Things To Do In Seville

While Seville does not quite compare with Barcelona for cultural attractions or other more popular tourist cities for theme parks and the like, it still has plenty to offer visitors in the way of things to do and see. Aside from a variety of historical buildings that epitomise the city’s rich heritage, Seville has theme parks, some great natural parks and a good selection of museums and art galleries. A number of companies also offer guided tours of the city, taking in its key sights.

Catedral de Sevilla and Giralda Tower

The Catedral de Sevilla and Giralda Tower is Europe’s third-largest church and the largest Gothic building in the world. The cathedral claims to house the remains of Christopher Columbus and features an ornate tomb mounted on four statues. The church is filled with fine works of art and architectural features including its magnificent 15th century stained glass windows and elaborate 15th century choir stalls. Meanwhile, the treasury is home to works by Goya, Murillo and Zurbarán.

Isla Mgica

Located in the Isla de la Cartuja area of Seville, Isla Magica is an exciting theme park offering attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. The park, which has a 16th century Spanish colonial adventure theme, features a rollercoaster, various other rides and multimedia and musical shows. The park is split into various sections each with a different concept and includes ‘Port of the Indies’, ‘Quetzal, Fury of the Gods’ and ‘Gateway to the Americas’. The park is open seven days a week.

Seville City Tours

Take a tour of Seville on one of the trips organised by local company Viator (http://www.viator.com) and you’ll get the chance to see some of the city’s finest sights. The company offers several different tours including sightseeing and flamenco tours all of which come with English-speaking guides who provide commentary throughout on the areas visited. Daytrips to nearby destinations such as Córdoba, Granada, Jerez and Cádiz are also available.

Mara Luisa Park

Among Seville’s largest parks, María Luisa covers a massive 400,000 square metres and was built originally as gardens for the San Telmo Palace at the time of the 1929 Latin American Exhibitions. The park offers plenty of opportunity to relax either in the sun or under one of its many shady trees. Alternatively, you can take a pleasant walk or pursue some outdoor sporting activity.

Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza

The Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza is the oldest bullring in the history of bullfighting, having been built between 1761 and 1881. Guided tours of the facility are available at various times of the day, while an on-site museum offers four different rooms, each containing artefacts from different periods in the bullring’s history.

Museums

Visitors interested in history, heritage and aesthetics won’t be disappointed by Seville’s collection of museums and art galleries. Although the city’s selection is modest, those venues available capture the essence of the city’s cultural flavour, not only in their collections, but also in the fine buildings in which they are housed. Located in an old convent dating back to 1612, the Seville Museum of Fine Art (Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla) is perhaps the city’s most prestigious cultural venue. The museum is home to a variety of different collections, which includes gold and silver works, Spanish art and sculptures, ceramics and pottery and weaponry. Meanwhile, at the Museum of the Macarena (Museo de la Macarena), visitors will find various works of art of Spanish origin as well as works in silver and gold. The museum’s centrepiece is its wonderful statue of the Virgin Mary of Hope, or the Macarena as it is also known. During Easter celebrations, the statue is paraded through Seville’s streets while onlookers offer reverence and respect. Finally, at the Cathedral Musuem (Museo Catedralicio), located in the city’s cathedral,  visitors will find a significant collection of religious art works which include sculptures, paintings and works in precious metals.