The capital of Andalusia, Seville is a city that screams passion from the moment you arrive. The city’s rich heritage boasts Roman, Islamic and Renaissance influences, not to mention the largest gothic cathedral in the world; yet it is the plentiful tapas, rich Spanish wine and the golden glow that ensconces Seville during the early evening that are far better measures of the simultaneous soft romance and lust for life that characterise its people.
The city inspired the operas of Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro and The Barber of Seville, among many others, and the poet Byron is among the great literary figures to have eulogised about its beauty and its inhabitants. This is the home of the colourful flamenco, botelloning youths drinking on open air plazas, romancing couples by the banks of the River Guadalquivir and epic all night parties that see in the dawn on the Plaza Alfalfa and beyond.
Where to stay
The rooms at Apartamentos Murillo are well-appointed and comfortable, while the hotel is beside one of Seville’s premier old town plazas, where the numerous restaurants and bars create a convivial evening atmosphere. AlmaSevilla is a converted 18th century palace and the high service levels will leave you feeling like royalty.
Where to eat
The Basque-born chef at Egaña Oriza serves a superb game menu full of subtle Spanish and Portuguese flavours. Barbiana is a more modest endeavour; a classic Andalusian tapas bar with a friendly ambience, an emphasis on fresh seafood and some great daily specials.
What to see
15th century Seville Cathedral is almost unmatched in terms of gothic splendour and boasts an excellent collection of artistic treasures as well. The Museum of Fine Art has a collection from many of the Spanish greats spanning the 15th to 20th centuries.
