Seville - the heart and soul of Andalusia

A bit of context

Seville's origins trace back to ancient times, with evidence of early settlements dating to the Tartessians, an Iberian civilization that once thrived in the region. However, it was the Romans who firmly established the city as Hispalis, transforming it into a significant center of commerce and culture. The remnants of their legacy can still be seen today, with ruins of aqueducts and the grandeur of the Roman walls standing as silent testaments to their influence.

With the fall of the Roman Empire, Seville came under the rule of the Visigoths, and later the Moors in the 8th century, who renamed it Isbilia and infused it with a unique blend of Islamic art and architecture. This period saw the construction of the iconic Giralda tower, originally a minaret, which still dominates the city's skyline. The Alcázar of Seville, a breathtaking palace complex with its intricate Mudéjar architecture, also stands as a testament to the Moorish influence that shaped the city’s aesthetic and cultural identity.

The Reconquista brought Seville back under Christian rule in the 13th century, leading to another layer of transformation. Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles intermingled, creating a cityscape rich with ecclesiastical and civic grandeur. The majestic Seville Cathedral, one of the largest in the world, houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus and embodies this period's architectural splendor.