Guide to Seville

Seville is located to the south west of Spain on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and has a population of over 700,000 people. The climate of Seville is dry and warm and temperatures regularly exceed 40 Celsius during the summer months. The area has been settled since 200 B.C and more recent occupation by the Moors has left an indelible influence on the city and people. Despite the inland location, Seville was an important port during the discovery of the Americas and became very wealthy as silver and goods from 'the New World' flooded to the city. Parks and green spaces are dotted throughout the city and the largest medieval garden in Europe is located at the Jardines de las Reales Alcazares near the Cathedral. Replete with fountains and secluded arches, orange trees flourish among the flowers and jasmine.
Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, is a very popular area of the city; cobbled streets, small squares lined with orange trees and bars where people sit all day watching Sevillian natives go by. Many churches in this area were formally synagogues; the city was an oasis of religious acceptance during centuries of discontent between the world's three main religions. The Cathedral of Seville now stands on the site of what was once a mosque and dates back to the 12th century. The body of Christopher Columbus is entombed here. East from the Cathedral is the Plaza de Espana a massive open space of alcoves, tile work lined by a moat where boats circle the building to get a better view.
Not forgetting the Guadalquivir, the banks of the river are perfect for walking along or else venturing to take a boat trip through the city. The atmospheric streets and centuries of cultural and social development, combined with Sevillian's enthusiasm for music and dance, make it a city not to be missed.