This story really started with a dream. When I was a freshman in college, I saw a brochure for a study-abroad program to Seville, Spain. Unfortunately, because of financial and academic restraints (I was on a strict academic track and was working almost full-time), I never pursued it. So it is safe to say, Seville was my first wanderlust destination. It took 16 years, but here we are!
Balcony views of Catedral de Sevilla
We arrived in Sevilla early evening. With summer being around the corner, we still had plenty of day light to explore city. It didn't take long to fall in love with Sevilla. The narrow cobble stone streets, architecture, small cafes.. were were in heaven.
We headed straight to Parque de Maria Luisa. What a gem, the bougainvilleas were in full bloom and there were orange trees everywhere!
Although Plaza de Espana is probably the most visited in the park, we found Plaza de America to be quiet and extraordinarily beautiful.
You may recognize Plaza de Espana. It served as the backdrop for the City of Thood in the Planet of Naboo in the Star Wars Episode II movie. You can't blame George Lucas for choosing this spot, it is pretty out of this world beautiful.
The best part of Sevilla is getting lost in its maze/web-like streets.
The best meal we had in Spain was in a small restaurant in Sevilla. I won't post all the food pictures here (please see Explore Destination: Spain for restaurant reviews). Suffice it to say, I became obsessed with any squid-ink food!
The single most favorite tapa I had in Spain, squid ink spaghetti topped with a seared scallop.
We spent the following day like absolute tourists on a hop-on, hop-off city bus tour. We found this quite convenient and we were able to hit up some highlights at our own pace. We both did not realize there was so much to see in Sevilla.
Our first stop was Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza. We both learned so much about bull fighting and its history. This stadium is still used today and the next event was scheduled just a few days after we left.
Our next stop was exploring the neighborhood of Triana, a neighborhood across the river from central Seville. Trianeros strongly identify with this part of the city and consider it very different than the rest of Seville.
We also explored a bit of the Macarena neighborhood. It is home to a church dedicated to the Virgin Hope of Macarena. (Cue Los del Rios' song "Macarena" music). It is also bound by ancient Almohad city walls.
The next part of the city we explored was by accident. We thought it would be cool to see a pair of roman columns. It was a complete dud, but realized the nearby Metropol Parasol was within walking distance. So we headed to the controversial structure located in the Incarnacion Square. It was really awesome to see such a modern looking structure (claimed to be the largest wooden structure in the world) in the middle of one of the oldest parts of Sevilla.
A couple of things about the Metropol Parasol that we only learned about after our visit. It was controversial because it cost so much money to make (rumored to be 100 million euros). It was supposed to be a market but during the initial construction, they found Roman and Moorish ruins underground! So not only can you visit an underground antiquarium/museum but also go on top of this ginormous wooden structure! SO if you are in Seville, check this one out, because it was super cool even just walking underneath it.
We spent out second night in Sevilla watching a very intimate flamenco performance at the Museo del Baile Flamenco. We have done very touristy things and a flamenco performance seemed like it would be drawing the line of way too touristy thing to do. But actually, it was amazing and we were so glad to have experienced the music, emotions and dance of the flamenco.
We devoted the following day to exploring the Alcazar, the Cathedral and the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
Some quick notes about the Alcazar. It was initially a Muslim fort and when Seville was taken over by Catholics, they converted this place into a royal palace. It has been added to over the centuries and the most beautiful section of it was designed by the emir of Granada, the same emir that built the Alhambra. This place is also still used when the royal family comes to Seville. Finally, no pictures do its beauty justice. Period.
The Cathedral of Seville is the third largest church in the world (third to St. Peter's Basilica and a church in Brazil). Technically, it is the largest basilica because the other two churches are not the seats of bishops. It is, however, the largest gothic church in the world.
The coolest thing about the cathedral? It houses Christopher Columbus' tomb!
Our last visit in Sevilla was walking through the narrow streets of Santa Cruz. Historically, this was the Jewish quarters of the city. It is now mostly shops, restaurants and B&B as its pedestrian-only streets make it impractical for many residents.
You know the song, "I left my heart in San Francisco"? Well, I think I left my heart in Sevilla... I suppose, it gives us a reason to return!