Seville, Spain

Seville Cathedral

The world’s largest Gothic cathedral was built on the site of a 12th-century mosque. The building was constructed until 1575, which fully reflects its appearance, having absorbed the history of the country’s greatness. Inside the cathedral there are 80 chapels and the tomb of Christopher Columbus, where the great navigator’s remains lie-brought from Cuba in the late 19th century. Rising above the structure is an 87-meter bell tower-the Giralda, which many years ago served as the minaret of the Seville mosque. The cathedral showcases works by the great Seville sculptors and artists. In the northern part of the cathedral there is an orange grove with 66 trees and a Gothic fountain in the center.

Alcázar Palace

Once a Moorish fortress, founded in the 10th century and significantly rebuilt in the 14th century, the Alcázar is considered one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture, comparable in beauty to the Alhambra. A visit to the Alcázar can take at least half a day, if you want to properly explore its many courtyards and halls. The tour can begin at the Patio de Leones, literally the “lion courtyard,” where the palace garrison once was. In the next courtyard-the Patio de la Montería-it’s a must to peek into the “north” room, where there is a unique collection of fans from around the world. In the very heart of the Alcázar lies the Patio de las Doncellas, famous for its secret garden, discovered by archaeologists beneath marble slabs in 2004.

Spain Area

The Plaza of Spain is part of the María Luisa Park. It was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition according to a design by the Seville architect Aníbal González. The square is oriented toward the Guadalquivir River, as if facing toward America, and has a semicircular shape symbolizing Spain’s “embrace” extended to its former colonies. Various government institutions are located around the square, and along its perimeter, in niches decorated with mosaics, all Spanish provinces are represented. The Plaza of Spain has been turned into a film set several times for directors of movie hits. Several scenes from the Star Wars epic were filmed here (\"Episode I: The Phantom Menace\" and \"Episode II: Attack of the Clones\").

Giralda Tower

La Giralda is one of the oldest structures in Seville. Built at the end of the 12th century by order of the caliph Abu Yugb Yusuf (the construction model taken was the minaret of the Kutubia Mosque in Marrakech), it originally served as the minaret of the great Seville mosque. When the city passed into the hands of Fernando III, the mosque began to function as a cathedral, and later it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. The Giralda, meanwhile, became a bell tower, remaining an important symbol of Seville. Originally, the tower was adorned with four copper spheres, which were destroyed after the earthquake in 1365. In the 16th century, architect Hernán Ruiz completed the tower in the Spanish Renaissance style; a statue of Faith holding a banner was also added, which became a weather vane-“giraldillo” (hence the tower’s name).

Isabella II Bridge

The stone bridge spanning the Guadalquivir River and connecting the center of Seville with the Triana district was built in 1854 to a design by Andrea Oviedo during the reign of Isabella II, after whom it was named. In the popular imagination, it is known as the Triana bridge. It is considered one of the largest bridges in Seville and one of the city’s main symbols. Its length is 149 meters, and its width is 7 meters.

San Jorge Fortress

In the Middle Ages, the Fortress of San Jorge was built by the Visigoths to protect the city, and in the 15th-17th centuries it served as a center of the Inquisition in Spain. Thousands of men and women languished within the fortress prison walls and were subjected to torture. Today, the Inquisition Museum is located in the fortress. Various installations and multimedia exhibits tell the story of the church’s dark past. Be sure to watch the moving video about a young woman who prepared medicines from various herbs, was falsely accused of witchcraft, and was sentenced to be burned. From the ruins of the castle, you can enjoy views of the Guadalquivir River.

Makarena District

Macarena is one of the oldest districts in Seville, with colorful churches in Baroque and Mudejar styles. The main local attraction is the Macarena Basilica, which houses a statue of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary of Macarena. Opposite the basilica is the Parliament of Andalusia, housed in the former hospital from the 16th century (Hospital de las Cinco Llagas). In the halls of the Santa Paula convent for women, paintings by prominent artists and sacred church relics are on display, and the Gothic Church of San Pedro is known for the fact that Diego Velázquez was baptized there. Don’t miss the remains of the ancient city walls (Murallas), whose construction began under Caesar, and visit the traditional street market on Feria, where you can buy fresh produce and grab tapas with seafood at the La Cantina bar.

La-Cartuja Island

The small island of La Cartuja on the Guadalquivir River belongs to the Triana district. It got its name in honor of the Carthusian monastery where Columbus stayed before his voyage to the west. The Expo-92 world fair was also held here, with more than a hundred countries taking part. On the island you’ll find a botanical garden, the Andalusian center for contemporary art, and Seville’s Disney park - the amusement park “Isla Magica” (“Magical Island”).

Seville Archaeological Museum

A collection of unique antiquities-something that not every European museum can boast of-is what the Archaeological Museum of Seville (located in the Parque de María Luisa) is all about. The collection includes unique evidence of the history of the Iberian Peninsula from the Paleolithic era through the Middle Ages. The rule of the Romans, the arrival of the Visigoths, the centuries-old Arab caliphate, and medieval culture are showcased through ceramic tableware, metal weapons, glass, and jewelry. Most of the exhibits were found in Andalusia. The museum’s special highlights are its Roman statues, including Mercury and Mars, as well as Venus-strikingly similar to the famous stone sculpture, but with hands.

El Arenal area

El Arenal is located on the eastern bank of the Guadalquivir River, west of the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz. In the 16th-17th centuries, it was one of the world’s most important port districts. Its name comes from the Spanish word “arena” (sand), since previously the entire area of this quarter-from the city center to the river-was sandy. Today, El Arenal is a lively district with plenty of bars, wine cellars, and historic attractions. It is here that you’ll find one of the oldest bullfighting arenas in Spain, the Maestranza (18th century), the Maestranza opera house, the famous Torre del Oro tower, and the La Caridad hospital with paintings by Murillo and Leal.

Flamenco Museum

This unique and the only museum of flamenco in the world is where you can learn everything about the history and philosophy of Andalusian dance, see traditional costumes and flamenco props, and even take part in workshops with professional dancers. On the ground floor, in the souvenir shop, you can buy music discs, dance shoes, and other accessories.

Express tour for cruise enthusiasts

The itinerary includes Europe’s oldest port, Cádiz, fabulously beautiful Seville, and a tasting of the best sherry and tapas at the “Wine Cathedral.” On the way from the port to Seville, you’ll learn about the history and traditions of this wealthiest region, about horse races, the “toro bravo,” and flamenco. In Seville, you’ll walk through the historic center (Plaza de España, the Giralda, the Cathedral, the Royal Palace-Alcázar, the Jewish Quarter). On the return trip to Cádiz, you’ll stop in Jerez de la Frontera and visit Tío Pepe’s bodega, where the world-famous sherry is produced. And finally-an excursion through Cádiz’s narrow streets and enjoying the views of the golden beach.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can review them after booking your cruise in your “Customer Personal Account.”