Seville - flamboyant Andalusian capital

A city full of history and culture, this capital of southern region of Spain - Andalusia has a charm like none. Seville is also the birthplace of the famed Flamenco dance. A maze of narrow winding lanes and alleys form the center of the city. We made a right choice by cancelling our plans to rent a car here as its meant to be explored on foot.




We started with the free walking tour conducted by one of many operators in the city. The tour gives you a good overview of the history, key monuments like Cathedral, Alcazar, Plaza de Tores and ended at Plaza Espana. The Espana was built in 1915 to welcome the Americans to the Spain expo. A grand building, this place leaves you mesmerized by its beauty - the welcoming semicircular arms, the high towers, the small bridges over a canal, the depiction of every Spanish city and the large central fountain. Do not forget to spend some relaxing time in the gardens of Espana.

The Cathedral of Seville is one of the largest in Europe and magnificently built. Though we did not visit the Alcazar as we had plans to visit Alhambra, these gardens have been host to Game of Thrones and here are worth visiting.







As mentioned earlier, the Flamenco originated in Seville or other side of the river to be more specific. You would see the tourist influence of Flamenco across Seville with souveniers, clothes, museums spread across. You can either visit a paid Flamenco show (~20 Euro) or for free in one of the bars. We had a great time in Carboneria- a touristic place that sings and dance well into the night. However, the true buzz of Flamenco is across the river in Triana. Cross the Isabel bridge to the sister town earlier infamous for its past and now a modern bustling town.
 

More than the monuments, what truly stays behind with you of Seville, is simply the walks through narrow lanes. Every corner would through a little surprise - whether a beautiful house or a square in Sata Cruz quarter, a bar with Tapa spread, some colorful shops, a moorish courtyard. Wandering aimlessly through the streets of Seville is the best way to discover this historic city.