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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Old Train Station Shopping Centre

The old Córdoba train station has been restored to its former beauty and is now home to a shopping centre and entertainment complex.
Parque de María Luísa

This huge park dominates the southern end of the city. Its present design was laid out for the 1929 Exposition. Keep an eye out for peacocks perched in the trees.
Paseo Alcalde Marqués de Contadero

With the Torre del Oro at one end (see Torre del Oro & Torre de Plata), this tree-lined riverfront promenade makes for a pleasant stroll.
Patio San Eloy

Large and noisy, this place captures the genuine feel of old Seville, everyone drinking and snacking with animation.
Plata

La Macarena district’s modern choice for breakfast. It’s right next to the equally modern basilica, where the revered La Macarena holds court.
Plaza de España

This semicircular plaza was designed as the centrepiece for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Almost completely covered with gorgeous glazed tiles, its surfaces depict historic moments and heraldic symbols of the 40 regions of Spain. A boating canal follows the arc of the structure, crossed by colourful footbridges. The site was used as a set in the film Star Wars: Attack of the Clones , for its other-worldly feel.
Plaza de la Alfalfa

Once the location of the hay market, but now home to a Sunday morning pet market. Birds, puppies, exotic fish, lizards, mice and even silkworms have been known to turn up here. Also good for bars and restaurants.
Plaza de San Francisco and Plaza Nueva

These squares represent the heart of the city. Plaza de San Francisco (also called Plaza Mayor) is Seville’s oldest and the focal point of public spectacles. Plaza Nueva is a pleasant park with a monument to King Fernando the Saint.
Plaza de Santa Cruz

This square was opened up when Napoleon’s soldiers destroyed the church that once stood here. The square is now adorned by an ornate iron cross, La Cruz de la Cerrajería.
Real Alcázar, Seville

These gardens are a blend of Moorish and Italian Renaissance styles.