Andy Symington - Seville

Seductive, sun-baked and hedonistic, the city of Sevilla, capital of Andaluca, in many ways embodies the romance of the region. This is the brightest star in the Andalucan tapas firmament and has a post-reconquest architectural heritage unmatched in the south, from the evocative Alczar to the giant Gothic cathedral.

Sevilla was the focal point of the Golden Age of Spanish painting, and many of the countrys most memorable canvases are to be seen here, in the excellent gallery and in countless Baroque churches, built to represent a Catholic faith.

From the same source sprang the citys famed Semana Santa processions which are the largest and best known of solemn Easter celebrations in Spain. Hard on its heels though, the riotous Feria de Abril exemplifies many features of the other side of the Andalucan character.

But as many as the temptations of Sevilla are, the rest of this landlocked province also commands attention. The agricultural settlements of the fertile Guadalquivir valley present a great contrast to the sophisticated bustle of the capital. Carmona was an important fortified town for several different civilizations; further east, Ecija has an extraordinary number of Baroque churches, while the town of Osuna has many elegant Renaissance mansions.

Sevilla gets powerfully hot in summer, and locals either hightail it for the beach or head north to the cooler Sierra Morena. Cazalla de la Sierra is one of the best spots to base yourself here, a peaceful whitewashed town with plenty of not-too-strenuous walking in the vicinity.

Andy Symington

top things to do and see

Cathedral, Sevilla city

Sevilla's cathedral is a marvellous Gothic edifice on a monumental scale that imposes by its sheer bulk. Its numerous side chapels are a wonderful repository of art, while its Moorish tower, the Giralda, and the weather vane atop it are famous city landmarks..

Real Alczar, Sevilla city

Built after the Reconquest but in Moorish style, this handsome palace and fortress of the kings of Castile recalls the glories of the period with a series of handsome chambers featuring beautifully detailed stucco work, calligraphy and arches, and a sumptuous walled garden..

Parque Mara Luisa, Sevilla city

The 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition was held here and left a legacy in a series of striking buildings centred around the enticing Parque Mara Luisa. Particularly notable is the huge semicircle of the Plaza de Espaa, the upmarket Alfonso XIII hotel and the citys archaeological museum..

Triana and La Macarena, Sevilla city

These working-class barrios are redolent with the essence and mystique of Sevilla, and make fantastic places for a stroll. Reverence for Semana Santa sculptures, flamenco, local character in markets and workshops and a palpable sense of tradition and history make these places special..

El Ayuntamiento, Sevilla city

Sevillas town hall is set between two plazas in the heart of town. It was built in two distinct phases and features some stunning Renaissance stonework. Its well worthwhile taking the guided tour of its interior to appreciate the impressive carved function rooms..

Casa de Pilatos, Sevilla city

This ducal mansion on the edge of atmospheric Barrio Santa Cruz is one of Sevillas most impressive aristocratic homes. A blend of Renaissance and mudjar architecture, it has an elegantly classical feel and a stunning central courtyard..

Museo de Bellas Artes, Sevilla city

The city's main art gallery has a wonderful collection of Spanish painting in a characterful former monastery. Local boy Velzquez is represented, but the gallery is particularly notable for its brilliant works by the giants of Sevillas Golden Age of art: Zurbarn and Murillo..

Itlica

Wander the ruins of what was once one of the Roman Empires largest cities, a large complex that was originally built as a rest-and-relaxation base for troops. Its easily accessed on local buses from Sevilla and can be combined with a visit to an interesting nearby monastery..

Sierra Morena

The wooded hills of the northern part of Sevilla province can come as a cool relief after the baking heat of its central plains. Cazalla de la Sierra is the best base for exploration, a whitewashed town that offers walking trails and local liqueurs..