Seville, when will we meet again?
- Stefaniya Panova
- Aug 22, 2019
- 4 min read
"Seville has a special color..."
It all started in the beginning of the new 2019, when I realized that I had a few days left from my annual leave to be used by the end of January. I decided to try something new which turned out to be going to Seville...on my own. I booked a flight, prepared the smallest suitcase I had (I am telling the truth!), and took off. Unfortunately, there was a three hour delay, which thwarted my plan to see certain things the same day, but since I am a super organized person, I was able to catch up in the next few days. If you are not just a tourist but a traveller, and you want to immerse yourelf in the local culture, then you need to get out of your comfort zone and think of this rather as a journey than a vacation. I stayed in an authentic Andalusian-style small hotel and upon arrival, left my suitcase and literally ran out of the room to get to know Seville.
Sun, tapas and flamenco... and this incredible magic that you breathe in with every step you take. The capital of Andalusia is one of the most fabulous places I have been to and I would love to go back at least once more. People are warm, welcoming, paella is divine, and flamenco will make your heart beat faster. I read somewhere that the worst time to visit Seville is in January. So not true! The weather was wonderful, it was sunny and warm all day long. I didn't use any public transport as I believe that you have a greater chance to come across beautiful places while walking.
What to see in Seville? Here are some of the attractions that you should not miss:
Plaza de España
I am not sure how much time I spent there, but it certainly wasn't enough. The square is located at the end of María Luisa Park and consists of small bridges and ponds that will make you feel like in a fairy tale.
Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcazar)
This is one of the places I was most eager to visit. If you too are a fan of Game of Thrones, you must certainly know that season five was filmed at this location. The castle is recognized as the oldest royal palace in Europe, and its upper rooms are still used by the Spanish royal family as their official residence in Seville. It will take you at least half a day to see it properly.
Seville Cathedral (La Catedral de Sevilla)
It is the largest Gothic church in Europe. Christopher Columbus is buried there. Be sure to stroll through the garden with the orange trees around the cathedral.
The Golden Tower (Torre de Oro)
A beautiful spot on the riverbank. The tower is called "golden" because in the past its top was made of gold.
General Archives of the Indies (Archivo General de Indias)
The main archives of the Indies contain valuable documents on the history of the Spanish Empire in America and the Philippines. If you, like me, are fond of books, you will feel like you are in a huge library.
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)
It is the largest wooden structure in the world. It consists of six huge wooden mushrooms, and the monument itself contains five levels, where there are museums, shops, etc.
And here is the most important question, where is the best flamenco in Seville? I could not give a definite answer, for sure, wherever you go, you will enjoy it. I went to Casa de la Memoria and was absolutely mesmerized. Flamenco is not just a dance. Flamenco is an incredible mix of guitar, singing, rhythm and passion. And I was able to feel it all in a small hall where the artists fascinated me with their performances, both solo and as a group. Make sure you get your tickets online and go at least half an hour before the show starts to take the front seats.
If you maganed to go to Seville, you cannot miss Granada. I spent one day in Granada mostly in the Alhambra. It took me three hours by bus, though it felt a lot less. I got my pass for the Alhambra from their official website as it is one of the most visited places, therefore the queues were huge. The complex consists of gardens, a palace and a fortress, and is located on one of the hills in the eastern part of the city, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Built entirely in Islamic style, it is the only palace in the world that belongs to the Moorish Muslim dynasty Nasrid. Also called the "Islamic pearl of Granada", the Alhambra is a fabulous place that will leave you breathless. The palace is a combination of architecture and religion, and the view around the complex is just as amazing. If you are faced with a choice and can only visit one place in Spain, you will never regret seeing the Alhambra.
I had long wanted to go on vacation by myself. Somewhere I know absolutely no one. However, I didn't have the courage to do it, maybe out of fear of what people would think, and partly out of fear to get lost (I'm a bit disoriented). Finally I made up my mind and went to Seville and then to Granada. I have been on vacation with my parents, with friends, with ex boyfriends, but I have never had such a good time. This trip reminded me why I fell in love with Spain when I came here 15 years ago for the first time, and it also reminded me of the importance of spending valuable time with yourself. Some may find it strange, but I really think that one should travel alone at least once in their life. On my first night in Seville I went to a restaurant on my own, ordered some wine and paella, put my phone in my bag and enjoyed the moment. Because I believe that if you wait for someone else to make you happy, you will be unhappy all your life.
I hope you all have the opportunity to visit Seville at least once, whether on your own or with someone else ... the important thing is to really appreciate it.
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