This short break guide about Seville, Spain will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Seville and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.
About Seville, Spain
It is said that Seville was first founded by the great Hercules. Being well over 2,000 years old, Seville, Spain has seen its fair share of different cultures take the reins and it shows. The city has a very distinct personality due to its being taken over by the Roman's as well as the Moors and the Muslims. Many of the artistic, cultural and architectural sites in the city reflect these different peoples.
Seville's location along the slow moving River Guadalquivir has allowed it to be a financial gem through its centuries of seaport commerce. The city saw a golden age when Spain's Christopher Columbus found the America's. Seville redeveloped again in the 19th and 20th centuries when it tapped into the industrialization in Europe. The city has always been noted as a financial epicenter, which is seen in its showy architecture, expensive lifestyle and proud heritage.
Seville is enveloped in a Mediterranean climate which is influenced heavily by the ocean at times, meaning it's hot and there is quite a bit of rain at times! Regardless, it is one of the warmest cities in Europe making it a favored winter vacation spot. That in combination with its prideful populace makes quality of life here near perfect.
What is on in Seville in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Seville lists the top 10 events and attractions in 2008. If you take your short break in Seville, Spain when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Seville.
1. Museo de Bellas Artes - This museum is one of the most important in Spain. The museum first opened its door as the Museum of Paintings (Museo de Pinturas), after collecting works dating back to the 13th century from closed convents and monasteries. It was completely updated when it turned into the present day museum but still keeps its stunning Andalusian style. The ground floor houses works from the Spanish Gothic, Seville and Renaissance areas including works from celebrated artists like El Greco, Velasquez and A Cano. The upper floor has a primary focus on Spanish Baroque as well as 17th century Italian and Flemish artists. The museum is opened Tuesday from 2:30pm - 8:30am, Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00am - 8:30pm and Sunday from 9:00am - 2:30pm. Admission for Spanish and EU residents are free; other tickets are 1.50EUR.
2. Parades of the Three Wise Men - In Spain, the Three Wise Men are comparable to jolly old Saint Nick. Children anticipate the night of January 5, when Epiphany takes place and the Three Kings make their way down the streets of Seville throwing goodies to all the boys and girls, followed by dozens of beautiful floats. Children then go home and fill their shoes with straw as feed for the King's horses. In turn the King's fill their shoes with gifts and candy. There is no admission for these events.
3. The Pilgrimage to Saint Lucia -On December 13, also known as Saint Lucy's Day, thousands wait in line to kiss the hand of Seville's beloved Saint Lucia who stands in front of the Church of Santa Catalina. Lucy was a rich girl yet a martyr for her people. She gave all she had to the poor, saved her virginity and refused to marry a pagan. For this she was stabbed, burned and killed. In Lucy's right hand there are marks of torture and in her left, her dislodged eyeballs. They day also marks the traditional beginning of the Christmas and Advent season and many families feast after visiting the statue.
4. Flamenco Biennial - Seville celebrates the beauty of traditional Flamenco dance with a festival. Performances take place at venues all over the city with little more than dance, guitar and song. There are also theater performances which collaborate with the festival and several open air events throughout the city. Hours and admission vary.
5. Feria de San Miguel - Can one really mention an Andalusian city without speaking of bullfights and beautiful Andulusian horses? Absolutely not! This festival brings together some of Seville's proudest customs including performances by the Jerez Royal Equestrian School and a number of bullfights. It also features processions of one of the oldest horse breeds, which were first Spanish bred, the Andalusian. There are also lively flamenco performances and child friendly activities in the parks. Hours and admission vary.
6. Corpus Christi - Corpus Christi is known as one of Seville's largest and most important events. The festival mixes religion with culture and makes for one heck of a celebration. The night before Corpus Christi, the streets flood with people visit crowded churches for prayer and decorate the city for the occasion. Churches become so overcrowded that citizens hang off of balconies and make their own alters on city streets to pray. The following day there are three parts to the holiday - a Holy Procession, the Eucharist and plenty of parties! Corpus Christi takes place each June. There is no admission for these events.
7. International Puppet Festival - Puppeteers from all over the world come to Seville to perform in this entertaining festival in various venues around the city. It must be noted that the festival is not only for children. There are many adult puppet programs as well that are quite amusing at that! Most child friendly events take place during the day and adult events from 10:00pm onwards. The Puppet Fest takes place each May over the course of several days. Hours and admission vary.
8. Seville April Fair - Be prepared for little sleep and lots of fun if you are in Seville for the April Fair. The Puente de la Barqueta bridge, which crosses the city's River Guadalquivir is decorated with 1,000 brightly colored marquees, hundreds of paper lanterns, dozens of flamenco dancers and musicians, and thousands of visitors. Although some marquees are rented out privately, most are open to the public and have their own bars. There are also many attractions like parades, bullfights and horse processions to keep participants occupied. As mentioned, parties run all day and night.
9. Archive of the Indies - This building was made exclusively by architect Juan de Herrera as a House of Trade, which regulated the commerce of Spain to the newly found America's. Today it houses the important documents of Spain's exploration of the America's and Indies. It has many charts, logistics and hand written manuscripts documenting the Spanish Empire's successful landing in the New World. The archives are open on weekdays from 8:30am - 3:00pm.
10. Seville Cathedral - This church is one of the largest in the world. It is also the tomb of world renowned explorer, Christopher Columbus. It was built over the Almohad Mosque, which was demolished in 1402. The cathedral stands 42 meters high in the central most nave. Its base is the same as the mosque however, it added on many features, including the 95 meter bell tower known as Giralda. There is also notable Renaissance artwork located throughout the structure. The Cathedral is open daily but hours change according to season. From September through June it is open from approximately 11:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday from 2:30pm - 6:00pm. In July through August it opens on weekdays from 9:30pm - 3:30pm. Sunday hours remain steady through the year. Admission is free.
Recommended Seville Hotels
Hotel review website Trip Advisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Seville hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Seville hotels recommended by review are:
1. Corral del Rey
2. Alminar Hotel
3. Hotel Amadeus
4. Hotel Alcantara
5. Apartamentos Murillo
6. Hotel Puerta de Sevilla
7. Alfonso XIII Hotel
8. Hotel Murillo
9. Silken Al-Andalus Palace Hotel
10. Becquer Hotel
Seville Airport
Seville International Airport is approximately ½ hour from the center of town. A bus stop located just outside the arrivals hall runs into Seville every ½ hour and costs about 2.50EUR. There are also taxis available although, in true Seville style, it is noted that they can be extremely expensive.
There is also La Parra International Airport, about 10 kilometers from Jerez de la Frontera, a small town just outside of Seville. Flights are cheaper but tourists often have to find their own way to Seville.
Seville Hotels
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