Seville is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Andalusia. As you know, Andalusia is the southernmost province of Spain.
Why does Seville attract the people so much?
Probably because the Moorish atmosphere is still present in the old town. The old quarters, with their narrow streets, and certainly the influence of the Arabs over several centuries.
Moorish influences in Seville
In the past, around 800 AD, the Moors invaded the Iberian Peninsula.
That is to say, she tried to conquer both Spain and southern Portugal.
This was especially successful in the south.
The Moors were Islam fighters. So this was mainly a religion issue.
But the Moors left their mark on more than just religion.
An example alone is agriculture : the ingenious water irrigation systems. Now, this is still used in certain rural areas of southern Spain. By stimulating agriculture there was more than enough food. As a result, wealth and prosperity came.
That period of prosperity and wealth lasted until the thirteenth century.
Then the Catholic Spanish kings drove the Moors back.
The Giralda tower
The Giralda tower is one of the intact remnants from that period.
Then it was a minaret of the mosque.
Now it is part of the city’s cathedral.
The cathedral of Seville
The cathedral is a beautiful example of Gothic.
It is very impressive with its 127 meters in length and almost 50 meters in height.
It is one of the three largest cathedrals in Europe. Preceded by Rome and London.
In the past, this site was the main mosque of the Moors.
Only the minaret still bears witness to this. As previously written the Giralda tower.
Mudejar style or Moorish style
This Moorish style is reflected in the interior space and the decoration of the facades. They are the small beautifully decorated tiles. They are evidence of a mix between Moorish and Catholic influences. In Seville you can still find them in their most original form. Mainly in the former Jewish quarter, the “Santa Cruz” quarter. You can also find it in Portugal, but with a Portuguese slant. Namely the “azulos”, which you can enjoy in Lisbon, for example.
Real Alcazar
The Real Alcazar is impressive. It is therefore on the list of the World Heritage of UNESCO. You will discover beautiful works of art In the Real Alcazar you can admire the purest form of the Mudejar style. That’s why it’s definitely a to do.
The Alamillo Bridge
The Alamillo Bridge over the Guadalquivir, was designed by the world famous architect Calatrava. Indeed, does that name ring a bell? He is also the designer of the train station of Liège in Belgium. Calatrava designed the bridge on the occasion of Expo 92.
On our page
More about the “Traina” neighborhood, de Plaza del Toro, the Torre del Oro and of course Tapas en sherry in Seville.