Explore Ancient Palaces and Iconic Cathedrals

According to legend, Seville was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. It was called Hispalis under the Romans and Isbiliya with the Moors. Seville lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe: It has the minaret of La Giralda, the cathedral (one of the largest in Christendom) and the Alcázar Palace. More points of interest are Casa de Pilatos, Torre del Oro, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies (where the historical records of the American continent are kept) and the Fine Arts Museum (the second largest picture gallery in Spain). Very close by is the royal Mudéjar palace known as the Alcazar with marvellous gardens and the Santa Cruz quarter, with cramped streets, flowered balconies, richly decorated facades and hidden patios. Other sights not to be missed are, in the old city, the Casa de Pilatos, a large sixteenth-century mansion where Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance styles blend harmoniously amidst exuberant patios and gardens and, crossing the Triana bridge over the large Guadalquívir River, the lively popular quarter of Triana with charming narrow streets around the church of Santa Ana and traditional ceramic factories.