The air is scented with spice and sweet oranges in a city where, at every turn, one uncovers fascinating history and places to dine on wonderful food. The ancient Moorish city walls, Roman ruins, and Baroque basilicas behold an astonishing display of architecture in Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance style. All this is juxtaposed alongside five-star hotels full of character – ranging from a palace built for a king to an ultra-modern skyscraper. This is the city of Seville in Spain’s Andalusia region.

Seville: Exploring the city

Seville is a romantic location, but ideal for the historically curious as well, with 30 heritage routes to explore throughout the city. These include the splendid crescent-shaped Plaza de Espana and the sprawling outdoor spaces of the wider Parque de Maria Luisa to the winding lanes of the Barrio Santa Cruz. One of the best ways to view the urban landscape is alfresco and from above in a terrace bar while grazing on the local tapas and sipping sangria. Admire the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede (Seville Cathedral), the largest Gothic temple in the world and the third-largest Christian temple, after St Peter’s of the Vatican and St Paul’s of London. Built where the main Aljama of Seville once stood, the works began in the 15th century. Some of the old mosque still remains, such as its bell tower, the Giralda which one can climb to peer over the terracotta roof tiles over the Jewish Quarter as well as the magnificent 14^th Century Alcazar and the iconic royal court of the Mudejar. Other cultural gems include Palacio de San Telmo, an intricate architectural feat with its Churrigueresque doorway. This imposing palace now houses the Junta de Andalucía (Council of Andalusia). One can also admire the futuristic Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain -the world’s largest wooden structure.

Where cultures collide

Seville is a city with endless possibilities. It has a rich historical-artistic legacy, which is the result of the different civilizations. Seville is an important ancient city where Moorish, Arab, Greek, Roman and Christian inspirations combine to create a patina of culture and influence in the city’s architecture. It was the port of the Spanish Empire after the discovery of the Americas and the cathedral is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, whose tomb is guarded by knights of the ancient four kingdoms of Spain. The 17th century saw Seville bloom in literature and the arts and not even the Industrial Revolution could quell its renaissance before the Spanish Civil War. Each building bears the scars of the city’s turbulent history, leaving so much to explore here for inquisitive travellers.

Seville has many wonderful five-star hotels and the Hotel Alfonso XIII  is the crowning glory of them all. Built by King Alfonso XIII for the VIP guests at the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, the hotel has become renowned as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Every inch of this Luxury Collection Hotel is extravagant with 126 rooms and 22 luxurious suites.

The superb Torreón Suite commands jaw-dropping views of the city, while the Reales Alcázares Suite and the Royal Suite are adorned in artwork. Then there is the 18^th century Palacio De Villapanes where one can marvel at the classical Moorish arches and marble pillars that combine with contemporary features. Other travellers will be drawn to the Corral Del Rey, a 17th-century palacio in the heart of Seville’s old town. Guests can relax in a rooftop bar and lookout tower, while reclining on a daybed and taking in the incredible views of the city. Each of the 17 rooms are elegantly furnished and the Penthouse has an expansive terrace, plunge pool and freestanding black marble bath. Alternatively, Casa del Poeta, named after poet Ximenez de Enciso, is a restored 17th-century mansion located down an alley in Santa Cruz. Its open-air patio is the perfect place to listen to live guitar music.

A foodies paradise

Seville is a small city that is grand on gastronomy yet home to only one Michelin-starred restaurant, Abantal, where chef Julio Fernández Quintero infuses cuisine with local charm. There are many Bib Gourmand restaurants, such as Cañabota where generous portions of seafood are presented by attentive waiters. Furthermore, Az-Zait serves sumptuous Mediterranean-flavoured food and a mini lava cake topped with cotton candy for dessert.
 Moreover, Seville is famed as the home of tapas and enjoying an exquisite meal al fresco in the streets is a must. Many tapas bars can be found with dining spaces in the beautiful plazas, such as Azahar in the Plaza de Jesús de la Redención, which showcases fine dining tapas dishes on its tasting menu. While on the subject of tapas, one simply must visit Restaurante Eslava, rated a Michelin plate, where one can graze on the slow-cooked egg served with mushroom puree or a filo pastry cigar stuffed with cuttlefish and algae – not to mention its excellent choice of stews.
Also, of note is that Seville’s oranges are used in many of their traditional and modern recipes. These juicy fruits are the staple ingredient of desserts as well as marmalade and gin.

Seville is a flamboyant city that offers rich cultural experiences from bullfighting to tours of art galleries and wine estates. The colourful Seville Fair, with its carousels and big wheel, brings joy to all. The Los Carnavales is another ‘must-do experience’ that fills the streets with the rhythm of Spain, showcasing flamenco, horses, food and wine. People dress up and participate in singing and dancing activities throughout the city. A true Seville experience is going on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Parque de María Luisa. Alternatively, if you like bullfighting, the museum in Plaza de Toros de
la Maestranza, one of the country’s oldest arenas with a capacity of 13,000 people, exhibits paintings and bullfighting posters, matador costumes and memorabilia. While it may be a sizzling metropolis, Seville is only an hour’s drive from a beach as well as being brilliantly connected to the Costa Del Sol.

A visit to Seville offers history, grand gastronomy, culture and shopping opportunities in one of the most exclusive locations in the whole of Spain. Considered by Lonely Planet to be ‘the best destination in the world’, visitors are spellbound by Seville’s enchanting beauty. You too will be amazed by the architecture and cultural delights of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.