Things to Do in Seville

The Monasterio de Santa Paula was founded by Doña Ana de Santillán in 1473 for the Jerónimas nuns. For five centuries, this monastery has been devoted to divine worship and the study of Scripture.

The Palacio Lebrija is a lovely aristocratic Sevillian mansion of the 16th century. The palace was designed to impress, with its splendid mosaic floors, grand staircase leading up to the second floor and gorgeous artesonado ceilings. The walls are decorated with Arabic-style plateresque ornamentation, and the courtyard is filled with Andalusian plants.

This impressive 15th-century town hall was designed in the Plateresque style by Diego de Riaño. The intricately carved reliefs on the southern facade depict figures from historical stories and mythology, as well as emblems of the storied founders of the city, Hercules and Caesar.

Located within the Parque de María Luisa, the Archaeological Museum of Seville occupies a Neo-Renaissance pavilion built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.

The Casa de Pilatos (Palace of the Governors of Andalusia) is a designated National Monument. This exquisite palace was once the private residence of the aristocratic Enríquez de Ribera family, including the Dukes of Alcalá.

This historic quarter of Seville has its own distinct character and identity. Across the river from the main tourist attractions of Seville, the neighborhood has the ambience of being a world apart.

The Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla (Royal Bullring of Seville) is one of the finest bullrings in Spain, and with seating for around 12,500 spectators, it is also one of the largest.

Seville is famous for its flamenco, a flamboyant art form with roots in the Gypsy culture. Flamenco includes both dancing and singing, but most importantly, it is an expression of the soul. The best flamenco dancers have technical prowess, as well as a special gift of channeling the emotions.

The Semana Santa celebration in Seville is one of the most exciting festivals in Spain. Following centuries-old traditions, the Catholic brotherhoods (cofradías and hermandades) from different quarters of town participate in elaborate processions. Clad in penitents' garb, they carry ornately decorated floats that display statues of saints.

A short walk from the cathedral, the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador is a stunningly beautiful Baroque church. Construction began in the late 17th century on the site where La Mezquita Aljama de Ibn Adabbás, Seville's old mosque once stood, and many additions have taken place since this time.