Seville

Seville, the capital of Spain’s southern region Andalusia, fervently clings to long-held cultural roots and traditions, witnessed today by the traditional Andalusian cuisine culture, laidback siesta-like lifestyle, ardent celebration of the region’s melancholic Fado music, and heart-wrenching romance of flamenco dances.

As you explore elegant Seville, you will notice an incredible mosaic of beautifully blended religious and cultural influences accumulated since ancient times. Thanks to waves of Jewish, Islamic, and Christian settlers arriving throughout the centuries, Seville boasts an astounding treasure trove of wildly diverse, yet complimentary, iconic landmarks decorating the charming city. 

Historic attractions include the 7^th century Real Alcazar Palace, Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral, the 15^th century Catedral de Sevilla (built on a former Mosque site), the 12^th century minaret, La Giralda, the Seville’s tallest landmark piercing the picturesque skyline. 

Particularly delightful, I found that strolling Seville’s maze of notoriously narrow winding streets – like those found in the popular Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood (the 15^th century Jewish Quarter) – resulted in discovery of colorful flamenco bars, lively tapas cafés, and Fado music being played in orange-tree-covered plazas.