Things to see in Seville
Attractions
Plaza de España
Seville's impressive Plaza de España was built for the Ibero-American Expo of 1929 and has since become an important symbol of the city. A sprawling square borders a crescent of Renaissance and neo-Moorish buildings, sitting around an extravagant monumental fountain. A moat flows under ornate staircases and gently past a succession of brightly tiled alcoves, one for each of Spain's provinces. Besides giving a crash course in Spanish history and geography, the square also provides a beautiful setting for a day of exploration in Seville.
Address: , Plaza de España, next to Parque de Maria Luisa, Seville, ,Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website:Admission Fees:
No.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
La Maestranza (Bullring)
Seville's iconic yellow-and-white bullring is considered to be one of the most important bullfighting arenas in Spain. Dating from the 17th century, the historic arena spots a Baroque exterior and an impressive acoustic system within. The bullring houses an interesting museum that displays memorabilia and artefacts dating back to the 18th century. Exhibits include costumes, bull’s heads and paintings. Bullfighting remains controversial, though tourists can still catch a live bullfight during the bullfighting season, between Easter and October.
Address: , Paseo de Colón 12, Seville, 41004 SevilleTelephone: +34 95 422 4577.
Opening times:
Daily 0930-2100 (Apr-Oct); daily 0930-1900 (Nov-Mar).
Website: http://www.realmaestranza.comAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Catedral de Sevilla & La Giralda (Seville Cathedral and bell tower)
Built in the 15th century on the foundations the Great Mosque, this gargantuan cathedral is Europe's largest gothic temple and third largest Christian church in the world. Browse the adjoining museum before heading into the impressive cathedral itself to marvel at the spectacular cloisters and stunning stained glass windows. Don’t forget to look out for the tomb of explorer Christopher Columbus who is buried here. La Giralda was the minaret of the former mosque and was once the highest tower in the world. Climb the tower’s 35 ramps to reach the top and admire the great views over Seville's rooftops and beyond.
Address: , Avenida de la Constitución, Seville, 41004 SevilleTelephone: +34 95 421 4971.
Opening times:
Mon 1100-1530, Tue-Sat 1100-1700, Sun 1430-1800.
Website: http://www.catedraldesevilla.esAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Reales Alcázares (Royal Palaces)
Dating from the 14th century, the Reales Alcazares complex provides a perfect example of Moorish architecture and houses some of the finest mudéjar artistry and the most ornate gardens in Seville. Areas worth checking out are the sprawling gardens, Jardín de las Damas, and the Moorish Patio de las Doncellas. For those looking to explore the expensive complex at a leisurely pace, expect to take a few hours to cover the whole area.
Address: , Patio de Banderas, Seville, 41004 SevilleTelephone: +34 95 450 2324.
Opening times:
Daily 0930-1700 (Oct-Mar); daily 0930-1900 (Apr-Sept).
Website: http://www.patronato-alcazarsevilla.esAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes (Hospital for the Venerable Priests)
Constructed in 1676 as a rest home for priests in the old quarter of Santa Cruz, this building is now used to promote culture in Seville. The interior patio is one of the prettiest in Andalusia, featuring beautiful uniform arched gates, a leafy garden and a pastel pink colonial exterior. For updates on cultural events in Seville, this is a place worth visiting.
Address: , Plaza de los Venerables 8, Seville, 41004 SevilleTelephone: +34 95 456 2696.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1400 and 1600-2000.
Website: http://www.focus.abengoa.esAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Museo del Baile Flamenco
Where better to learn all about Spain’s most traditional dance than in one of the main cities of its birth? Founded by world famous flamenco dancer Cristina Hoyos, who performed at the opening of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the museum takes visitors on a journey through the history and various styles of the dance. Excellently laid out with vibrant displays, it combines audiovisual installations with famous flamenco dresses, shoes and art. The museum also put on highly recommended flamenco shows each night.
Address: , Manuel Rojas Marcos 3, Seville,Telephone: +34 95 434 0311.
Opening times:
Daily 1000–1900; shows 1900-2000.
Website: http://www.museodelbaileflamenco.comAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Torre del Oro and Museo Naval (Tower of Gold and Naval Museum)
Formerly a Moorish watchtower in the early 13th century, the Torre del Oro marked the edge of Seville's defences along the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Later the tower became a storage depot for gold and riches gathered on voyages to the Americas. Today, it is an emblematic landmark of the city and it houses a small naval museum that showcases Seville’s marine history.
Address: , Paseo de Colón, Seville, 41004 SevilleTelephone: +34 95 422 2419.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0930-1845, Sat-Sun and holidays 1030-1845.
Website:Admission Fees:
Yes (free on Mondays).
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Isla Mágica
As a legacy of the Expo 92 trade fair, Isla Mágica is an amusement park themed around the golden days of Seville's illustrious seafaring trade. Located on the Isla de Cartuja, the theme park is best reached by car. For families with children, this is a perfect place to while away your weekend.
Address: Isla de la Cartuja, Pabellón de España, Seville, 41092 SevilleTelephone: +34 902 161 716.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1100-2300, Sat 1100-2400, Sun 1100-2300 (Jul-Sept); reduced days and times throughout the rest of the year.
Website: http://www.islamagica.esAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Casa de Pilatos
Dating back to the 14th century, this atmospheric mansion combines ornate Moorish architecture with elegant Italian Renaissance styles. Informative audio guides lead visitors around the property, discovering the various rooms and serene sculpted gardens. The first floor and open courtyard are reminiscent of some of the opulent rooms in Granada’s Alhambra palace, while the upper floors and gardens are filled with Roman sculptures, trickling fountains and plush furnishings.
Address: , Plaza de Pilatos 1, Seville,Telephone: +34 95 422 5298.
Opening times:
Daily 0900–1800 (Nov–Mar); daily 0900–1900 (Apr–Oct).
Website: http://www.fundacionmedinaceli.org/monumentos/pilatos/Admission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Museo de Bella Artes (Museum of Fine Arts)
One of the most important art collections in Andalusia, the Seville Museum of Fine Arts features works from medieval times, through to the early 20th century, as well as paintings from the 17th century during the Golden Age of Sevillian art. Artists featured include Francisco de Herrera the younger, Murillo Zurbarán, and Valdés Leal.
Address: , Plaza del Museo 9, Seville,Telephone: +34 95 554 2942.
Opening times:
Tues–Sat 0900–2000, Sun 0900–1500 (16 Sep-15 Jun); Tues-Sun 1000–1500 (16 Jun–15 Sep).
Website: http://www.museodebellasartesdesevilla.esAdmission Fees:
Yes (free for EU passport holders).
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Oficina de Turismo de Sevilla
Address: , Plaza del Triunfo 1, Seville, 41004 SevilleTelephone: +34 95 421 0005.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1930, Sat-Sun 0930-1930.
Website: http://www.turismosevilla.org