The city: Sevilla
Located in south-western Spain, Seville is the capital of Andalucia and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It is awash with colour and contrasts, and offers an amazing mixture of modernity and tradition; there is no doubt that Seville is the most delightful city in Spain.
Christened “Hispalis” by the Romans and “Isbilya” (from which its present-day name comes) by the Moors, Seville has been from the very beginning an important commercial and cultural centre. It has hosted major exhibitions (Spanish and Latin American in 1929 and Expo '92) which have all contributed to the city's growth and embellishment. Traces of this glorious past remain in its monuments and architecture, including wonderful examples of the styles of the various cultures which have made Seville a city with a great personality. The Parque María Luisa, the Giralda, Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar (royal palace), the Torre del Oro, the La Maestranza bullring, museums housed in much-treasured buildings, its typical bridges and its popular districts are just some of the places where the unique delights of this beautiful Andalucian city are reflected. Its main monuments are disseminated along the banks of the River Guadalquivir which represents the city's backbone.
Today, the centre of modern Seville is the Isla Cartuja, shaded by the ancient Carthusian monastery, where one of Spain's largest modern art centres can be found. La Cartuja hosted the Exposición Mundial in 1992 (Expo ’92) whose pavilions are still in use today for industrial purposes and tourism.In addition to its architectural marvels, the city offers a whole range of cultural events all year round with something for everyone: Flamenco, bullfights, its vicinity to the sea, soirées at the theatre, its amazing Feria de Abril and its Semana Santa [Holy Week] celebrations which reflect Seville's devotion and folklore, as well as a plethora of terraces, bars and typical nooks and crannies which lend themselves to one of the city's most prized, tasty customs: "trying the tapas".
Easily accessible, Seville has become not only a tourist destination but also the number one gateway to Andalucia, as it is the main artistic, financial, economic and social centre in southern Spain. Its intricate network of streets, mild climate and the open, welcoming nature of its people make Seville a cosmopolitan, multicultural city with a very unique atmosphere.
