DK Travel : Andalucía and Costa del Sol : Seville

Andalucía’s capital is an aristocratic yet relaxed city , with a fabulous and ancient cultural heritage that dates back beyond recorded history. Its fate has always been tied to its river, the Río Guadalquivir (“the great river” in Arabic), and the trade it offered the city. Today much of the riverfront is made up of an attractive tree-lined promenade. To take in all of the historic centre of Seville would require at least a week, as there is so much to see in the way of art and architecture as well as distinctive neighbourhoods each with their own charm. But its highlights, including the spectacular cathedral, Moorish and Renaissance palaces and fine museums, are all within walking distance of each other and could be handled in a weekend, giving you just a taste of one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.

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Cartuja de Santa María de las Cuevas

This 15th-century monastery has had its ups and downs over the centuries. During Spain’s Golden Age it was the favoured retreat of Christopher Columbus, whose remains were interred here for several decades. The monks went on to decorate their vast enclave with commissions from some of Seville’s greatest artists – most of the works are now in the Museo de Bellas Artes. In 1841 it became a ceramics factory. Finally restored as part of Expo ’92, the complex is today home to a contemporary art museum.
Casa de la Condesa de Lebrija

A 15th-century mansion, embellished with mosaics from Itálica.
Casa de la Memoria de al-Andalus

This cultural centre is dedicated to Jewish influence. Top flamenco artists and renditions of Sephardic music.
Casa de Pilatos

Erroneously said to be based on the house of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, this 15th-century gem is the most sumptuous of Seville’s urban mansions. It is a delightful blend of Mudéjar (Christian-Islamic), Gothic and Renaissance styles, punctuated with Classical statuary. Look for the head of the Greek boy, Antinous, who died as a teenager and was deified by his grief-stricken lover, Emperor Hadrian, in the 2nd century (see La Casa de Pilatos, Seville).
Casa Morales

Reputedly the second-oldest bar in town (1850), and it doesn’t seem to have changed much. Drinks are still poured from old casks. Simple tapas .
Casa Plácido

Convenient for all the major sights, this venerable bar has more hams dangling, barrels of sherry, old posters and traditional tapas .
Cerámica Santa Ana

The place to buy the famous Triana pottery. In operation since 1870, this shop sells everything from replicas of 16th-century tiles to ashtrays. Similar workshops can be found on Calle Covadonga.
Cervecería Giralda

This elegant establishment is built inside an ancient Moorish hammam (baths). It’s a pleasant stop, with an excellent view of La Giralda (see Seville Cathedral & La Giralda).
Compás Sur

For music lovers there are CDs, DVDs and books covering a variety of genres from Fúsion to Flamenco.
Convento de Santa Paula

The portal of this 15th-century convent is graced with decorations by Italian master Nicola Pisano.