SEVILLA: A WEEKEND IN ANDALUSIA
Sevilla: the heart of of Andalusia. One of the most beautiful city of Spain. Full of life and history. I have a quite long history with this city actually. I went there for the first time almost fifteen years ago. It was the first "adult" trip I got the chance to be part of. My memories of that travel are still vivid. I think it is so, because Sevilla is truly a one-of-kind city.
In Sevilla, you can hang and party with friends, discover historical wonders, eat the amazing gastronomy (simple but so good!),.... Basically, this is a city where you can go with your lover, your friends and your family, including kids - oh God!
What I would recommend you, if you can spend more time than a weekend in Andalusia, is to rent a car and book some amazing hotels - there a lots with mind-blowing view in unique location. It is super easy to do and you'll discover so much more. The landscape are by themselves masterpieces. I did this kind of road trip few years ago and it is totally worth it. Where to go? Here are the major ones: Jerez, Ronda, Jaen, Cordoba, Grenada, Sevilla,... And it can go on and on. To do at least once in a lifetime!
HOT SPOTS
See:
Cathedral of Sevilla:
The Cathedral of Sevilla, one of the world's largest gothic cathedral, was built in the 15th Century. Its particularities? The two elements of the former mosque: the Giralda (where you can have an amazing view of Sevilla) and the Patio de los Naranjos (meaning the patio of the orange trees).
Calle Fray Ceferino, Sevilla, Spain
Real Alcázar de Sevilla:
True oasis in the center of Sevilla, the Alcazar is the perfect way to understand the transition from islam to christianity that occurred during the 13th Century. It is composed of several palaces and magnificent gardens. It was also the set of Games of Thrones Season 5, so you know!
Plaza del Triunfo, Sevilla, Spain
Barrio de Santa Cruz:
One of the oldest neighborhood of Sevilla. It a continuity of tiny streets and small places where you can see the inhabitants hang and have lunch. It is also a great place to have lunch or dinner in the traditional restaurants of Sevilla. My fav one ? Casa Roman.
Barrio de Triana:
Do you know the link between flamenco and ceramics? Triana ! If it is well known that this neighborhood is full of ceramist workshops, you may not be aware that the flamenco finds its origins there. Just go hang there and you'll get the spirit of the city.
Plaza de la Real Maestranza de la Caballería:
As controversial the bullfighting subject can be, it is part of the Spanish culture. Even though I am clearly not for it, I think it is important to learn more about it and its origins. These arenas are part of the most beautiful ones of Spain.
Paseo de Colon 12, Sevilla, Spain
Salvador Church:
It is one of the oldest and most beautiful baroque church of Sevilla, which gathers of seven hundred artworks. A total must see, even if you are not fond of churches.
Plaza del Salvador 3, Sevilla, Spain
Metropol Parasol:
A real architectural UFO, designed by Jürgen Mayer, built in 2011. You either like it or hate it. It is composed of a food market, a panoramic view and a bar. Can you guess it nickname? Las Setas (mushrooms in Spanish). This is how the inhabitants of Sevilla call the Metropol Parasol.
Plaza da la Encarnacion, Sevilla, Spain
Plaza de Espana:
Located on the side of the Parque de Maria Luisa, the Plaza de Espana was built between 1914 and 1928. Various benches illustrate the various provinces of Spain, with ceramics representing typical characters and historical episodes.
Eat & Drink
EME Catedral:
You want to have a drink and an amazing view all at once? If yes, run to the rooftop bar of the EME Catedral hotel. It is the closest terrace from the Giralda. So you know the places are limited, so you better go early and enjoy you evening.
Calle Alemanos 27, Sevilla, Spain
Torres & Garcia:
Gastronomy amateur this one is for you. This industrial designed restaurant is the fifth creation is the couple of Sevillan chefs: Genoveva Torres and Juan Manuel Garcia. You will love its well thought menu which enhance the Spanish gastronomic treasures.
Calle Harinas 2, Sevilla, Spain
Stay
Fontecruz Seises Sevilla:
The Fontecruz Seises Sevilla is the perfect hotel to stay for a weekend in this magnificent city. The service is impeccable and lovely. The rooms are perfect with huge beds and terraces. Do you know what's better than this? The rooftop swimming pool with a view on the Giralda and a bar on the side, just in case you're thirsty!
Segovia 6, Sevilla, Spain
Shop
Ceramica Santa Ana:
This typical ceramics shop is one of the few places where you can buy the local crafts. Super nice presents and souvenirs.
Calle San Jorge 31, Sevilla, Spain
#DETAILS MATTER
Listen to the locals: The best advice you can get when you want to discover a place, a city or a country comes from the locals. They live there, so listen to them! You will do and see things that are not in guide books. Priceless!
Spanish time: Spanish people are used to live at the sun's rhythm, especially in summer when it is really hot. So people are going out when it is still fresh out there, in the morning and the evening. It is also explains the fact that they have lunch around 2pm and diner around 10pm.
(Photo credit: 4am Journal)