Sevilla has a rich history and culture with plenty of attractions to explore. From the Real Alcazar to La Catedral de Sevilla, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this enchanting city. Here are 10 secrets about Sevilla that you might not know:
1. Did you know that Sevilla was founded by the ancient Romans? In fact, it was one of their most important cities in Spain for more than five centuries!
2. The original name of Sevilla was Hispalis which means “city of the sun”. This comes from its location on the banks of the Rio Guadalquivir River where it receives abundant sunlight all year round.
3. One of the most iconic landmarks in Sevilla is the La Giralda tower, which was originally built as a minaret for a mosque in 1184. It has since been converted into a bell tower and it stands proudly at more than 100 meters tall.
4. The famous paintings inside La Catedral de Sevilla were made by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, who was one of Spain’s most renowned Baroque artists.
5. Because of its sunny climate, there are plenty of parks, gardens and squares to explore if you want to enjoy some downtime in Sevilla. One of the best ones is Parque de María Luisa which offers great views over the city’s skyline.
6. Sevilla is known for its delicious food, and there are plenty of local specialities to try. One of the most popular dishes in the city is tortilla de camarones (shrimp omelette), which is a traditional dish usually served with a glass of sherry or sangria.
7. Sevilla has one of the oldest university campuses in Europe which was founded in 1502 by King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I. It is also home to one of Spain’s largest libraries, the Biblioteca Publicas de Andalucia, which holds more than 500,000 books!
8. The world-famous Flamenco dance originated in Sevilla and is performed in many of its local bars and clubs. It is an incredibly passionate dance form that captures the spirit of Andalucía.
9. The famous Easter processions, known as the “Semana Santa”, are a huge part of Sevilla’s cultural identity. Hundreds of people take part in these religious events which also involve elaborate floats and costumes.
10. The city hosted the Universal Exposition in 1929, which was a major event at the time showcasing works from artists around the world including Spanish sculptor Juan de Mesa who created his iconic sculpture “La Giralda” for it.
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