Seville is perhaps one of the most charismatic and alluring cities in Spain. For its vibrancy and identity, the city is often referred to as the heart of Andalusia. Amazing Seville boasts a wealth of historical events, magnificent architecture, rich cultural heritage and the atmosphere of the real, authentic Spain.
History of Seville
Seville is one of the oldest cities in Spain, with a history dating back to antiquity.
Antiquity and the Roman period
- Seville was founded by the Phoenicians around the 8th century BC.
- In the 3rd century BC, the city fell under the rule of Carthage.
- In 206 BC, Seville was conquered by Rome and renamed Hispalis. The city became an important commercial and cultural centre, especially under Emperor Augustus.
- The Visigoths and the Muslim period fall between the 5th and 13th centuries of Seville’s history. It was conquered by the Visigoths in 426, but came under the rule of the Moors in 711. During the period of Al-Andalus (711-1248), the city was called Ishbillyah and flourished as a cultural and economic centre. Famous architectural monuments were built there, including the famous Giralda Tower.
Reconquista and the Golden Age (13th-17th centuries)
- In 1248, Seville was conquered by King Fernando III of Castile and became an important part of the Christian kingdom.
- After the discovery of America (1492), the city became Spain’s main port for trade with the New World.
- In the 16th and 17th centuries, Seville was considered the richest city in Europe.
Decline and Recovery (XVIII-XX centuries)
- In the18 century, Seville lost its status as a monopoly trading centre as the port was moved to Cadiz.
- In the 19th century, the city suffered the Napoleonic Wars and economic decline.
- In the 20th century, Seville flourished again and became an important cultural centre, especially after the success of the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and the EXPO-1992.
Modern Seville
Today Seville is the capital of Andalusia, one of Spain’s main tourist centres, known for its architectural heritage (Alcazar, Cathedral, Giralda), fiery flamenco and the vibrant annual spring festival, Feria.
No wonder tourists, gastronomes, art lovers and football fans from all over the world flock to Seville. Incidentally, Sevilla is home to two major football clubs:
- Sevilla (Sevilla FC) is one of the most successful clubs in Spain, a multiple UEFA Europa League winner. It was founded in 1890 and plays at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
- Real Betis Balompié is a popular club with loyal fans. Founded in 1907, it plays at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.
The two clubs are openly competitive, and their clash is one of the hottest spectacles in Spanish football.
There are also lesser-known teams in town, such as:
- Sevilla Atletico – Sevilla’s youth team, playing in minor league.
- Betis Deportivo – the reserve team of Real Betis.
So, Seville is notable not only for the exciting events of antiquity, but also for the achievements of new times – cultural and sporting.
Weather in Seville
The weather in Seville is warm and sunny almost all year round. Summers are quite hot, the thermometer can rise to +40°C, while winters are mild and comfortable, with temperatures rarely dropping below +10°C. The high season in Seville starts in July, when the air starts to warm up to +35.0°C, while the sea temperature rarely drops below +10°C.
The beginning of the high season in Seville comes in July, when the air starts to warm up to +35.0°C and the sea is about +22.0°C. The peak of the season is in September, when the number of travellers is at its maximum and the weather is beautiful. The end of the tourist season in Seville is in October, when the air temperature is still high at +28.5°C (as well as the water is about +21.0°C), although there are fewer tourists.
Seville: Airport and Transport
Aeropuerto de Sevilla
San Pablo International Airport (SVQ) connects Sevilla with major European cities. The city has an extensive public transport network, including metro, buses and trams.
Seville Attractions
Seville is generous with attractions and entertainment. So what are the first things to see here?
Seville Centre and Old Town (Centro y Casco Antiguo)
Walking around the centre of Seville, you can see many ancient streets, squares and buildings. Seville’s Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with the atmosphere of traditional Spain.
Casco Antiguo is the historic centre of Seville, where Medieval and Renaissance buildings have been preserved. There is the majestic Gothic-style Seville Cathedral, as well as the Seville Alcazar, which was built by the Moors as a fortress and later transformed into a luxurious palace for Christian kings.
At the Flamenco Museum you can learn the history of this passionate dance, and cozy restaurants in the ornate streets offer not only traditional Seville tapas and wines, but also spectacular flamenco shows. Local workshops sell exquisite ceramics made in the city’s unique style.
Cathedral and Giralda Tower in Seville (Catedral de Sevilla y La Giralda)
Let’s start, perhaps, with one of the main symbols of the city of Seville – the Cathedral, which is considered the largest Gothic church in the world. Within its walls rest the remains of Christopher Columbus himself! Next to the cathedral is another landmark, the Giralda Tower, which is a minaret (a Gothic and Baroque tower with a bell tower that calls the faithful to prayer).
Alcázar of Sevilla (Real Alcázar de Sevilla)
The Royal Alcázar is a stunning palace complex that combines Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. You’ll find gardens and fountains, as well as ornate arches and 16th century tiles. Incidentally, this palace is still in use by the Spanish royal family.
Square of Spain (Plaza de España)
This is Seville’s most famous square, stunning in its splendour: a cool fountain and ponds, benches with painted ceramic tiles and a large luxurious pavilion. Perhaps this is the best place for a romantic stroll through the city!
Museums of Sevilla
There are many interesting museums to visit in Seville, among which stand out:
- The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville (Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla) is Spain’s second most important art gallery after the Prado. The two-storey museum is housed in a magnificent 17th century palace with masterpieces by El Greco and Velázquez.
- Archaeological Museum of Seville (Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla) contains valuable exhibits from the Roman and Moorish periods.
- Flamenco Museum (Museo del Baile Flamenco) is dedicated to the culture of flamenco dance, which is inextricably linked to the city. Housed in an 18th century building, this museum also hosts live performances by dancers from all over Spain.
Culture and Traditions of Seville
Seville is the City of Opera
Seville has inspired composers to create world-famous operas such as:
- «Carmen» by Bizet (about the love of a passionate and freedom-loving gypsy woman and the sergeant Don José);
- «The Barber of Seville» by Rossini (about the cunning barber Figaro, who helps Count Almaviva to win the love of the beautiful Rosina);
- «Don Giovanni» by Mozart (about a charismatic and immoral seducer who stops at nothing in his love affairs).
All these operas are widely known and loved by audiences all over the world.
Seville is the Сity of Flamenco
Flamenco is a unique art form that originated in Andalusia, in southern Spain, influenced by various cultures including Gypsy, Arab, Jewish and Christian. Flamenco is thought to have begun to take shape in the 15th and 16th centuries, and by the 18th century, it had taken on modern characteristics. Initially it was a vocal art accompanied by rhythmic clapping and tapping, later guitar and dance were added. In the 19th century flamenco became widespread thanks to the «singing cafés» (cafés cantantes) where flamenco dance was performed.
In Seville, the hot heart of Andalusia, there are tablaos, which are special establishments where flamenco shows were held. One of the oldest and most famous is Tablao Los Gallos, which opened in 1966 and hosts famous flamenco artists. Another popular venue is La Casa del Flamenco, located in the historic district of Santa Cruz, offering audiences an authentic atmosphere and close contact with the performers. Visiting a tablao in Seville allows you to fully experience the passion and energy of flamenco, deeply connected to the culture of the region.
Seville – Festivals and Fiestas
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Religious processions with huge showplaces – «pasos» and processions of fraternities in traditional dress.
Date:13-25 April 2025
- The Seville April Fair (Feria de Abril) is an annual event held in Seville. It usually starts about a fortnight after Holy Week or coincides with Easter week. The official opening of the fair takes place on Monday to Tuesday night, and the fair itself lasts for six days and ends on Sunday.
Date: 06-11 May 2025
City of Seville: Property Prices
At the beginning of 2025, the average cost of housing in Seville was 2 396 €/m2. Over the year, property prices rose by 7.8%, but in some areas even higher increases were noted:
- Santa Justa – Miraflores – Cruz Roja (+16.3%);
- San Jerónimo (+14.5%);
- Los Remedios (+13.8 %).
If we compare this city with other popular Spanish cities, we get the following picture: Madrid (5,104 €/m2); Marbella (5,092 €/m2); Barcelona (4,707 €/m2); Valencia (2,849 €/m2); Alicante (2,249 €/m2), so Seville offers not only an attractive cost, but also investment-friendly housing.
Sevilla: a City to Live In
Seville is an ideal city to live in, thanks to its unique culture, mild climate and well-developed infrastructure. The cost of living here is considerably lower than in other major Spanish cities.
Seville is a city that can charm at first sight. Majestic architecture, traces of rich history – all this against a backdrop of passionate flamenco and original Andalusian cuisine, which makes it one of the most unforgettable corners of Spain!
