Seville, your window to Spain

Historically rich, tapas bars, gracious locals, famous for its flamenco dance and orange trees, Seville is nothing short of an ideal holiday destination. The city is situated on the banks of the smooth, slow Guadalquivir River, which divides the city into two halves: Sevilla and Triana.

Seville truly casts a spell on you from the minute you arrive into this compact yet compelling city. Be it the quaint cobblestone lanes, the promenades, the by lanes of the old town, the historical buildings alongside the beautiful orange trees or the world famous basilicas, this city truly exudes typical Spain.

KoolKohl lists down the top sights of Seville to explore when there:

The Seville Cathedral

One of the largest Gothic cathedral in Christendom, this church is not only massive in scale but also incomparable. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church was constructed between 1402 and 1506. This 93-meter-high tower of the cathedral is still the emblem of Seville and a must visit.

The Real Alcazar

The Real Alcázar was originally the medieval fortress of Moorish rulers and later of the Christian kings. The palace was built in the 10th century for Moorish rulers. The Alcazar is one of the most prominent and symbolic structures in Seville. Be sure to save plenty of time to explore the gardens. These beautifully manicured grounds are filled with leafy palms, lemon and sweet orange trees. You need a minimum of three hours to explore this palace. This too is listed as a UNESCO World heritage site.

Barrio Santa Cruz: Seville's Most Charming Neighborhood

Ditch the map to simply stroll around and get lost in the beautiful lanes and by lanes of Santacruz. Some call it Seville’s Disneyland. The Barrio Santa Cruz is found in between the cathedral and the Alcazar. The labyrinth of cobblestone pedestrian lanes and whitewashed houses with attractive courtyards give character to this neighborhood. The quaint plazas with outdoor café is an added bonus. The beautiful flower beds on each and every window of the house in this lane is a sight to behold during summers when the flowers are in full bloom.

Plaza De Espana

The Plaza de España is one of Seville's most striking tourist spot. Its scale and grandeur is unparalleled. At the heart of this plaza stands a colossal fountain as the main attraction of the square. A peaceful canal runs through four footbridges. Tourists have the option of renting a rowboat and experience the “Venice of Seville" or pick a horse-drawn carriage ride that will take them around.

Metropol Parasol

Nothing short of a modern icon, the Metropol Parasol is the biggest wooden structure in the world. Also known as the Las Setas, this mushroom like structure consists of six huge linked parasols made of waffle-type criss-crossed wood and measures 150x70m in total. The Metropol Parasol offers an archaeological museum, a farmers market, an elevated plaza, multiple bars and restaurants both beneath and inside the parasols, as well as a panorama terrace on the top for a breath-taking view of Seville’s skyline. Each tourist is welcomed with a Sangria/ Beer and is also given a memento.

Me on the Metropol Parasol

Seville’s famous Flamenco Dance

When in Seville you start a conversation with the local about Flamenco, you’ll see passion light up their eyes. People in this part of Spain are known for their love of music and dance, and their spirited way of life. A dancer, a guitar, and a voice and the flamenco show is ready. Flamenco is said to be native to Southern Spain, and you'll often hear chords in the street, coming from a studio or home. Tablaos are flamenco’s biggest venues, offering spectacular, highly choreographed extravaganzas of music and dance in specific locales where drinks and sometimes dinner is served.

No trip to Seville is complete without a flamenco show. Flamenco includes both dancing and singing, but most importantly, it is an expression of the soul.