More Attractions in Sevilla, Spain

Often forgotten, it's worthwhile to visit these sights of Sevilla

Spain is a country full of surprises and Sevilla is not an exception. It is the mecca of bullfights, has astonishing churches and so many amazing palaces that you may even feel overwhelmed.

But that is just an impression.

With a little help and after reading the following hints, you'll be fully capable of choosing the sights that interest you the most and, if you feel like, maybe you'll go for the full experience!

On top of it, Sevilla is an awesome place full of history, tradition and romanticism. But I'm pretty sure that you already know that.

If not, why don't you take a look at some of the most beautiful and magnificent monuments? Here you'll find a complete list of the sights you should definitely not miss if you want to experience the whole scent of Andalucia's most awe-inspiring city.

And there's more!

Would you like to discover places that do not appear in the guidebooks? Are you looking to run away from the touristic circuits and their endless groups? If so, you should definitely check out some of the hidden gems of Sevilla. Spain can offer you so many things...

Seville attractions will give you a full flavor of Spanish art and culture!

Casa de Pilatos

The Casa de Pilatos is an awesome palace built in the 16th century that combines perfectly the Spanish Mudejar style of that time with further additions and renovations over the Renaissance. It is considered by many one of the best examples of the Sevillian architecture and represents the nobility way of life.

This is one of my favorite sites in Sevilla for two reasons.

The first one is because the palace is generally not included in the usual tourist routes. Actually, the city centre is a maze where you can easily get lost. Bring a map or ask for directions. I've been lost myself quite often!

The second one is because of the amazing atmosphere you can find there. I've been many times and even during the hottest day you'll find fresh air in the lower rooms
isolated by tiled walls. I also love the sound and harmony of the main courtyard, with its beautiful fountain and Greek statues. And don't forget to stroll at the gardens, an absolute delight.

Hospital de la Caridad

The Charity Hospital was founded as a retreat for sick abandoned people in the late 15th century and is managed by the Charity Brotherhood (Hermandad de la Caridad). The building is organized around a double patio surrounded and divided by arches.

Apart from the hospital itself, the complex has a magnificent church devoted to Saint George (San Jorge). Its Baroque façade can be seen from the street Temprado and it's worth spending a few minutes taking a look,
especially the five blue-tiled panels. Once you enter the church from the main patio, don't miss the spectacular altarpiece with a magnificent sculpture of the Christ's burial and the paintings on the sides from Murillo and Valdes Leal.

It is one of the most beautiful churches in Sevilla and, by far, my favorite one (followed by the church of the Hospital de los Venerables).

La Maestranza

La Maestranza is the name of the oldest and most famous bullring of Sevilla. Spain tradition of bullfighting dates back to the Ancient times (both Greeks and Romans confronted bulls) and it has not changed that much since the 18th century.

One of our most famous and controversial customs, bullfighting is a
synonym of passion, courage and art.

Built between the 18th and 19th century, this magnificent construction is a reference for both toreros and spectators. A short guided tour at the plaza will show the tradition, how well organized a bullfight (corrida) is and the thrill of such a spectacle.

Real Fabrica de Tabacos

If you plan to walk to the Plaza de España, don't miss the Real Fabrica de Tabacos (Royal Tobacco Factory). It used to be the most important industrial building of the 19th century and it is now part of the University of Sevilla.

Spain had one of the most flourishing tobacco industries and cigars were handmade at the factory until the 1950s.

French writer Prosper Merimee used it as the setting for his most famous novel, 'Carmen', later on adapted by Georges Bizet as a famous opera. Did you know that the main character Carmen was a tobacco worker (cigarrera)?

Palacio de Lebrija

The Palacio de Lebrija is one of the finest private houses of Sevilla. Spain was at the zenith during the 16th century (also called the Golden Century or Siglo de Oro) and many of these palaces were built back then.

However, most of the renovations and decorations that can be seen today were the result of the Countess of Lebrija love for archeology and art.

The Countess bought the palace at the beginning of the 20th century and devoted it to the conservation of an impressive collection of Roman mosaics. Most of them are from the abandoned town of Italica, just a few kilometers away from Sevilla. Unfortunately, Italica had been used as a quarry for decades. Had it not been for the Countess, the mosaics would have surely disappeared.

The central patio, again a great example of the Mudejar style, and the main staircase, removed from a ruined convent, are also part of the highlights of this beautiful house.

Archivo de Indias

The amazing Archivo General de Indias or General Archive of the Indies holds a vast collection of documents referring to the colonies Spain had between the 16th and 19th century. Most of them were located in America and were called the Indies at the time as Columbus thought he arrived there on his first trip.

Just to give an idea of its importance and size, the Archive guards more than 8,000 maps and drawings. Most of them are city maps of places that still exist today, in a vast area that goes from the South of the United States to the end of Patagonia in Chile and Argentina.

Are you interested in finding out more about uncovered hidden gems...

... or maybe exploring the most famous and impressive monuments of Seville?

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