Learn Spanish in Seville

Seville, capital of Andalucia, is a beautiful city with a real 'feel good' atmosphere. The old town is a representation of true Spain, and it is easy to find yourself lost in the small streets and plazas. It is an enchanting city where you will find yourself immersed in a truly Spanish atmosphere.

History

Under the Romans Seville was a busy port town, but was always overshadowed by Cordoba. Even when the Muslims arrived and called it Ishbiliya, it was still regarded as less important. However, after the collapse of the Cordoba Caliphate in 1031, the town became the most powerful of the small taifa states into which Al-Andalus broke up. By 1078 it had become the largest town in the area, stretching from the Algarve to Murcia.

In 1248 Castilla's Fernando III El Santo (the Saint) captured the city after a 2-year siege. He brought in 24,000 Castilian settlers and by the 14th century Seville was regarded as the most important Castilian City. With the discovery of the Americas in 1492, the city became one of the richest and most cosmopolitan in Europe. It was given a monopoly on Spanish trade with the new continent and by 1600 its population leapt to 150,000.

Following 2 plagues in 1649 and 1800, and the loss of much of the new American trade to Cadiz, Seville's fortunes changed and the city was left in decline. The population dropped to 60,000. Fortunately prosperity returned in the 19th century with industrialisation and in 1929 Seville hosted its first great international trade fair. The civil war of the 1930s and urban development in the 1950s only slightly helped the city regain its lost grandeur. It was not until the city was chosen to host the 1992 Expo world fair, on the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America, that the city experienced a huge lift internationally.

Climate

In general you can rely on pleasant or hot temperatures just about everywhere from April to early November. The temperatures normally range from 15°C to 35°C. In Andalucia there are plenty of warm, sunny days right through winter. However, in July and August, temperature inland can get unpleasant, unless you are high enough in the mountains.

Five day weather forecast

City Sights

Catedral & Giralda
Seville's immense cathedral stands on the site of the main Almohad mosque. Dominating the centre of the city, 160 metres wide and 140 metres long, only St Peter's in Rome and St Paul's in London are larger. The gothic style building was completed in 1507. From the outside, despite its size it appears to be just another bulky historical building. However, once you step through the door the treasures start to unfold. In contrast, La Giralda, with a tower on its east side, is much more impressive from the outside. Standing at over 90ms high, it was built between 1184 and 1195, almost entirely of brick. The patterned decoration and colours change with the light and are something to look out for.
Both the tower and the cathedral are open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm, and on Sunday from 2 to 5pm.

Alcazar
Built originally in the 10th century for Seville's Muslim rulers, the Alcazar (fortress) is rather more of a palace than a fortress. It has been changed, adapted and enlarged throughout history and is a truly fascinating place to visit.
It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5pm (June to September from 10am to 1.30pm and 5 to 7pm), and on Sunday and public holidays from 10am to 1pm.

Barrio de Santa Cruz
Seville's medieval Judaic or Jewish quarter, situated just to the east of the cathedral, is a fascinating tangle of quaint, winding streets and lovely plant decked plazas. It's well worth exploring and is definitely a highlight of any stay in Seville. The barrio's best plaza is Plaza de Santa Cruz.

Day Trips

Granada
Famous for La Alhambra, this beautiful Moorish City is only 4 hours away by bus and is definitely worth a visit.

Cordoba
The old Jewish and Muslim quarters and the famous Mezquita are fascinating places to explore, just 2 hours away by bus.

Jerez de la frontera
World famous for its Sherry. Jerez is a wealthy town of spacious streets, old mansions and beautiful churches, no more than an hour away by bus.

Ronda
Balanced astride the amazing 100 metre deep El Tajo gorge and amid the beautiful Serrania de Ronda Mountains is a town which can justifiably claim to be the home of bull fighting. It is a fantastic day out and is 2 ½ hours away by bus.

Nights out

The nightlife in Seville is amongst the countries liveliest. The numerous bars are throbbing, especially those situated on the East bank of the Guadalquivir. For organised events take a look at the listings in the local newspapers such as ABC or El Correo.

Activities

Shopping
The main shopping areas are located in and around Calle Sierpes. There is an El Corte Ingles department store on Plaza del Duque de la Victoria and the large flea market. The market takes place on Thursday mornings, on Calle de la Feria in the Barrio De la Macarena, and is well worth a visit.

Bullfights
Seville has some of the best bullfights in Spain if you wish to go and view this ancient spectacle. The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza on Paseo de Cristobal Colon is the place to go. The season runs from Easter to October and the fights are held on Sunday at about 6p.

Special Events

5 January: Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos - the parade of the Three Kings.
24- 26 July: Vela de Santiago - fiesta of the Triana barrio.
September: Bienal de Flamenco - one of Spain's biggest Flamenco festivals.

Where can I find the….

Tourist information
The main tourist office can be found on Avenida de la Constitucion 21 and is open in the week from 9am to 7pm and on Saturdays from 10am until 2pm. The phone number is 422 14 04.

Medical and Emergency Services
The main general hospital is the Hospital Virgen del Rocio (Tel: 4248181) on Avenida Manuel Siurot s/n, 1 km south of the Parque de Maria Luisa. For an ambulance call 4425565. The Policia Municipal (Tel:092) is in the Pabellon de Brasil, Paseo de las Delicias 15 (at the South end of the Parque Maria Luisa) and the Policia Nacional (Tel:091) is on Plaza Concordia.

Banks
There are a number of ATM machines dotted around the centre of town. The American Express on Plaza Nueva will cash travellers' cheques commission free.

Post and Communications
The main post office is situated on Avenida de la Constitucion 32, just opposite the Archivo de Indias. The telephone code for Sevilla Province is 95.

Internet @ccess
There are two main Internet cafes, both are to be found on Calle Betis on the West Bank of the Guadalquivir. Big Ben is at number 54 and Café Metro is at number 29.

Airport Transfers

The airport in Seville is about 7kms from the centre. The airport bus is a 30-minute trip and runs 12 times a day.

Useful Websites

www.sevilla.org Tourist information
www.sol.com Seville on-line