Seville, the capital of Andalucia, can trace its history back for more than 2,000 years, to when it was founded on the banks of the river Guadalquivir, and it was this river which made Seville an important trading city right from the outset, with its inhabitants trading with the Greeks, Phoenicians, and latterly the Carthaginians.
Seville was destroyed in the II century b.c., in the wars between Carthaginians and Romans. When the Punic wars ended, it was reconstructed by the Romans and renamed Hispalis and remained a Roman city until the year 428. Since that time, it has been ruled by Germanic tribes such as the Vandals and the Visigoths, then various Arab and North African Muslim rulers, when it was known as Isbiliyya. It was finally recaptured by the Christian King of Castile, Fernando III, in 1248.
Seville became a very rich city after 1492 with a lot of the treasure of the new Spanish empire in the Americas arriving at its Port by Royal Decree.
Seville is a monumental city, and a city of monuments, its history has left its mark for visitors to enjoy. In the heart of the historic city centre visitors can marvel at the 15th Century Gothic Cathedral which has a 12th Century Mosque Minaret as its bell tower, (known as ‘La Giralda’), which is just 100 metres from the Alcazar Real, (Royal Palace and gardens), Muslim in design but now the official residence of the current Spanish Monarchs when the visit Seville.
Nestled in between these two Christian / Muslim monuments you will find the old Jewish Quarter of Seville, known now as the Barrio Santa Cruz. This area is mostly certainly the restaurant district of the city, and with its narrow lanes and orange tree bordered plazas, it will transport you back through the centuries of the city’s history.
Sevilla truly is a magical city!
Your Andalucia Tour Holidays.