Days 5 and 6: Seville Itinerary

Seville Itinerary: Days 5 & 6

Day 5: Granada / Seville

Two national pastimes – flamenco and bullfighting – as well as architectural jewels can be found here...

• Take the train from Granada to Seville (3 hours). There are usually 4 departures per day.

• There is most to do in Seville so at least 2 nights, even more if in town for one of the great fiestas held in the spring and summer.

• Seville is the capital of Andalusia and an important cultural and commercial center. Two national pastimes – flamenco and bullfighting – as well as architectural jewels can be found here. While there are specific sights to see, Seville is best enjoyed just by walking through the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and El Arenal.

To Do In Seville

• Barrio de Santa Cruz – The old Jewish quarter is the heart of Seville and where many of the main sights are located. A walk around the labyrinth of whitewashed streets merits at least a few hours, admiring the many churches, leafy patios and relaxing at one of the many cafes and tapas bars.

• Cathedral & La Giralda – Touted as the largest Gothic structure in the world and the third-largest church in Europe, this massive structure, begun around 1400 AD and finished some 100 years later, was built on the site of a 12^th-century mosque. The challenging climb up Giralda Tower offers spectacular views of the city and the Patio de los Naranjos (Patio of Orange Trees) is a delightful place to rest.

• Reales Alcazares – This Mujedar palace, built in 1364-66, is a jewel with gilded wood domes, intricately decorated horseshoe arches, lush gardens with fountains and terraces, and numerous exquisite patios, featuring delicate plasterwork carving and decoration.

• Casa de Pilatos – Called so as it was thought to resemble Pontius Pilate’s home in Jerusalem, the Casa de Pilatos is still one of the finest palaces in Seville. Roman and Greek statues and a Genoan fountain are on display inside.

• Flamenco – Enjoy this traditional soulful dance and guitar performance at one of the many tablaos in the city. Some can be quite touristy and usually recommended for a drink only, not dinner.

• Bullfight – This controversial fight between man and beast is considered an art by many in Spain. Seville has one of the oldest bullrings in the country, dating to the 18^th-century, and the season runs from April to October with most events taking place on Sunday evenings.

Day 6: Seville

(See next blog entry for day-trip ideas)