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OTHER DESTINATIONS
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ATTRACTIONSEl Centro
North of the cathedral is where the true center
of Seville lies. El Centro is a densely packed
zone with crooked streets and plazas which are
populated by stylish shops, restaurants and
bars. Highlights include the Plaza de San
Francisco & Calle Sierpes, Plaza Salvador, Plaza
de Alfalfa, and the Casa de Pilatos mansion.
Santa Cruz
Once the exclusive Jewish quarter of Seville,
today the district is turned into a popular
tourist spot. The winding narrow alleyways
linking closely-huddled houses generate the
charms of a parish town where everyone knows
each other. There are also many beautiful
cortyards and buildings which can get you lost
in the atmosphere while wandering in the
district.
Itálica
Itálica was founded by Scipio as a Roman city
over 2,200 years ago. Today it's a magnificent
archeological site where visitors can revel in
the trace of Roman culture such as the
amphitheater, the Roman baths and the mosaics.
The areas adjacent to Itálica also houses
several good bars and restaurants serving
delicious local food.
Plaza de España
This impressive semi-circular square has become
a symbol of Seville after hosting the Ibero-American
Expo in 1929. The Plaza de España was designed
with an ingenious combination of ancient
architectural style including Gothic and
Renaissance and has a lavish red brick patina.
Visitors to the square can also hire a rowing
boat or motor boat to cruise a canal around the
square for a short pleasant trip.
Ayuntamiento
The construction of Seville's unique townhall
span over the period from the mid 16th century
up until the 19th century and is one of the most
intriguing examples of plateresque architecture.
The interior decor of the rooms, the staircase
and banister inside the townhalls are no less
astonishing than the exterior.
Cathedral
This majestic label of Seville is Spain's
largest cathedral and the third largest in the
world. Like many major churches in Spain, this
Gothic-style architecture was built on the site
of an old mosque in the early 15th century.
Numerous tourists make a pilgrimage to Seville
solely to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of
this UNESCO World Heritage where the tomb of
Christopher Columbus is located.
Giralda Tower
The Giralda Tower is a bell tower of the
splendid Cathedral of Spain which has still
retained its Moorish-looking style apart from
the otherwise Gothic-clad structure. This
architectural masterpiece dates from the 12th
century and is considered one of the most
significant remnants of Seville's Moorish
heritage.
Torre de Oro
On the banks of the River Guadalquivir stands
the Torre de Oro which today represents one of
Seville's major landmarks. It was originally
built by the Moors as a way to close access to
the harbor by attaching a chain to it and to the
opposite bank of the river. The building now
houses the local maritime museum.
Palacio Arzobispal
Located across from the Giralda and next to the
cathedral, Palacio Arzobispal is the seat of the
city's archdiocese and the archbishop's
residence. The palace houses inside an
astounding collection of artistic treatures
including works done by well-known Spanish
painters such as Velázquez, Valdés Leal and
Murillo. The palace is closed to the public
except on certain occasions such as the
home-made cakes fair before Christmas.
Alcazar
This ancient palace boasts a strong Mudejar
architectural style although it was constructed
under the decree of the Christian King Pedro the
Cruel of Castile in the middle of the 14th
century. It is Seville's important landmark as
well as one of the most ornate and charming
establishment in the city.
Capilla de la Universidad
This once tobacco factory has been turned into a
Rector's office as well as some faculties of the
University of Serville since the 19th century.
Inside are paintings and sculptures brought from
the old university building, among which is the
statue of Christ made by Juan de Mesa in 1620.
The baroque altarpiece is also a fascinating
sight.
Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts)
Opened in the middle of the 19th century, the
museum is known for its paintings dating from
the 15th to 17th centuries of the Seville School
. Works by Murillo, Zurbarán, and Valdés Leal
are the most representative of the collection.
Said to be the second best art museum in Spain
which is surpassed only by the Prado Museum in
Madrid.
Museo Arqueológico (The Archeological Museum)
The preparation of Ibero-American Expo in 1929
has given many new buildings and landmarks to
the city of Seville including the nationally
acclaimed Archeological Museum. The museum's
exhibits include sections on the Stone Age,
Bronze Age and Iron Age with the primary focus
on the Roman Age. |
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ACCOMMODATIONS |
Hotel Alcazar - Set In The Heart Of Seville,
Hotel Alcazar Is Within Walking Distance Of Many
City Landmarks And Monuments. The Magnificent
Square De Los Refinadores, The Santa Cruz Square
And The Historic Winding Streets And Alleys Of
The Quartier De Santa Cruz Are All 250 Meters
From The Hotel. Also Nearby Are The Church Of
Santa Mar?a La Blanca Along With Bustling Bars
And Cafes Of Rue Mateos Gago. The Seville San
Pablo Airport Is 15 Kilometers From The Hotel.
Sevilla Center Hotel - Situated In The
Center Of Seville Just 300 Meters From The Santa
Justa Train Station, This High-rise Hotel Built
In 2003 Offers Modern Accommodation Close To The
Historical Center. The 233 Guestrooms Are Smart
And Traditionally-styled, Providing Guests With
A Minibar, Satellite Television, And Wireless
Internet Access. The Rooms All Have Air
Conditioning, Direct-dial Telephones And Safes
For Valuables
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