A perfect day in Seville
Seville is the quintessential Andalucían city, with places steeped in history, romantic palaces, flamenco dancers and a sun-drenched landscape. Here is how to make the most of a day here, from a breakfast of churros to a night of flamenco fever
A Churro breakfast
When in Spain... eat churros for breakfast! Bar El Comercio is the best place in Seville to indulge in these fried-dough specialities, which you dip in a pot of divine hot chocolate to make the experience even more lavish. This typical blue-and-white-tiled bar also serves a variety of tostadas for those who don't have such a sweet tooth.
Seville Cathedral
To walk off those calories, head to Seville's imposing cathedral and tower, La Giralda.
Mostly Gothic in style, the cathedral was originally a mosque, razed in 1401, hence its unusually broad, rectangular form. Massive without, and richly decorated within, the cathedral contains no less than 30 chapels, including the Capilla Mayor with its Flemish altarpiece and the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), the last resting place of Fernando III, the 'King–Saint' who delivered Seville from the hands of the Moors. On the north side of the cathedral, make time to visit the exquisite the tree-filled Patio de los Naranjos (Court of the Orange Trees), the ceremonial courtyard of the old mosque with its original ablution fountains.
The minaret, dating from 1184, was preserved as the bell tower of the cathedral. This celebrated tower, La Giralda, is Seville's most famous landmark. Climb to the top observation platform to enjoy stunning views of the city on Insight Guides' Andalucia Explored holiday.
Churros for breakfast. Photo: Shutterstock
The Alcázar
The second architectural jewel in Seville is a short hop from la Giralda. The Real Alcázar is one of the most exquisite examples of Mudéjar architecture, combining Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance elements. For seven centuries, this was the palace of the Spanish monarchy and its fanciful floors, ceilings and walls are intricate work of arts, reaching heights of richness in the Salón de Embajadores (Ambassadors' Hall). Spend a day exploring the Alcázar on Insight Guides' Cultural Cities of Spain tour.
Flamenco night
The perfect end to a day in Seville is an evening of flamenco entertainment. The flamenco repertoire is based on songs with specific contexts – songs about work or religion, dance tunes, expressions of life's joys and sorrows. Tourist-trap shows abound so it's wise to book our Seville Flamenco Experience, part our Simply Seville holiday. After a visit to the entertaining flamenco museum, you'll be treated to a dancing spectacle you will never forget.
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