Seville - City of Culture and History

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Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is Spain's fourth largest city after Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. The founding of Seville is attributed to Hercules. Roman aquaducts are still evident. Arab dominatin began in 712. In 1248, Fernando III conquered Seville for Christendom and Muslims were obliged to leave. Mosques were converted into Catholic churches. In 1482 Queen Isabel expelled the Jews from Seville and the final Muslim stronghold - Granada - being taken in 1492. Many fled to Muslim-ruled Malaga and Granada. Seville became the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition. Today 300 Jews live across the city. The city's cathedral is the third largest in the world after St Peter's in Rome and St Paul's in London. It is currently experiencing a severe drought which is offset by large quantities of underground water.

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Photos

Spanish Square
Built in 1929 to display the 54 Spanish Provinces. Each one is depicted with its own tiled area.

From Arab Mosque to Catholic Cathedral
Orange trees grow on the former ablutions patio of the old mosque, part of which is still on the right. The current cathedral stands on the left.

The Guadalquivir River
The name is Arabic for 'The Big River'.

The Bull Ring
The Bull Ring, built in the XVIII century, holds 22,000 people. The season begins in Holy Week and concludes in November. The Church does not comment on the sport.

Former Carthusan Monastery
Columbus was buried here for 30 years.

Tower of the Gold
This tower was built during the Arabic Period to store acquisitions, including gold, from the new world.

The Jewish Quarter
There used to be three synagogues in this area. Today there are no remails of Jewish presence.

Narrow Streets
The streets were built this way to keep the area cool when residents went outdoors.

From Minaret to Spire
Traditionally the call to muslim prayer is given from the minaret.

Work by Salvador Dali
Located in Plaza del Salvador