Seville is a magnificent city with a fascinating history. Its various cultural influences make it one of the most unique cities in Europe. Maybe you will have the chance to take a trip to Seville after the pandemic is over ! In this case, this article will help you to select the things you want to do in the city. Here are 10 things to do and see in Seville after the pandemic.
The Alcázar of Seville
UNESCO registered the royal palace as a World Heritage Site in 1987. This monument has a long history: it was originally a Moorish fortress in the 10th century. Then, in the 14th century, Castilian Christians modified it to build a palace for king Peter of Castile. This site is truly remarkable as it shows elements of Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture. Mudéjar art was used from the 12th to the 16th century and it describes Christian art with Muslim influences. As you will see it is very present in Seville’s landmarks.
The Seville Cathedral
The Seville Cathedral will inevitably be on everyone’s list of 10 things to see in Seville after the pandemic. Its full name is the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See. This Catholic cathedral is one of the largest in the world and is also a World Heritage Site since 1987. The construction took more than a century, from 1401 to the early 16th century. The most impressive part of the monument may be the Giralda Tower. Indeed, it is the highest point of the cathedral at 105 meters high. What used to be a minaret when the monument was still a mosque is now a bell tower. You can climb to the top of it and enjoy the impressive view from up there !
La Casa de Pilatos
This beautiful palace ranks high among the 10 best things to see in Seville after the pandemic ! Its construction began in 1483 with Pedro Enríquez de Quiñonez, who was the mayor of Andalusia. His son Fadrique Enríquez de Ribera is the one who saw the building completed. The breathtaking mix of Mudéjar and Italian Renaissance elements in this palace will inevitably impress you. The Casa de Pilatos is a great choice if you are a fan of art. As a matter of fact, you will be able to find some early 17th century frescoes of Hercules. You will also have the chance to admire a collection of ancient Rome and ancient Greece busts.
Torre del Oro
The Almohad Caliphate of the Muslim Empire wanted the construction of this tower. The “Tower of Gold” was built in the early 13th century. This monument was originally a watchtower and defensive barrier on the Guadalquivir river. However, during the Middle-Ages the city also used the tower as a prison. In 1755, due to the Lisbon earthquake, the tower was damaged. The Marquis of Monte Real proposed to demolish it. However, the inhabitants of the city managed to save it by convincing the king. This allowed repairing the damage only five years after the earthquake had occurred. This tower is beautiful from the outside, but if you go inside you will also find the fascinating Maritime Museum.
Parque María Luisa
The María Luisa Park is a public park that you will find along the Guadalquivir river. It is Seville’s largest park. Its creation started in the 1910s in order to prepare for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. At the center of the Moorish-styled park, you will find tiled fountains, pavilions, ponds, and lush vegetation. You will also be able to admire multiple monuments such as the Fountain of the Lions. The Plaza de España is also a landmark in the park as you will see.
Plaza de España
Aníbal González is the one who designed this plaza, as well as the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929. It is very impressive with its 50,000 square meters and canals. To cross these canals you will walk on four bridges, each one representing an ancient kingdom of Spain. In a similar way, the numerous tiled alcoves along the plaza represent the different provinces of the country. And if you are a film-lover, you might recognize this place, as it might have been used as a set for some of your favorite movies!
Celebrate the Feria de Abril
This magical fair lasts for seven days, beginning two weeks after the Semana Santa, the Easter Holy Week. While it originally celebrated livestock, nowadays it is all about appreciating the Spanish culture. During this time, businesses, organizations, and even some families set up casetas (tents) in the street. It is there that they host small parties which consist of tapas, traditional dances, and local drinks. It is unlikely that the twenty-four blocks of casetas at the Real de la Feria will not satisfy you. But if it is the case, head to the Calle del Infierno (Hell Road) where the amusement park is located.
A Flamenco Show
Flamenco is very important in all of Spain, but it is particularly linked to Seville. Indeed, the Triana district in Seville is believed to be the birthplace of flamenco. The Gypsy people of the neighborhood might have been the instigators of this very popular art form. While you are in Seville, you should absolutely witness a flamenco show and enjoy both the music and the dance. To do that you could go to a bar where they host some shows. You could also choose a more studious approach by going to the Flamenco Dance Museum. This museum offers a truly unforgettable experience while making you learn about Spanish culture.
Eating Tapas
Tapas are essential to any trip in Andalusia. These typical Spanish snacks or appetizers consist of a lot of different foods. You will be able to savor olives, fried seafood, empanadillas, diced fried potato, meatballs, and much more! Waiters will bring you all these delicious snacks to accompany your drinks. It is very enjoyable when shared with friends during a nice evening out on a terrace. If you are too impatient to wait for the end of the pandemic, you can also try making tapas yourself!
Archivo General de Indias
If you love history, you have to go to the General Archive of the Indies! The archives contain material from the first conquistadores to the end of the 19th century. It basically documents the Golden Age of the Spanish Empire and they even have Christopher Columbus’ journal. But more than that, the building itself is also phenomenal. Juan de Minjares is the architect who built it in the 16th century. However, modifications to the original construction continued through all the 17th century.
That is all for our 10 things to do and see in Seville after the pandemic. Now you might be wondering about other Andalusian cities. Malaga would also be a great choice for your vacation! Make sure to read this article about water activities in Malaga and this one on free things to enjoy in Malaga.
