Going back to September, it’s time to finally revisit my wonderful visit to Seville. Upon leaving Faro with my Croatian friend, we arrived in the sunny capital of Andalusia. It was instantly clear that we were in the south of Spain. During those three days in Seville, we fell in love with the city’s remarkable architecture, eternal sunshine, and amazing food.
The very first thing we noticed about Seville was all the gorgeous balconies. Seriously though, I had never before seen that many dreamy balconies at once. Even the simple iron ones made for a wonderful sight. Despite the summer temperatures, I eagerly set out on foot to discover this intriguing city. While so many buildings caught my eye, I also wished I had a zoom lens with me because the details in Seville are astounding!
Following that scorching hot stroll through the city, we dined out and finished off the day with cocktails on one of the many hotel terraces. It was mid-September but in my head, it was mid-July as we admired the Giralda tower and the shimmering moon. It felt like one of those perfect summer evenings under the stars.
Art Nouveau in Seville
My obsession with Art Nouveau is quite obvious by now so I was excited about seeing Seville’s variation on it. Despite those high expectations, it still caught me off guard. I wasn’t ready for such a romantic and sensual variant of my favorite architectural style.
Compared to Art Nouveau in Belgium and France which I have seen multiple times, the same style in Spain feels even more free and loose in its lines and elements. I absolutely adored it and photographed certain buildings to no end. It also left me wanting to discover more Spanish cities with lots of Art Nouveau. I guess that means I’m bound for Barcelona sometime in the future!
Naturally, we couldn’t visit the capital of Andalusia and not witness a performance of flamenco. We chose Casa de la Memoria and were treated to a spectacular show. One hour of flamenco dancing that featured live singing, guitar playing, and a few different artists performing this expressive dance. It’s an intimate show, with a small audience and it’s an unforgettable experience in Seville.
Royal Alcazar of Seville
It isn’t a visit to Seville without seeing the marvelous Royal Alcazar. Technically speaking, this royal palace was built for a Christian king in the 14th century. However, there was already an Islamic castle on the site so overall, it’s an intriguing palace complex. In fact, you might feel overwhelmed if it’s your first time at the Alcazar of Seville. We didn’t know where to start and what to see first because everything was too beautiful for words!
An example of the Mudéjar style, it combines elements of Gothic and Renaissance with decorative Islamic motifs. In essence, after periods of Muslim rule, Christianity had returned to the Iberian peninsula and this started to reflect on the architecture, among other things. Personally, I find this blend of style beyond gorgeous and so inspiring. So you know that I took way too many photos of the Seville Alcazar.
As breathtaking as it is, it’s also crowded so bear that in mind. Our visit happened in the early afternoon so it was manageable, with a bit of patience. I gather crowds are less of a problem at opening time and right before closing time. Either way, it’s a breathtaking place and one of Seville’s highlights!
Right across from the Alcazar, you’ll find the stunning cathedral of Seville. It’s the largest Gothic church in Spain and has a famous bell tower. La Giralda measures 105 m tall and is in fact, a former minaret from a Mosque that used to be there. It’s an absolute beauty and like the North Star in Seville, always visible wherever you are.
Not to fret though, there are so many more palaces scattered throughout Seville. Casa de Pilatos, Palacio de las Duenas, Palace of the Countess of Lebrija, Casa de Salinas, you name it. Needless to say, we didn’t have time to see everything and I know I need to revisit the city!
Plaza de Espana
Another famous landmark in Seville, Plaza de Espana is an absolute marvel. Naturally, I had to wake up for sunrise and wander through this magnificent place. dates back to 1928. Mixing elements of a few different architectural styles, it’s such a unique structure that you simply have to see for yourself. Situated inside Maria Luisa Park, it’s a short walk away from the city center.
I foolishly thought I could visit it within one hour and then meet up with my friend. The early morning light inspired me even more to photograph every corner and detail of this square. What’s more, the entire structure is enormous which meant a lot of walking and even more photographs. There are towers, tiled alcoves, stunning bridges, and so much more.
Later that day, my friend joined me that evening at the Plaza de Espana. This wondrous place looked even more splendid at night. Beautifully illuminated, it made for a romantic evening walk and looked dreamlike!
When it comes to the food scene, you’ll find everything in this blog post. A paradise of tapas restaurants, it was hard to pick only a few of them during our 3-day visit. There are way too many great food options in this city!
If we’re talking about viewpoints, there is one obvious choice. The Metropol Parasol will immediately catch your eye with its unique lattice shape. At first sight, it might seem incongruously modern but somehow it works. It’s an amazing viewpoint for watching the sunset over the city, albeit often crowded due to its popularity.
One of my favorite hidden gems in Seville is the Plaza del Cabildo. This secret little courtyard has a unique rounded shape and beautifully painted arches. Bear in mind that it’s not open 24/7 so depending on the seasons, check the opening hours beforehand.
Similarly, don’t miss out on the Murillo Gardens. For me, they offered a much-needed respite from the sun. Additionally, there were so many enchanting corners and fairytale-like trees in this garden. Furthermore, I recommend you venture out to the riverside. The river Guadalquivir makes for a lovely promenade. While there, it’s impossible to miss the imposing Torre del Oro. This military watchtower from the 13th century also used to be a prison during the Middle Ages. I only regret not photographing it at sunset with the rest of Seville in the background!
On the whole, Seville couldn’t have been a better introduction to Spain. Vibrant and seductive, ancient and modern, the capital of Andalusia won us over. Not that I had any doubts about it. Walking down its sunbaked streets with eyes full of wonder, I knew this was a city I would one day return to. Cordoba and Malaga were awaiting us and three days in Seville weren’t nearly enough to see everything. Maybe I’ll escape the chilly Belgian winters one February and catch up on everything this lively city has to offer!
