Sevilla

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, stretches along the Guadalquivir River with a population nearing 700,000. This sun-drenched city blends Roman roots, Moorish splendor, and Christian legacy into a vivid cultural tapestry. Its heart beats to the rhythm of flamenco, echoing through courtyards and shaded alleys, where orange blossoms scent the air and time seems to slow.

Historically, Seville thrived under Islamic rule, reaching its zenith in the Almohad period, before the Christian Reconquista brought monumental changes. Traces of its Moorish past live on in the intricate arches and serene gardens of the Royal Alcázar of Seville, a palace still in use by the Spanish royal family. Nearby, the towering Giralda, once a minaret, now watches over the city as the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.

Seville played a pivotal role in Spain’s Golden Age as the port of entry for riches from the Americas. This legacy pulses through the grandiose Archive of the Indies, a UNESCO treasure that holds centuries of exploration history. The early 20th century left its mark too, especially in the romantic curves of Plaza de España, a masterpiece of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition that still enchants visitors.

Today, Seville remains a city of festivals, passion, and living history. From Holy Week processions to the joyful April Fair, its traditions breathe life into its cobbled streets, making each visit a journey through time and soul.