"The Most Stunning City In All ..." a Sevilla Travel Page by Krystynn

Coming to the sun-drenched city of SEVILLA, the heartbeat of Andalucia is like going back in time into another era! Swaying palm leafy trees line street corners and delightful little squares.... White-washed patios and terraces are decorated with colorful florals and plant life.... The rhythmic hand clapping and clacking heels of the flamenco dancers in their resplendent costumes can be heard coming from inside the Tablaos (read: flamenco bar).... The passionate strumming of the gut-stringed Spanish guitars fill the cool autumn air... The roar from an excited approving crowd inside the bullfighting ring lingers on in the air.... The sights and sounds of Sevilla will surely enthrall the unsuspecting tourist.

Wait... where's that intoxicating smell coming from? (Whiff) It's makin' me hungry like a wolf (sorry, can't resist adding that little sentence in. I'd just returned from watching a Duran Duran concert and all their hit songs are still making my head swirl! Like you, I was in my early teens when Duran Duran first burst onto the music scene). O.K., sorry for the slight distraction. Now back to more serious stuff about Sevilla and about smells. ;-) Ah yes... that smell. 'Tis the smell of delicious Andalucian cooking!

SEVILLA lies on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River and is linked to Triana, Los Remedios and other newer districts by four bridges. Definitely one of the largest historical centers in the whole of Europe, Sevilla is also the largest town in Southern Spain.

The most 'happening' times in Sevilla are during the spring and autumn seasons. But it is in Spring that the excitement in the city culminates into the "Semana Santa" (Holy Week). Dozens of lavish processions in honor of the Virgin Mary wind their way through the city each day, celebrating religious piety with great Andalusian flair. Thousands upon thousands of locals and tourists alike line the streets to participate in these colorful festivities and events.

At one time, Sevilla was Spain's largest city. Back then, it acted as the bridge/gateway through which the immense wealth of the New World flowed through. This city also proudly hosted 2 very impressive World Expositions. Some remnants of it can still be found in Sevilla.

Sevilla was also home to a few famous (and ahem, infamous figures) dotting Spanish history. I am referring to the legendary "Don Juan" who emerged from this city to conquer and break the hearts of many a fair maiden across all of Europe.... whilst Christopher Columbus began his thrilling new 'career' from a port close to Sevilla as he went in search of a new world.... and how can we forget about "Carmen", who couldn't decide between her 2 suitors - the officer Don Jose or the bullfighter Escamillo. You can still catch Bizet's famous "Carmen" opera - still playing in and around many packed opera houses across Europe. That is - if you're into opera and if you're interested to know which man Carmen chose. Because I'm not telling ya! ;-) Sevilla is also the setting for Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro".

Describe the city of Sevilla in 2 words?

Intoxicating.

Seductive. ;-)

I rest my case.

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THE SEVILLA FACTFILE:

Capital of: Andalusia

Inhabitants: 701.927
Altitude: 12m above sea level

Distances To/From:

Huelva: 94 km
Ronda: 122 km
Cadiz: 125 km
Marbella: 206 km
C?rdoba: 155 km
M?laga: 219 km
Granada: 258 km
Madrid: 541 km
Valencia: 697 km
Barcelona: 1.023 km

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"Who hasn't seen Sevilla, has seen no wondrous thing."
- Andalucian saying

Copyright (c) Krystynn 2003
Please do not take my personal pics without prior permission. Thanks.