5 Highlights of Seville

With just three nights in Seville and days reaching over 46 degrees celsius, our time for sight seeing here was limited, as we often opted for an air-conditioned rooms or the hotel swimming pool! Nonetheless, you must push through the heat if you want to make the most of this city. Get up early to explore the historic buildings and take advantage of the cooler evenings by getting amongst the wine and tapas bars.  People stay up late here, but don’t worry – you can catch up on sleep during the long, mid-afternoon siestas.

Real Alcázares de Sevilla

As with most of the palaces in southern Spain, the Royal Palace of Sevilla used to be a mosque, but was was Christianised in the thirteenth century, when the monarch, King Ferdinand III came into power, hence the unique fusion of Moorish and Gothic architectural styles. Inside, you can explore endless rooms and passageways with colourful tiles, intricately-carved wooden archways and fountains. Underneath the palace, take a glimpse into the Baths of Lady Maria De Padilla.  Outside, you can get lost in the labyrinth or take your time admiring the gardens.

Torre del Oro

Located right next to the river, this thirteenth-century dodecagonal military watch tower served as a prison during the middle ages. The tower is 36 metres high and the building now houses a small naval museum.

Metropol Parasol

The Metropol Parasol is a modern, wooden structure standing like giant mushrooms in the old quarter of Seville. It was competed in 2011 and is accessible via an elevator for a small entrance fee. Walking along the organic, curved pathways in the heat of the day feels a little like stepping into a post-apocalyptic world. The viewing platform at the top offers beautiful views of the city, but it is also interesting to walk underneath and enjoy the light and shadows cast by the honeycomb construction.

See a Flamenco Show at La Carbonería

That atmosphere in here is powerful and steamy, especially in the heat of Summer.  Entrance is free, short shows happen every half hour and complete silence is demanded throughout the passionate performances.  They also do reasonably priced jugs of sangria!  Be sure to take a fan, as the air flow inside is limited.

Admire the Seville Cathedral by night

Like all cathedrals around southern Spain, this is an overwhelmingly huge structure that can be seen from many beautiful angles. I loved admiring the Giralda Bell Tower, glowing golden in the night, whilst horses and carts clip-clopped along the cobbled laneways.  It really felt like stepping back in time.

What were your favourite parts of Seville?  What would you add to the list?