• The Alcázar, Sevilla, Spain
    Alcázar

Sevilla

Flamboyant Sevilla thrums with flamenco music, sizzles in the summer heat, and pulses with the passion of Don Juan and Carmen. It's a place where bullfighting is still politically correct and little girls still dream of growing up to become flamenco dancers. Spain's fourth-largest city is Andalucía's leading destination, buzzing with festivals, color, guitars, castanets, and street life, and enveloped in the fragrances of orange trees, jacaranda, and myrtle. Sevilla also has its share of impressive sights — but the real magic is the city itself, with its tangled former Jewish Quarter, riveting flamenco shows, thriving bars, and teeming evening paseo.

At a Glance

▲▲▲ Flamenco Flamboyant, riveting music-and-dance performances, offered at clubs throughout town.

▲▲▲ Cathedral and Giralda Bell Tower The world's largest Gothic church, with Columbus' tomb, treasury, and climbable tower.

▲▲▲ Royal Alcázar Palace built by the Moors in the 10th century, revamped in the 14th century, and still serving as royal digs.

▲▲ Hospital de la Caridad Former charity hospital (funded by the likely inspiration for Don Juan) with gorgeously decorated chapel.

▲▲ Church of the Savior Sevilla's second-biggest church, bristling with Baroque altarpieces.

▲▲ Basílica de la Macarena Church and museum with the much-venerated Weeping Virgin statue and two significant floats from Sevilla's Holy Week celebrations.

▲▲ Triana Energetic, colorful neighborhood on the west bank of the river.

▲▲ Bullfight Museum Spain's largest bullring, considered the mecca of bullfighting; also houses an impressive museum.

▲▲ Evening Paseo Locals strolling in the cool of the evening, mainly along Avenida de la Constitución, Barrio Santa Cruz, the Calle Sierpes and Tetuán shopping pedestrian zone, and the Guadalquivir River.

▲ Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija A fascinating 18th-century aristocratic mansion.

▲ Flamenco Dance Museum High-tech museum explaining the history and art of Sevilla's favorite dance.

▲ Museo de Bellas Artes Andalucía's top paintings, including works by Spanish masters Murillo and Zurbarán.

▲ Bullfights Some of Spain's best bullfighting, held at Sevilla's arena.

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