History of Seville. History and ethnology. Data. Events. Fiction Pros and cons, advantages, pros and cons of living in Seville
Individual excursion to Seville with a Russian guide |
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| Class | quantity passengers | excursion with guide-driver from Costa del Sol | excursion with local guide | Cathedral ticket |
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| 4 hours | 6 o'clock | adult | from 10 to 14 years old | discount | |||
| economy | up to 3 pass | 250,00 € | 160,00 € | 240,00 € | 8,00 € | 4,00 € | children up to 10 years 100% |
| average | up to 4 pass | 350,00 € | |||||
| premium | up to 4 pass | 500,00 € | |||||
| Note | Car tour time 11 hours, extra hour 40.00 € transfer from Costa del Sol about 3 hours |
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| Excursions in Seville | |||||||
Group bus tour to Seville from Costa del Sol |
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| leaving the city | check out time | price 1 place | ||
| shopping in the office | agent and internet | |||
| Malaga | 9:00 | 67,00 € | 80,00 € | |
| Torremolinos Mijas | 8:30-7:30 | 57,00 € / 75,00 € | 80,00 € | |
| Marbella | 7:15 | 75,00 € / 82,00 € | 80,00 € / 87,00 € | |
| Estepona | 6:45 | 88,00 € | 91,00 € | |
| Discount: children under 11 years old 25%, children under 3 years old free (no seat) Refund in the office of 100% of the amount if canceled 24 hours before departure, later a fine of 35.00 € Refund from the agent 90% of the amount if canceled 24 hours before departure, later a fine of 45.00 € |
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| Excursion to Seville overview of attractions and prices for all excursions. | ||||
Seville's climate is Mediterranean with oceanic influences, bringing about 50 rainy days a year. The average annual temperature is 18.6ºC, with mild winters and very hot summers, with an August maximum of 47ºC. The Guadalquivir River Valley, the location of the municipality of Seville, is a developed agricultural area, the products of which are sold both within Spain and are also exported to many countries of the European continent and to the world market.
The southern part of Spain, the autonomy and its capital Seville, has the richest tourism potential, has a huge number of historical architectural attractions, and is included in all routes of excursion tours to Spain. The right bank of the Guadalquivir River occupies the old suburb, the Triana district; on the left bank are the main historical sites of the Old City, the Cathedral, the Alcazar, the Golden Tower, protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee since 1987.
For more than 3,000 years of existence from the era of Tartessus to the present day, the people of the province of Seville have embodied the traditions of several cultural groups: Iberian, Romanesque, Visigothic, Muslim, Christian.
Legend says that the founder of this ancient city is the ancient Greek hero Hercules, but these are legends, and the facts indicate that at the dawn of its formation (1200 BC), the modern territory of the province of Seville was part of the ancient Iberian kingdom of Tartessos .
The capital of this then great kingdom was a beautiful city, which the Phoenicians called Tarssis, the Greeks Tartessos, and the peoples of Asia Minor Tursa. Confirmation of the wealth and greatness of the kingdom of Tartessus are archaeological finds, among which are plates made of pieces of pure gold, which may have been part of a breastplate.
Even some chapters of the Bible mention that King Solomon equipped his ships to search for the gold of Tartessus during the construction of his temple. From this, historians concluded that the Phoenicians and Greeks arrived here in search of new lands rich in metals. Here there was a mixture of three different cultures: Turdetanian, Iberian and Punic. Unfortunately, there is no reliable historical evidence about the reasons for the disappearance of the ancient city; this happened after the capture of Phoenicia by the Assyrians and during the transition of these lands to the control of Carthage.
After the defeat of Carthage in the Second Punic War, Rome gained full control of the Iberian Peninsula. In 206 BC. e. Roman troops under the command of General Scipio entered Seville. By order of the general, the Romans founded the new city of Italica, 7 kilometers from Seville. Today, this is a museum on the territory of the town of Santiponce, excavations continue here, now you can see a stone-paved road, the perimeter of city streets, an amphitheater, the foundations of buildings with gardens and mosaic floors are clearly visible.
Seville received a new name, Colonia Iulia Romula Hispalis or Ispalis, becoming one of the three largest cities in the Roman province of Baetica, with Cordoba as its capital. Ispalis was then an important industrial and commercial center of Roman Spain with a major port. Fortress walls were erected around the entire city, of which only small fragments remain today. Seville gave world history two Roman emperors Trajan (98-117) and Hadrian (117-138).
After the fall of the Roman Empire, a dark period of chaos and plunder began, which was brought to the former Roman lands by semi-wild nomadic tribes of barbarians who were at war with each other. The territories of southern Spain were first taken over by the Vandals. Seville was taken by the army of King Gunderic in 426. However, they were soon forced to leave the conquered lands of Spain, going to conquer Africa.
In 441, Seville was once again taken by the Suevian king, Regila, who already owned neighboring Galicia.
Meanwhile, the Visigothic kingdom was gaining strength and in 531 the troops of King Theudis captured Seville, losing the Roman name Ispalis forever, the city became known as Spalis.
According to the historian Isidore of Seville, it is known that during the reign of the Visigoth king Agil I (549-554), the future king Atanagild raised an uprising in Seville and soon, with the support of the Byzantine emperor Justilian, received the Visigoth crown. Byzantium, in turn, captured significant territories of Spain up to Valencia. After ascending the throne, Atanagild directed his efforts to fight his former ally, trying to liberate his lands from the Byzantines. We were unable to find precise data confirming that during the reign of Atanagild (551-567) Seville was occupied by the Byzantines.
Some historians argue that during Visigothic rule in Andalusia, the cities and Seville for some time had a special status, independent of Toledo.
The beginning of the Arab expansion (711) of significant territories of Spain was the crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar by a detachment of Berber mercenaries under the command of the famous Arab commander Tariq ibn Ziyad. After the death of King Roderic in the Battle of the Guadalete River on July 19-26, 711, Arab troops, already under the command of the supreme commander Musa ibn Nusayr, the conqueror of the Maghreb, began to capture the Visigothic kingdom.
There are two versions of the capture of Seville in the spring of 712, after which its inhabitants became subjects of the Umayyad Caliphate. The first speaks of a three-month siege of the city by Arab troops. The second says that most of the townspeople of Ibero-Roman and Jewish origin supported the invaders, as they were eager to get rid of the power of the Visigoths. Among the sympathizers was even the Seville Archbishop Don Oppas.
The meeting of two different civilizations did not come as a great shock to the townspeople. The new city government was composed of Jews who enjoyed the favor of the Arabs. Jews, oppressed by the Visigoths, who did not have the right of free movement, inhabiting the poorest Jewish quarter of the city, juderia, now received equal rights with the rest of the inhabitants of the emirate, the opportunity to participate in political and economic life.
With the consent of the then ruler of Damascus, Caliph Al Walid I of the Umayyad dynasty, Musa made Seville the capital of the already captured territories, giving it the name Ishbilya. Then, leaving his son Abd el Aziz as governor, he continued the conquest of Andalusia.
All the city nobility grouped around the young Abd el Aziz, and the widow of the last Visigoth king Roderic, Egilona, became his wife. An unprecedented era of mixing and prosperity of clans, religions, and ethnic groups began. For Seville, the times of flourishing trade, science, and crafts came; the region's economy was experiencing a period of growth.
The largest river, the Betis, was called by the Arabs the Big River, in Arabic it sounded like Guad el Kevir, which gave the river its modern name Guadalquivir. The Arabs, who highly valued the availability of water, planted the fertile river valleys with various exotic crops. The prosperous city, located near a deep river, attracted the attention of sea robbers of the Vikings and Normans, who attacked Seville on October 1, 844.
During the robberies and robberies, the city suffered greatly; the townspeople who did not have time to escape were killed, some were transported to the island of Captel (now Isla Menor) on the Guadalquivir River, below Seville, demanding a ransom. The troops of Emir Abd ar Rahman II had great difficulty in forcing the warlike Vikings to retreat.
The attack of the Normans forced the emir to strengthen the city walls and think about building a navy. The next Viking invasion of Seville in 859 was less successful. Their ships were met by the emir's new fleet, forcing the enemy to retreat. After the campaign of 859-861. The Normans stopped disturbing Andalusia for a long time. The last attacks took place in 971-972, but Seville was not damaged then.
During the reign of the first Umayyad caliph, Abd ar Rahman III, two influential families declared Seville (899) an independent state from the authority of Cordoba. This was a period of practical civil war between these influential clans. Only on December 20, 913, after the destruction of the fortress walls, the city was taken by the Caliph's troops.
The beginning of the 11th century, the collapse of the Cordoba Caliphate, the formation of an independent church (Taifa) of the Beni Abbad or Abbadids dynasty, was a period (1023-1091) of unprecedented prosperity during all the years of Islamic rule in Seville.
The loss of autocracy was the beginning of the end of the once great state of Al Andalus. Continuous wars with the Christian kingdoms, internecine wars between the Taifas, led first to the loss of Toledo and then to the seizure of power over all the Taifas, called to help by the Almoravids.
The last two centuries of the Almoravid era, after 1091, saw the last changes in the appearance of Seville. The fortress walls were restored, the Giralda and the Golden Tower were built.
After the capture of Cordoba (1236) and Jaén (1246), Fernando III of Castile, with the support of the army of King Jaime I of Aragon, strengthening his fleet with ships of the Vasques and Galicians, approached Seville in August 1247. During the Seville campaign, Christians were also assisted by the Emir of Granada, Muhammad I. Christian troops had no experience in military operations against such a large, well-fortified city with a military flotilla.
Seville was surrounded by a powerful 7-kilometer wall, the river was protected by the Triana fortress on the right bank of the Guadalquivir. The siege lasted more than a year, the united Christian fleet under the command of Ramon Bonifas cut off the supply of the surrounded city from the sea, on May 3, 1248, the bridge between the Triana fortress was destroyed, Seville was doomed. The result of a long siege was the signing of capitulation on November 2, 1248. The emir was given time to leave the city and on November 22, 1248, King Fernando III of Castile entered Seville.
After the end of the reconquista, a rapid process of restoration of the destruction began, the reconstruction of Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues into Christian churches, and the construction of new city neighborhoods.
Shipyards were built for new sailing ships, which the Castilian Crown so lacked, and Spain's largest river port was being modernized.
The 13th-15th centuries are the times when the terrible fires of the Inquisition are lit throughout the country, Seville is no exception, Muslims and Jews are expelled from their inhabited places, the number of those killed was in the thousands, the country is going through a difficult period in its history, as a result, a significant economic decline is observed everywhere, decreasing population size.
The end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries became for. After the discovery of America, the entire flow of trade with the New World passed through the port of Seville, through the harbor of the Guadalquivir River, which becomes the only port awarded by the Royal Decree, a monopoly on trade with the rich Spanish colonies of America. As a result of a sharp increase in trade, the rapid growth of the region's economy, the population increased to a million people.
However, the development of another large port and the division of the monopoly on receiving ships from America significantly reduced trade turnover, and the income of the city treasury became very scarce. And the sudden outbreak of the Great Plague of 1649 carried away half of the city's population.
The next remarkable historical date was 1729, the date of the signing of a historic tripartite treaty on peace, cooperation, good neighborliness between the three Great European Powers: France, England, and later the Netherlands joined them. In 1808, Seville became the center of resistance to the French invasion led by Napoleon. Until the end of the 19th century, the city experienced difficult times, followed by industrialization; the city again set a course for economic growth, which was characterized by an increase in the urban population.
Modern municipality Seville has eleven administrative districts. Its main part is located on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River, on the right is located only one of the oldest urban areas, Triana. The northeastern part, the left bank, is occupied by the typical Muslim district of Macarena, the northwestern Christian districts of Santa Clara and San Vicente.
All traditional excursion routes pass through the old city, ancient historical quarters, consisting of narrow serpentine, intertwined streets, many small cozy squares where beautiful graceful fountains are built. Among the most beautiful city squares, it should be noted: Resurrection Square, Museum Square, Constitution Square, Ducal Square, St. Francis Square.
The most striking city celebrations are Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Feria, better known as the April Fair, these holidays are colorful, noisy, fun, lively, with a traditional Andalusian scope, to the sounds of everyone’s favorite Sevillana, using national costumes, arranged street performances, about a thousand special holiday pavilions are installed.
But also a city that is a real concentration of the Andalusian spirit and Andalusian culture. Seville is an absolutely special city for Andalusia; it stands out for the luxury of its architecture, its temperament, and its economic and political significance. It is not for nothing that the city has a population of 700,000 people and is the most populous in Andalusia and the 4th most populous in Spain.
For the elegance of its architecture, romantic narrow streets and boats sailing through the city's ponds, it was called the “Spanish Venice.” The city is famous not only for its architecture with its striking Cathedral, considered the largest Catholic church in Europe by cubic capacity, and Plaza de España, one of the most beautiful public spaces in the world, but also for its temperament.
The townspeople's love for holidays, dancing, fun and theater became simply legendary and was embodied in culture in such characters as Don Juan, Carmen and Figaro.
Seville during the Roman Empire
Seville, according to one of the ancient legends, was founded by Hercules, which once again expresses the power of this southern capital of Spain. The first civilization to settle on the territory of the modern city were the Iberian tribes, which were later replaced by the Phoenicians, who were actively trading in the Mediterranean Sea. Like other cities in southern Spain, the Romans came to power here around the 3rd century BC. During this era, the importance of the city increased significantly. The importance of Seville in the political life of the Roman Empire is evidenced by the fact that the Roman emperors Marcus Ulpius NervaTraianus and Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus were born there. Both of these emperors belong to the so-called "Five Good Emperors of Rome", whose reign was characterized by stability and lack of repression, and the Roman Empire itself reached its highest peak. When the Roman Empire collapsed, the Visigoths made Seville their capital.
Seville during the era of Muslim rule
The Muslims captured Seville in 712, giving it the status of the main city of the province of Ishbilya (إشبيلية). In fact, the modern name of the city itself comes from this Arabic name. The year 844 was tragic for the city, which was captured and almost completely destroyed by the Normans.
During the period of Muslim rule, the city became increasingly inferior in political and economic importance to the capital of the Cordoba Caliphate, Cordoba. After the caliphate ceased to exist, the Abbasid dynasty gained power over the city. True, she did not last long in power; already in 1090 the city was captured by Berbers who arrived from North Africa.
Seville after the Reconquista
The next important page in the history of Seville began after the completion of the Reconquista and the recapture of the city by Catholics in 1248. The siege lasted for 16 months, and the victory turned out to be an extremely significant event for the then monarch Ferdinand III. Christians appreciated the advantageous geographical position of the city and built a shipyard and port in the city, which subsequently had a very important influence on the history of the city.
The main turning point in the history of the city was the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. It was in Seville, in the royal castle of Alcazar, that the department responsible for equipping and planning expeditions to the New World, as well as for organizing political life in the new colonies, was located. It was here that the “golden streams” from America flocked, and the gold and silver of the New World made the city fabulously rich, which, of course, manifested itself in its architecture, as well as in the increase in its political importance. Spanish monarchs increasingly began to spend time in this city.
But even after trade with the colonies lost some of its importance over time, Seville continued to play a vital role in the history of Spain. For example, during the capture of Spain by Bonaparte's French troops, this city became the main city of the Spanish resistance.
Seville in modern history
The city also played an important role during the Civil War. On July 18, 1936, an anti-republican coup took place in the city, led by the famous General Gonzalo Queipo de Llano (Spanish: Gonzalo Queipo de Llano). Seville becomes one of the first cities to come under Nationalist control.
Today Seville is one of the most visited cities in Spain, the city plays a central role in the economy, politics and culture of the autonomous community of Andalusia, being its capital.
Attractions
Of course, a city with such a rich history, which played an important role throughout almost the entire history of Spain, starting from the times of the Roman Empire, has a rich architectural heritage, which is extremely difficult to describe in one article. Therefore, we will try to concentrate on the most important and interesting sights of Seville.
- Cathedral of Maria de la Sede (Spanish: Catedral de Santa María de la Sede). This grandiose structure is considered not only a symbol of the city, Andalusia and Spain, but even one of the symbols of the Catholic world as a whole. In a record time for that time (about 100 years), one of the largest Catholic churches in the world in terms of cubic capacity was erected in Seville.
- Giralda (Spanish: Giralda). The 114-meter-high minaret, left over from the times of the mosque, was rebuilt into a Catholic bell tower and is now considered a symbol of the city. The Giralda, combining elements of Christian and Arabic architecture and rising above the city roofs, gives the entire city a special charm.
- Palace - Alcázares fortress (Spanish: Reales Alcázares de Sevilla). A majestic castle that has been the residence of local rulers since the Roman era. The castle was then completely rebuilt by the Muslims who settled there, and later by the Spanish monarch Pedro I, who thoroughly reconstructed it in the Mudejar style.
- Archbishop's Palace.
- Plaza de España. Plaza de España is made in the shape of a semicircle, amazes with its architectural elegance and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The building that frames the square is the government building of Andalusia. The lower tier of the balustrade is lined with stunning ceramic panels telling the history of Spain.
- Maria Luisa Park (Spanish: Parque de María Luisa)- a favorite vacation spot for townspeople. The park is richly decorated with architectural elements in the Art Deco style, and in its dense greenery local residents find shelter from the scorching sun.
- Golden Tower (Spanish: Torre del Oro), built in the 13th century and so named because it was here that treasures from the countries of colonial America were brought.
- Archive of the Indias (Spanish: Archivo General de Indias). An archive that contains many interesting documents, manuscripts, and maps related to the life of Columbus and his travels to the New World. The Archive building and its exhibits are classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Humanity.
- Archaeological Museum (Spanish: Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla), located in the Plaza América on the edge of the Maria Luisa Park, contains a rich collection of artifacts from the Tartessian and Roman periods.
- Old tobacco factory (Spanish: Antigua de Tabacos). Currently, the factory buildings house the faculties of the University of Seville.
- Pilate's House (Spanish: Casa de Pilatos) is one of the most beautiful palaces in the city.
- Hospital of Mercy (Spanish: Hospital de la Santa Caridad) is a historical building inextricably linked with the name of Don Juan.
- The Iglesia del Segrario is one of the city's most beautiful churches, built in the 17th century.
- District of Santa Cruz (Spanish: Santa Crus). Perhaps the most romantic area of the city: snow-white houses, narrow streets, well-kept patios, old mansions are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.
- Guadalquivir River (Spanish: Guadalquivir). Of course, we cannot ignore the river, which played such an important role in the history of the city, because it was along it that gold was delivered to Seville from the New World. Now you can take a romantic boat trip along Guadalquivir and visit the maritime museum in the Golden Tower
- Triana area. The area can be called a direct contrast to Santa Cruz. The houses here are located randomly, the streets are noisy, and the low voices of flamenco singers can be heard. Here you can find corrals - quite large houses in which people used to live as in communes.
- Museum of Fine Arts. Founded in 1835, the Museum of Fine Arts has a rich collection of works by both Spanish and foreign artists and is considered one of the best art galleries in Europe.
- Roman Italica (Spanish: Italica). Not far from Seville are the remains of the ancient Roman city of Santiponce. History was once made in this place, and such great personalities as the Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born.
Events in Seville
Seville is famous not only for its architecture, but also for its holiday traditions. Many holidays take place here, each of which demonstrates the townspeople’s inherent love for holidays, music and dancing. Among all the holidays in the city, the April Fair and Holy Week occupy a special place:
April Fair
One of the most fun and wild holidays in Andalusia. For a whole week the city is in an atmosphere of unbridled fun, traditional Andalusian tunes are heard in the air, dancing takes place everywhere, locals wear colorful, traditional costumes, and wine flows like a river. Initially, this holiday was associated exclusively with the fair taking place in the city, which is why it received such a name.
Holy Week
This is one of the most important religious holidays not only in Andalusia, but throughout Spain. Religious processions carried out by people in cone-shaped hoods, with stretchers in their arms, repenting of their sins are known far beyond the borders of Spain. The gloomy images of the Passion of Christ depicted on a stretcher and the processions of tragic people in hoods contrast with the dancing and fun that takes place throughout the city.
Without a doubt, (Sevilla) is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the capital of Andalusia. Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists come here to admire the extraordinary architecture, walk through legendary places or take part in world-famous traditional fiery festivals that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Story
According to surviving sources in ancient times, on the territory of modern Seville there was a small Iberian settlement, and a little later there was a colony of Ispalis, which belonged to the Phoenicians. Around the 3rd century. BC e. this city was conquered by the Romans, who called it Baetica. There is an opinion that it was in Seville, or rather in ancient Baetica, that the famous Roman emperors Hadrian, Trajan and Marcus Aurelius were born. After the fall of the rule of the Roman Empire, Seville was for some time the capital of the Visigoths, as evidenced by the ruins of Italica that have survived to this day.
In 712 it was conquered by the Arabs, who ruled it for five centuries. This left an indelible mark on the architecture of the city and the culture of its local residents.
In 1248 Seville was conquered by the Spaniards. Some time later, King Ferdinand III of Castile ordered the construction of a shipyard in the city. It was from this moment that the city's infrastructure began to develop rapidly.
In the 15th century From the port of Seville, the famous navigator and discoverer of America, Christopher Columbus, began his long journey to the shores of India, which in 1492 became the famous discovery of the New World. This time marked the beginning of the heyday of the city's economy, since it only had the right to trade in newly discovered countries.
The city became a port of world importance, where one could see treasures brought from different parts of the world. The Arab historian Al Sakundi wrote about this extraordinary city: “Whoever has not been to Seville has not seen a miracle.”
Attractions
The rich history of Seville is reflected in its appearance. Most of the city's attractions are located in the old part of the city, on the left bank of the river Guadalquivir(Guadalquivir), the brightest of which is (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede de Sevilla). It was built over more than 100 years, from 1401 to 1519, the height of this structure is 116 meters and the length is 76 m. The cathedral amazes with its elegant and even solemn appearance, which is perfectly emphasized by the tall dome and monumental columns. 
Another entertainment in Seville that attracts many tourists is horse riding and horse-drawn carriage rides.
And the main spectacular show that can be seen in Seville is, of course, bullfighting. Only in Seville and Madrid can you still see bullfights, traditional for Spanish culture.
Kitchen
The multinational history of Seville is reflected not only in the culture of the citizens and the architecture of the city itself, but also in the cuisine. Since the city is located on a river flowing into the sea, the cuisine here is mainly seafood.
One of the most famous restaurants in Seville is the Corral del Rey, which is a luxurious restaurant with a bar. Visitors prefer to have dinner or lunch on the terrace, which offers a beautiful view of the main attraction of the city, Cathedral Square and the Cathedral. Here you can taste traditional Spanish cuisine from meat and vegetable dishes, as well as fish dishes. And in the restaurant bar, visitors are offered more than 100 types of different cocktails.
Another one of the most visited restaurants by tourists is La Giralda, where you can feel the cozy and warm atmosphere combined with reasonable prices. It is necessary about 
It should be noted that the cuisine here is quite original, one can even say that it combines the most delicious dishes from all cultures.
And in the prestigious Egana Oriza restaurant, guests are offered to taste Baco-Andalusian cuisine in an innovative performance by the chef, who says that the whole secret of the unique taste of his dishes lies in the skillful use of vinegar and olive oil. These ingredients are of particular value when preparing fish dishes.
Seville
The history of Seville, apparently, has always been closely connected with the Guadalquivir River, since since ancient times the city has been a river port, and also served as a kind of bridge connecting the Atlantic Ocean and areas of Andalusia remote from the sea, also do not forget that Seville has always been the crossing point between the Northeast and the West of the Iberian Peninsula. Even if we go back in time to the first millennium BC, the area where Seville is now was already destined to become a wonderful place, home to the huge market of the Guadalquivir River valley. The original Seville was founded where the river was not navigable for seagoing ships. Archaeological excavations carried out in La Cuesta del Rosario confirm that the first settlements date back to the 9th century. BC.
The Roman conquerors ruled throughout Spain for 6 centuries. Their first colony was called Italica, this colony can still be seen today. The remains of the city of Italica are located 10 kilometers from Seville. Italica expanded rapidly, and among the huge number of interesting buildings that it has is the Amphitheater, designed for 25,000 spectators. In Italica you can still find examples of great Roman architecture, such as three houses: De Exedra, Los Pajaros and Gilas, which amaze with their mosaics. Two Roman emperors were born in this city: Trajano and Adriano. In 49 BC. the city was renamed Hispalis by Julius Caesar, thus becoming an official colony of the Roman Empire. The city grew constantly and eventually reached the area where Seville is currently located.
The Romans changed the appearance of villages and cities by building aqueducts and long straight roads connecting large cities. Now some well-preserved objects from that period can be seen in the city's Archaeological Museum.
But it was the Arab civilization that became the final impetus for the development of the city. Her rule remained in Andalusia for almost 8 centuries from 711 until 1492, when the last Muslim ruler was expelled from Granada by the Catholic kings.
Some of the city's most stunning buildings date back to this era: Torre del Oro, Torre de Plata, La Giralda, the Orange Court, the Triana area, the walls of De la Macarena and the Alcazar. Later, the Moors inhabiting Spain used their knowledge to create beautiful works of architecture in the Arabic style, such as the Palace of Pedro I, which is part of the Royal Palaces of Seville. Several churches dating from this era were built in the Arabic (or Mudejar) style, including the Church of San Marcos, the Church of Santa Catalina, and the Church of San Pedro.
In an interesting way, the Mudejar architectural style is embodied in one of its best examples - the Pilatos House, one of the most beautiful buildings you can visit in Seville. The city walls and its entrance doors offer a wonderful vision of the city through the prism of time.
After the Christians occupied Granada, Spain entered an era of expansion and prosperity. The conquest of America in 1492 made Seville one of the richest cities in Europe. In 1503, Seville was awarded the right of a monopolist to trade with the new continent and, having become even more enriched, became 
the most cosmopolitan trading city. And even when Madrid was appointed capital in 1561, Seville continued to be the main communications hub until the 17th century. Amazing buildings in the Renaissance and Baroque styles appeared at this time, and many artists of the Golden Age of Painting - Zubaran, Murillo, Juan de Valdez Leal - created their works here. But most of this wealth was wasted in wars by the Habsburg dynasty. The War of the Spanish Succession, which lasted 13 years, ended with the installation of the Borbon dynasty on the throne instead of the Habsburgs and the transfer of Gibraltar to the British, according to the Treaty of Utrecht. Disputes with France later drew Spain into the Napoleonic Wars.
As a result of the Battle of Trafalgar, the Spanish king, Carlos IV, abdicated the throne and Napoleon appointed his brother Joseph to the Spanish throne. The Peninsular War continued, and with the help of the British, the French were driven out of Spain. With the restoration of the Borbon dynasty, Spain, weakened by serious conflicts, began to lose its colonies.
In the 18th century, Spain began to experience economic decline, and in the 19th and 20th centuries, poverty led to political conflicts that ended in civil war.
Many of the newly constructed historic buildings are associated with the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, including Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park.
The event was repeated in 1992 when Seville once again hosted the World Expo, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Seville is one of the most famous cities in Spain, which the whole world knows about. Its sunny and fertile climate attracted many civilizations: the Carthaginians, Phoenicians and Romans. In ancient times, a very small Iberian village stood on the site of the city. But in the 3rd century. BC. it passed into the hands of the Romans, from which its unprecedented prosperity began. Legends say that Seville is the birthplace of the famous Roman emperors Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. The city also became the birthplace of the legend about the famous libertine and sensualist Don Juan, who became a famous artistic character. It was from Seville that Christopher Columbus set out to look for the New World, and the gypsy Carmen, the heroine of Merimee's novella, met Don Jose and Torero Escamillo.
Seville is a unique, colorful and beautiful city, with passionate flamenco, exciting bullfights and endless celebrations, which perfectly reflects the national Spanish character.
Climate and weather
Seville has a Mediterranean climate with continental elements. It is characterized by very hot summers and mild winters without snow. The average temperature per year is 18.6 °C. The coldest month is January (5.2 °C), and the warmest month is July (35.3 °C). Moreover, every year several times the thermometer certainly rises above 40 °C.
The average annual precipitation is 500-600 mm, with most falling in April and October, with the wettest month being December. In total, there are 52 rainy days per year and no more than 3 snowy days, when the temperature can drop below 0 °C.
Nature
Seville is located in the province of the same name, which is part of the Andalusia region. The city is located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, on the banks of the navigable Guadalquivir River. The city neighborhoods of Los Remedios and Triana are located on the opposite side of the river.
Of all the trees that grow in the local parks and squares, bitter oranges and jacaranda stand out.
Bananas, oleander and jasmine are also common.
Attractions
Seville is divided into two parts by the Guadalquivir River. On its left bank is the historical district of the city, and on the right is the colorful and iconic district of Tirana for Spain, which is a favorite place for bullfighters, flamenco performers and sailors. There are a huge number of Spanish restaurants here, which are very popular among tourists.
The former Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the first largest in Spain and the third largest in Europe. The building is designed in the traditional Gothic style, and later additions are in the Renaissance style. Here is also the symbol of the city - the Giralda Tower, which is a former minaret. From its observation deck you can see the most picturesque views of Seville. The palace of the rulers of the city of Alcazar is also noteworthy.
The Moorish Golden Tower, located on the river embankment, attracts keen interest from tourists. It was built to protect the harbor in 1220 and now houses the Maritime Museum. Not far from the tower there is a university. Its building previously housed a tobacco factory, which became the setting for Merimee's novel "Carmen". Nearby there is a steel bridge that leads to Tirana. It overlooks the bullring and Columbus Avenue.
The palace of the Duke of Medinaceli, which combines the Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance styles, is considered a symbolic place in Seville. The palace was nicknamed the House of Pilate because... Previously, processions symbolizing the Way of the Cross of Christ began from here.
Nutrition
The traditional cuisine of Seville is based on homemade recipes. The menu of all restaurants necessarily includes specialties of the region. The most popular are Flemish eggs, stuffed wild artichokes, sherry kidneys, asparagus omelette, gazpacho and fried fish. There are also many restaurants that offer not only Andalusian and Spanish cuisine, but also dishes from other countries.
First of all, it is customary for restaurant visitors to order “tapas”, i.e. snacks. This is an old tradition with many rituals and customs associated with it. In order to get to know the cuisine of Seville well, you need to try many dishes that are offered in the local taverns and bars: gazpacho, salads, salmorejo, etc. In addition, all year round Seville bars serve excellent ham from the Huelva mountains, lobsters from Sanlúcar and fried fish. All this is washed down with local wine (for example, manzanillas), wine from nearby areas (montilla and sherry) or fresh golden beer.
Accommodation
The city is ready to offer its tourists and guests a wide variety of accommodation options: family hotels, luxury hotels and business hotels, apartments and cottages for rent, private houses, inexpensive hostels and boarding houses. Therefore, here during your stay you can easily find accommodation for every taste at an affordable price. However, during the high season you may have to search around a bit to find suitable accommodation, and for holidays it is advisable to book in advance.
The best hotels in Seville are Hotel Alfonso XIII, Gran Melia Colon and Barceló Renacimiento, they provide all the amenities of the highest quality, and professional service is not satisfactory (from 100 € per night). Cheaper hotels are located outside the historical part of the city and in the suburbs (from 18 €).
Entertainment and relaxation
In the historical part of Seville there is an entertainment theme park called “Magic Island”, which allows you to get acquainted with a wide variety of peoples and countries. Here you can also visit the planetarium, ride the monorail and high-speed slides, watch a laser show or a water performance.
But the most favorite entertainment in the city is visiting a party where flamenco dancing is performed. To do this, it is better to head to the Tirana region, where people of creative professions and free views live.
Another traditional Seville entertainment is bullfighting. Nowhere in Spain, except in Seville and Madrid, are there so many fans of this exciting spectacle; nowhere else are so many fights held. A large bullring has been built in Seville
Traveling around the city in horse-drawn carriages has also become a popular entertainment for tourists. This type of transport has long been outdated, but its popularity has not waned.
Being the main commercial, industrial and tourist center of the region, Seville has also become the center of constantly changing holidays, which are celebrated here very vigorously and cheerfully.
Purchases
One of the features that characterize Seville is the city's ancient trading traditions, which have developed over many centuries. Handmade ceramic crafts, which date back to the era of Arab rule, are very popular in Seville. It was the easterners who taught the Spanish masters how to paint ceramic products and cover them with glaze. The Tirana district is the ceramic center of the city; numerous shops and shops of local craftsmen are concentrated here.
In addition to clay vases, plates and pots, you can buy handmade lace, embroidery and mantillas on the city streets. Moreover, one of the fundamental conditions for a successful purchase is bargaining, which is more than appropriate in Seville.
Recently, Seville has become a major center not only of crafts, but also of fashion. The city is home to the workshops of famous designers who are members of the Seville Fashion Association and the Andalusian Fashion Center.
In addition, Seville has traditional open-air markets where you can buy absolutely any product.
Transport
Seville has a very convenient public transport system. Most buses run here frequently and allow you to get to almost anywhere in the city. A travel ticket can be bought at a newsagent, with a green ticket (10 trips) costing 5 € and a red ticket (10 trips with transfers) costing 6 €. Along with them, there are also plastic bonobus travel passes, which can be replenished and used for a very long time.
The Seville metro is divided into 3 zones, the fare is 1.30 € per zone and 4.50 € for all 3 zones, with an unlimited number of trips per day.
For cyclists, there are docking stations in the city where you can rent a bike. Moreover, you can hand it over at any other docking station. The rental price is the first 30 minutes free, and then 1 € per hour.
Connection
In all areas of the city there are telephone booths and Telefonica machines, from where you can make calls abroad. And much cheaper than from a hotel. The call is paid with coins or Tarjeta telefonica telephone cards, sold in hotels and tobacco kiosks (from 6 €).
Cellular communications in Valencia, as throughout the country, are supported by GSM 900/1800 standards. All major European operators have roaming.
For those wishing to use Internet services, the city has a large number of Internet cafes. The average cost is from 1.4 € per hour on the Internet.
Safety
Seville is a major tourist center with a fairly high level of security. However, here, as in other crowded cities, cases of theft are possible. Therefore, when going for a walk in crowded places, you should not unnecessarily take large sums of money and valuables, and you should not leave bags and clothes unattended in restaurants and cafes.
In addition, you need to be wary of scammers who come up with all sorts of tricks. For example, a man approaches a tourist, asks to take a photo of himself, and disappears. His partner then accuses the hapless traveler of theft.
Business climate
In order to start a business in Seville, favorable conditions have been created. However, we must remember that registering a company does not provide the right to obtain a visa for permanent residence (1 year). Visa problems are solved by purchasing real estate.
The most profitable investments in Seville are considered to be investments in tourism and the restaurant business.
Real estate
At the moment, Seville is one of the most promising places to buy property in Spain. To date, prices have dropped more than in other regions of the country. This is due to the lack of foreign buyers, who are an influential force in the Spanish property market. Analysts are confident that prices in Spain will gradually go up again, and in Seville they will grow the most significantly. Now in the city center you can find an apartment for 50,000 €, and a house for 100,000 €, which is a very profitable offer on the Spanish real estate market.
Tickets for all entertainment and cultural events are sold only in specialized kiosks, museums and stadiums. Flamenco shows and bullfights are quite expensive events and tickets must be purchased in advance. And you should never do this on the street - deception is possible.
All city beaches are municipal and entry to them is free. However, the rental of umbrellas and sun loungers costs extra.