The city of Sevilla has a rich history as well as flavors and culture. Spain has always been known for its true high quality dining experiences, along with unique dishes and cooking techniques. The capital city of Andalusia has been culturally influenced by many other cultures throughout the years. The Romans, Jews, Celts, Greeks, and Islamic culture have slowly accumulated through history and created an unique Spanish cuisine. Techniques such as salting fish or ham and the adaptation of olive tree oil are both things that were adopted by the people of Sevilla.

One of the most important cultural significances related to cuisine in Sevilla is Tapas culture. This culture can best be understood by the term Tapas meaning “small plate”. This form of dining consists of a collection of many small dishes which will comprise a full meal. This is not only a special event for the people of Sevilla, but a true way of life amongst the locals. Tapas culture is a true sign of leisure and fosters community amongst the population of the city.

Here are some of the cities’ most prized dishes:

Patatas Bravas

This dish falls under the category of Tapas which is essentially equivalent to appetizers or snacks. The dish is made from boiled potatoes which are covered in a spicy tomato sauce and topped with clumps of garlic aioli. These are very culturally important to both Spain and the city of Sevilla itself.

Artichoke Tapas

This dish is one of the few tapas which include primarily vegetables. It’s served with a large artichoke, usually stuffed or wrapped with ham or prawns. The meat is served salt cured instead of being cooked making it able to be served all year round. Usually this is served with an aioli sauce which pairs great with the salty flavored meats.

Jamon Iberico

This dish is a very simple historical dish served throughout Sevilla as well as the rest of Spain. It consists of a dry-cured ham that is produced in the Spanish regions. The ham is usually from the leg of a pig and is expensive due to its high demand. The curing process is a traditional aspect of making this dish and the same process has been followed for thousands of years.

Salmorejo

Salmorejo is a dish that originated in the Andalusia region and is also served all around Spain. It’s a cold tomato soup which is know for its pinkish orange color and creamy texture. It’s sometimes served with a hard-boiled egg or salt cured ham. It’s can be eaten as a light meal and is mostly served during the summer months.

Overall, the rich culture, high quality recipes, and sense of leisure and community is what makes Sevilla such a hot dining spot for tourists and locals. The food not only is extremely rich in flavor, but rich in history as well. The cuisine of Sevilla truly tells a story of the city’s vast and diverse historical experiences.

Sevilla has served as a historic hotspot throughout history. Even in its modern age there are remaining elements that display the historic events that have taken place. These places allow a modern glance into the history that shaped the region and overall culture impacts of the country as a whole.

Dashing back to the past the city of Sevilla was the home of many marvelous events. One of the most intriguing being that of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Through this exposition there was hoped to improve Spanish relations with America. Through the effects is debatable to preservation and upkeep of the historic pavilions remains present in the Sevilla atmosphere. One of the pavilions still on display is a theater called the, Lope de Vega Theatre. This theater after its debut in 1929 has seen much of Spanish history take place, explaining its current status as a major pale for large cultural events. The theater has experienced a lot, surviving fires, floods, and renovations.  With these travesties the theater severed in other capacities throughout its history. The Spanish Civil War took place from 1936 and lasted until 1939, during this time the theater served as a war hospital and housed those who needed aid during this time. This historic structure, surviving most of modern history was renovated and continues to survive as a historic reminder of its role in key national events. The other pavilions constructed at this time ushered in a new era of infrastructure and pushed the city of Sevilla towards the modern age. 

A city known for its historic impact the city of Sevilla was also home to another exposition representing it role in global discovery. In 1992 Sevilla was the home for the 1992 Universal Exhibition of Seville. A globally relevant city, there was obvious consideration for Sevilla to host this event, incorporating the history of over 100 countries. Similarly, the exposition held in 1929 there were remaining pieces of history left behind and influencing the prevalent culture of Sevilla. The Universal Exhibition was meant to celebrate the 500-year anniversary of the exploration of Christopher Columbus. The exposition was meant to show the historically development of Spain. While showing the history that passed, they event infrastructure and technologies that would be historically significant. The first high speed train was installed and allowed transportation not yet seen in Sevilla. The pavilions established also remain as a reminder of this advancement and the dedication to countries throughout the world. One of the remaining tourist-ridden remnants is that of the Spanish pavilion, which has been turned into an amusement park for current enjoyment. The Exhibition made previous technologies available to the public and the space continues to allow the enjoyment a display of Spanish culture and excitement. 

Overall, the city of Sevilla was historically significant on a national and global level, specifically in the display of technological and infostructure advancements. The city was used to display and develop the country and city to what it is today. These displayed, though faded to history, remain a reminder of the past, and where the future of the city and country as a whole are headed. 

The title of the city, “Segovia” is thought to be Celtic in origin, as before the Roman conquest of the area, the land was inhabited by Celts. After the Roman takeover, the culture and landscape of Segovia dramatically changed with Roman innovation, religious locations such as churches and cathedrals as well as places of worship for Muslims and Jewish religions. Segovia is a melting pot of sorts with various cultures blending together and forming the city for what it is today. Wool and textiles were also once a driving force behind the growth of upcoming Segovia, which led to more economic growth and also put Segovia on the map for being a political destination.

Segovia looks as if it is was plucked straight out of a history book. With beautiful walkways and architecture, a perfect place for those studying abroad and becoming immersed in the culture of Spain. The visuals of the city and the rich history to be found make a great destination for History majors and those interested in the beauties of early Spain. There are also Roman-built wonders still standing, such as the aqueduct bridge that is featured below. This is a wonder even to the modern day engineers and is one of the greatest landmarks of the area. With over 20,000 stones used in the construction and stretching over 30 meters high in areas, the aqueduct demands the attention of viewers and stretches out well over 2,000 feet.

With the ability to walk into locations and see these wonders, Segovia is like an expansive classroom in the real world. Featuring visual enjoyments of art and architecture, rich history through celebrations and food, and exciting places to explore and tour. Within the city, you will find various pieces of history from the various groups of people and religions through the years, Roman, Jewish and Christian influences can be seen through the art, buildings, and culture of the area. This allows students and interested parties to explore the rich culture outside the boundaries of a classroom or mere textbook pictures, but rather their everyday surroundings.

Also, for those who enjoy a combination of both exploration and fitness, Segovia offers cycle and self-guided tours, where one can walk or ride bikes with a tour group and explore the various landmarks of the area. These tours include visiting important locations, learning of the history and construction of buildings, important people involved in the area and more. These destinations range from wonders of engineering, cathedrals, castles, and museums. One of these stops being, Alcázar of Segovia, which also is rumored to have served as an inspiration for the Cinderella Castle of Walt Disney. One of the most important Catholic monarchs of Spain, Queen Isabella I, was also proclaimed to be Queen on December 13th of 1474 in a church in Segovia. Between both the historical and political significance of Segovia—this makes for a fascinating destination to learn of the past, experience history in the present, and enjoy the wonders of architecture that have stood the test of time.

Bibliography:

https://www.exploring-castles.com/europe/spain/alcazar_de_segovia/

https://www.cyclingforsofties.com/destinations/spain-cycling-holidays/segovia-tours

https://wanderingjana.com/2022/02/11/update142-spain-wandering-segovia

The Hospital de la Caridad

Want to experience the religious artwork and architecture of Seville? The Hospital de la Caridad is the perfect place to start.

History ~ The hospital was founded by the Brotherhood of the Holy Charity to spread services to those less fortunate. Some of these services include helping the sick, poor, and homeless, and providing burials to those forgotten after death. This was all done because of the work of one man. Miguel de Manara was the founder of the selfless Brotherhood in 1666. Manara would dedicate his life to helping those less fortunate in Seville after the tragic death of his wife. The nobleman opened his heart to those sick and gave shelter to those who needed it.

The building quickly became a shelter during the epidemics that took place in the 17th and 18th centuries in Seville. The hospital carried those affected by the great plague of 1649, giving these individuals a place to stay.

Why you need to visit ~ This hospital turned tourist attraction includes various examples of Sevillian artwork and architecture. Here you can find incredible artwork from famous artists such as Murillo and Valdes Leal. Further in the building, you can find the famous Chapel of St. George, which is filled with wonderful paintings and sculptures. Other than the strong art history, the hospital attracts tourists because of its symbol of charity and service. Throughout the building, you can observe the history and culture of the Brotherhood and Seville.

Where is it ~ Tickets to the Hospital de la Caridad can be bought here. The hospital slowly became one of the main tourist attractions in Seville. Where you can find some of the most historical paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries in Seville, while learning about the courageous work of Miguel de Manara and the Brotherhood of Holy Charity. Today, the building remains a place for service, but tourists can still view the courtyard and the inside of the Chapel.

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The Cathedral of Seville

When visiting Seville, a key site every tourist must view is the Cathedral of Seville. Reaching 124,000 square feet high, it is hard to miss this gorgeous part of Seville’s history. In the building, you can find yourself in the middle of Spanish history. Seeing tombs of famous figures, an altarpiece showing the life of Jesus, and a huge pipe organ that can shake the walls of the Cathedral.

History ~ Builders of this cathedral wanted to make the most priceless and magnificent cathedral in all of Seville. The cathedral had a number of sculptors who worked tirelessly to finish the various details of the building. Construction began in 1401 with Flemish sculptor Pieter Dancart and took 105 years to complete. The construction didn’t end there. Over the centuries, it would undergo various modifications and restorations. Some due to natural disasters, such as an earthquake, and others due to construction to modernize the building.

Why you need to visit ~ The cathedral is known to house the tombs of many famous figures of history, such as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Columbus, and Alfonso X of Castile. It also holds various artwork and architecture in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. In the cathedral, you can find a total of 80 separate chapels. All are dedicated to a different saint or religious figure. Surprisingly, mass was once held in each of these chapels every day. The detail of the architecture is beyond what we see today.

In the cathedral, you can find a pipe organ that holds over 7,000 pipes. This pipe organ produces so much sound that the walls shake, and the sound will echo throughout the entire building.

Where is it ~ The Cathedral can be seen from almost every corner of Seville. Reaching 124,000 square feet high, it’s hard to miss this gorgeous part of Seville’s history. Today, the cathedral is still used as a church, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. And is used as a venue for concerts and cultural events. The Cathedral of Seville has reached to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seville, and looking at the detail and history of it, it truly deserves it. Tickets to this piece of history can be bought here.

From modern works of art to historical structures from the middle-ages, it’s no secret that Seville is famous for its elegant and diverse architecture. The sheer variety is stunning enough, but the historical significance of these structures are informative for both students and instructors looking to explore Spain, Seville, and Spanish History.

You can’t visit Seville without exploring the gorgeous Royal Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace constructed by the Umayyad Caliphate on the site of a Roman settlement that would eventually become Spain. This building is not only stunning but also rich in Spanish History. This structure combines elements of Gothic architecture with both Moorish and Christian influence, which both occupied the palace at some point in history, making the Royal Alcázar of Seville a blend of unique historical styles not seen commonly in architecture.

The foundations of the palace were built in 712 CE with the arrival of Moorish forces and their takeover of Visigothic land. After the establishment of the Caliphate of Cordoba, the royal palace saw incredible upgrades. Even once the Caliphate of Cordoba fell, the Taifa Kingdom of Seville maintained the beautiful palace. The impacts of the Moors through the Taifa Kingdoms and Umayyad Dynasty on the structure can be seen through the beautiful, lush Alcazar gardens. These gardens, depicted below, are theorized to be modeled after the paradise described in the Koran, so have fun taking in the heavenly scenery!

With the arrival of more Moorish forces in Al-Andalus, including the Almohads and Almoravids, the palace grew in Islamic architectural influence. The plasterwork courtyard, lattice ceilings depicted below, and archways of the palace are heavily inspired from Islamic styles. However, a carefully trained art historian can tell that most of the design in the palace reflects the Mudéjar style, an architectural style that blends christianity and islamic building styles. As Al-Andalus’ control over Seville collapsed in 1248 CE from the rampaging tide of the Reconquista, Christian power rose, and with it, the Royal Alcázar of Seville was assimilated under Christian rule, who also added flares of traditional Gothic style in the name of the Visigoths. The spiked arches and ribbed vaults seen in the upper floors all point to remnants of Gothic architecture used in the building. This historical time frame allowed the unique architecture of past Seville rulers to accumulate, eventually concluding with Renaissance architectural styles of large marble columns that round out the design.

The Royal Alcázar of Seville isn’t just one of the most beautiful structures in the world, but it also serves as a historical timeline of Spain and the occupancy of Seville that can be seen through it’s architectural influences. Seville’s history is literally scrawled out across the walls of the palace, and can be seen on every pillar and archway. Instructors and students alike will have no shortage of histories to explore and unpack through this historical monument. If you get the chance to swing by the Alcázar, drop by the Alcázar – Andalusí Tapas, a restaurant that serves Seville favorites like gazpacho in a tapas-style experience just outside the palace itself. The experience of visiting, the rich history of the building, and the Sevillian immersion of being in the heart of the city make the Royal Alcázar of Seville a must-stop for anyone looking to explore Spanish history and Seville.