Seville
Seville is at the heart of everything in Andalusia and is the fourth largest city in Spain after Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Located on a plain with the Guadalquivir River running through it, Seville had the geographic advantages to grow into a major city in the water-scarce Andalusian region.
Seville reached its peak during the Age of Exploration. It served as a key port city in this era and was also the city from which Columbus first set sail. At the time, the river level was much higher and ships were smaller, making it suitable as a port city. However, as ships became larger and the river shallower, Seville gradually lost its function as a port and became an inland city.
Seville Cathedral
The place where you can most clearly feel the wealth of this golden age is the Seville Cathedral. Filled with rare artworks and an incredibly beautiful interior, the cathedral evokes the glory of Spain’s Golden Age. The photo shows the view of Seville from the cathedral’s tower.
Inside Seville Cathedral lies the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Since Columbus left a will stating that he would “not set foot on Spanish soil even in death,” his coffin was designed to be held up by four figures representing the Spanish kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, León, and Granada.
This magnificent cathedral is said to be the second largest in Spain, following the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It was originally a mosque during the Islamic period and was later converted into a cathedral. The building houses many Christian relics and items used by Spanish royalty for religious ceremonies. Even as someone who is not religious, I felt a sense of awe while viewing the many relics. For those of the Catholic faith, this place would likely be deeply moving.
Plaza de España
Plaza de España is one of Seville’s most famous landmarks. Construction began in 1914 and was completed in 1929. The tiles and wooden elements used in the architecture reflect typical Andalusian design. Through this style, the plaza presents tile murals and Spanish inscriptions that describe the Reconquista and the unique features of major cities across Spain.
The interior of the buildings surrounding Plaza de España is also impressive. The ornate ceiling patterns and the arch-shaped terraces left a strong impression on me.
I visited in the summer, and it was extremely hot. I highly recommend anyone visiting Seville in summer to be prepared for the heat.
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)
Designed by a German architect and completed in 2011, this building is made entirely of wood. When it was first constructed, it faced a lot of criticism for its exterior appearance. However, after completion, it became one of the must-visit spots in Seville.
Although I didn’t go up to the observation deck, I’ve heard that the nighttime view from the top is amazing.
Seville was one of the last cities I visited on my trip. Despite the extreme heat in summer, it was a deeply impressive city that felt like looking back at Spain’s Golden Age. The image of Seville Cathedral remains one of the most unforgettable sights of my entire trip.
