crucial part of a visitors experience in Seville. Here are the top 5:

Alcazar

A place of true magnificence, Alcazar has a very unique appeal that is unrivalled. Alcazar has a heavy Moorish style to it that makes it seem as if came straight out of the Alhambra. Built in the 1360's for King Pedro the Cruel of Castille, it began as the center point for Sevillan rule and has continued throughout history as the focal point of Sevillan power. Although it has endured through may fires and earth tremors that have necessitated constant restorations, Alcazar still stand as a shining example of Mudejar architecture.

The Casa de Pilates

While on a tour of Europe and the Holy land, Marquis of Tarifa the first returned inspired by the incredible wonders of renaissance Italy. He dedicated himself to creating a symbol of his new perspective in architecture. His ultimate creation became what is now known as the Casa de Pilates. While the courtyard is traditional Mudejar style, it is surrounded by irregularly spaced arches decorated with Gothic balustrades. In the corner sit three statues, one depicting Minerva Ceres and a greek original of Athena. Named because of it's resemblance to Pontius Pilates residence in Jerusalem, This palace is to this day still occupied by royalty.

The Cathedral of Seville

The Cathedral of Seville stands as the icon of Sevillan life. Standing on the grounds of a great 12th century mosque, the Cathedral was increased in height in to the now awesome height of 42 meters at it's central nave. With a total area of 11,520 meters, it's now wonder why it has surpassed Saint Paul's and Saint Peter's cathedrals, in London and Rome, respectively, as the largest in the world. The main characteristic of the cathedral stands out as being the most impressive, when walking through the central area, it will eventually open up to a display of Gothic retablo containing 45 carved scenes of the life of Christ. The Cathedral of Seville is simply overwhelming and something that imply cannot be missed.

The Giralda

Although part of the Cathedral of Seville, the Girlada deserves it's own recognition as a place unique in it's own standards, and possessing a story that needs to be told. The Giralda minaret was the culmination of Almohad style architecture and became the shining example for other imperial capitals of Rabat and Marrakesh. traditionally used for calling on pray for the faithful and an observatory, common for minarets, it was so revered that the Moors wanted to destroy it before the conquest of the Christians. Fortunately common sense came in, in the form of King Alfonso X, by way of a warning that,'if they removed a single stone, they would all be put to the sword'. The Giralda took twelve years to construct and is the best place to be to fully appreciate the vast beauty of Seville.

The Maria Luisa Park

Seville, being one of the most pregessive cities in Eurpe, has become an icon for cultural development and it's representation through landscaping. In the 1920's, during a peak of industrial growth, the Sevillenos decided to put together an exposition. With an impressive amount of dedication and focus, they turned the entire southern end of Seville into a display of magnificent gardens and boulevards. In the center of all of this is the Parque de Maria Luisa, a half mile of palms and orange trees, elms and pines, lined with flower beds and scattered with hidden bowers, ponds and pavilions.