It's Seville !!

Some cities have looks, other cities have personality. The sevillanos – lucky devils – get both, courtesy of their flamboyant, charismatic, ever-evolving Andalucian metropolis founded, according to myth, 3000 years ago by the Greek god Hercules. Drenched for most of the year in spirit-enriching sunlight, this is a city of feelings as much as sights, with different seasons prompting vastly contrasting moods: solemn for Semana Santa, flirtatious for the spring fiesta and soporific for the gasping heat of summer.

Like all great cities, Seville has historical layers. Roman ruins testify the settlement’s earliest face, memories of the Moorish era flicker like medieval engravings in the Santa Cruz quarter, while the riverside Arenal reeks of lost colonial glory. Yet, one of the most remarkable things about modern Seville is its ability to adapt and etch fresh new brushstrokes onto an ancient canvas

The capital of the Spanish community of Andalusia, it is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its architecture is a reflection of its tumultuous history with long spells of occupation by the Romans and later the Moors.

In the 16th century, after the reconquista by the Christians the city reached its Golden Age thanks to a monopoly on trade with the New World. Many of the city's magnificent landmarks such as the Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar and Golden Towerwere built earlier, in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Interesting facts about Seville

• People who live in Seville are very well known for their pride in their city, in fact, Sevillanos (citizens of Seville) say that there is no need to go anywhere else.

• Many who visit a variety of cities in Spain saw that Seville is their favorite by far.

• Seville gets approximately 3000 hours of sun a year.

• Seville is home to the famous Spanish sport, bullfighting.

• Seville is also home to Flamenco music.

• Seville is home to the world's third largest cathedral, which has a well known minaret on top called the Giralda.

• Seville has a very interesting archeological museum.

• The population of Seville is estimated to be around 710, 000.

• There are around 80 days a year in which it rains in Seville.

• Seville has a very large and famous spring fair in April every year.

• Seville is a very artistic city.

• Seville is located on the plain of the Guadalquivir River.

• About 90 percent of Seville's population is Catholic.

• Two Roman Emperors were born in Seville (Trajan and Hadrian).

• Diego Velazquez was born there in 1599.

• Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain.

• Seville may be big, but to many it feels like a small town.

• Sevillanos spend most of their time on the streets going to local cafeterias or other places.

• Seville has very narrow streets that wind around.

What to do in Seville

With over 1.5 million citizens, over 4,000 amazing tapas bars, tons of great flamenco clubs, and an outrageous club scene. On top of all this there are a number of just plain cool places to see and experience. We've compiled a list of some of our favourite things to do while in Seville, just to get you going.

Corral del Conde

Perhaps the most typical Andalusian patio you will be able to see in Seville, this is definately worth a visit. Only 10-minute walk from Oasis, this is a must-do while in Seville.

Parque Maria Luisa

One of the nicest greens in the city, a huge parque in the middle to town. Rent a squad bike to ride through the park having fun.

The Cathedral

A 7-minute walk from Oasis, this Cathedral with its Giralda (a 100m high tower) was once considered the largest church of the world. The tomb of Christopher Columbus is always of great interest to scholars and tourists alike and the thigh-punishing climb to the top of Giralda is considered well worth the effort for the views alone.

The Alcázar

This is the oldest royal residence in the world still in continual use, and it's less than a 10-minute walk from Oasis. Today it remains as the official residence of the kings of Spain during their visits to Seville. Also you can enjoy a nice walk through the marvellous royal gardens.

Plaza de España

The Plaza de España is one of the nicest squares in Seville, originally built for the EXPO in 1929. It has elaborate tiles made in Triana that represent all the Spanish provinces. Oh, and it also served as the Royal planet Naboo in a Star Wars film!

Bairro de Santa Cruz

This is the most popular and crowded neighbourhood in all of Seville, for its typical narrow streets, the houses with their yards filled with flowers, the murmur of fountains, the scent of orange blossom, and all the charm and legend that surrounds it. And, as it's just 7-minutes from Oasis, it is not to be missed!

Find yourself in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus in this typical example of a Spanish bullring. It displays neo-classic style and its construction began in 1760. It has an enormous capacity, holding up to 13,000 spectators.

Real Alcazar & the Royal Gardens

Fascinating and unmissable, the Alcazar dates back to the year 913. Entrenched within the beautiful palace complex are the remarkable stories behind the ruling forces that shaped the history of Seville and Spain. It has splendid stone carving, colorful ceramic work, and peaceful formal gardens.

Archivo General de Indias

This place was enlisted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. History says that the archives of the Consejo de Indias, or the Council of the Indies, were scheduled to be brought to this building for collection of all records pertaining to the Spanish empire in 1785.