Oh the magnificent journey I am about to embark on!
Of courses, every city has its history, and like many others, legend has it that Seville was founded by Hercules. However, historians tell us a different means by which Seville flourished - It was the Phoenicians and Greeks who had maintained commercial relations with Tharsis, and it was during the Tharsis reign that Seville came about.
Seville was originally named Ispal, a city on the shores of Guadalquivir during the 8th century BC. It was later called Hispalis and considered today to be the origin of Seville.
Early on, Seville was occupied by the Carthaginians. However, when they were defeated by the Romans, Seville surprisingly entered into an age of bliss. Even more s when Seville became a colony appointed by Julius Caesar.
After a multitude of invasions during this early period, it was Visigoths who ultimately dominated Seville during the 6th and 7th centuries. It was then that Seville became the most important cultural area.
Fighting was yet to cease, and in 712 the Arabs started its domination over Seville, which they called at that time Isbiliah. However, Seville entered into another age of splendor under the Arab rule, and with the arrival of the Almohades, power was transferred from Cordoba to Seville, making it their capital. Today the Giralda, the Torre del Oro, the Alcazar and the Macarena wall still stand from the Arab-Andalusian period.
Much later, in 1248, Seville was conquered by Ferdinand III The Saint for Christianity. Seville was then repopulated with some 24,000 Castilians who grouped together in different neighborhoods, leading to the creation of brotherhoods that still exist today. From this, many churches were built to replace the mosques. Ferdinand III transferred the Kingdom of Castile Court to the Alcazar of Seville.
ahh.. while all of the history is a grand part of Seville, the city has so much more to offer than just old buildings. There is great architecture, amazing people, decadent food, and a culture so vibrant it's hard to stay away.
Top 5 must-do's in Seville:
1. Before night falls, grabbing a drink at the outdoor bar on top of Hotel Doña Maria with a view of the Cathedral and all the lights is a spectacle you will not want to miss. This breathtaking view overlooks the lit cathedral in all of its magnificent glory.
2. Calle Betis in Triana is the "spot" for a lively bit of nightlife. As you walk the the street is filled with bars, bars and more bars.. some that have live flamenco, discotecas, and cocktails of course. And on the river side, dinner is served overlooking the peaceful river. A famous street where some of Seville's best tapas can be found!
3. Watching a bullfight in the Plaza de Toros, is a have to! This is one of the best venues in the world for a corrida. The bullring is famous and the museum itself is worth a visit. I blogged about my visit to the fight... ahh-mazing!
4. A visit to the Museum of Flamenco Dance! The Museum offers weekend flamenco shows, an instruction area and conference rooms upstairs. If anything else, the art is absolutely incredible, it is constantly changing art exhibited on all floors, including the basement area. An added plus is the opportunity to take a short flamenco dance class at the museum. The museum holds weekday thirty minute classes for beginners and are held in the museum's professional dance studio, one of the more fascinating caves I've had the privilege to dance in.. Olé!
5. The FOOD! There isn't just one place that sticks out better than another.. but advice I can offer is never go to the same restaurant twice! Seville is known for having the most bars in the world... check-them-out! A few of my favorite dishes are Chorizo y Queso de Manchego, Tortilla, Patatas Fritas, Jamon Serrano... my mouth is already watering.
