Sevilla is a city rich in history. It is located on the Guadalquivir River and was originally an Iberian town in the 2nd century BCE. From the 5^th through the 8^th century CE, it was ruled by the Visigoths. After the Visigoths, Sevilla was ruled by the Moors until the 13^th century. After the Moors, Ferdinand III led the Spanish Christians to take Sevilla back from the Muslims. Much later, in 1808, Sevilla was captured by the French and the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War. Under the Muslims, Sevilla was a center for culture, as well as a commercial center in the area. Once the Spanish Christians took over, Sevilla once again was a center for culture, as it became the center of trade between Spain and its American colonies. Even though Sevilla has had many different people controlling it, that led to the astounding culture it has today.

One of the biggest historical tourist centers is the Alcázar Palace. This is one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe that is still in use. The Alcázar Palace is just a fortified palace and is located on Plaze del Triunfo. The History of the Alcázar Palace can be broken into five distinct eras. Beginning in the Moorish era, it was built in 712, but was added to in the 12^th century for Almohad Caliphate. Following the Moorish era was the Gothic era. The main difference between the eras is architectural changes. Many pieces are added, and each piece represents the era in which it was added. The biggest gothic piece is the vault room. Large, gothic vaulted ceilings and the Sevillano yellow are major gothic features. The next era was the Mudéjar era. The major piece added here was the Mudéjar architecture in King Peter’s Palace. This is the heart of the Alcazar, and the best example of Mudéjar architecture still intact.  Polylobate arches, sebqa stucco, blue Arabic lettering and Christian words all brought together here. More Mudéjar architecture is the Maidens’ courtyard. There are large marble columns with stucco arches, many sculptures of knights and coats of arms. The walkways are higher up than the gardens in the courtyard to make it easier to pick the fruits. The Alcázar Palace, much like the rest of Sevilla, has had a rich history and many different rulers and types of people living there. Sevilla has a rich history, and if you look carefully, you can see each layer of culture and architecture shining through.

RING. RING. RING. Do you hear that calling? It’s the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla, or the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville, calling all lovers of Spanish culture to one of the most important art museums in Spain!

The building was originally built in 1594. It was founded as a convent for the Merced Calzada de la Asuncíon by St. Peter Nolasco during the reign of Ferdinand III of Castile. It was officially recognized as a museum institution in 1835 and underwent construction during the 17^th century by an architect named Juan de Oviedo y de la Bandera. Many great pieces were moved into the museum. The collections include some Sevillian baroque paintings and paintings from the 17^th century ‘Golden Age’ for Sevillian art.

One of the most notable artists featured in the museum is Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, who is considered one of the best artists Seville has ever given. Some of his paintings featured there are the Virgen de la Servilleta or La Colosal. The artwork featured isn´t the only amazing part of the museum, the architecture and the courtyards are another aspect of this amazing cultural spot that everyone can enjoy!

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/7-must-see-museums-in-seville/

The Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, better known as the Seville Cathedral, is a prime example of the diverse history of Spain. Standing at one of the fourth largest churches in the world, and the largest gothic cathedral, it was named a World Heritage site in 1987. It is a beautiful and cherished site visited by tourists and rich with history.

Originally built as a mosque for the Almohad caliph of the time, it was finished in 1198. The mosque was constructed with a minaret, courtyard, and a prayer hall which faced south. Around 1248, when Ferdinand III conquered Seville, the mosque overwent a small transition. Although still having the outward appearance of a mosque, it became converted to a Christian chapel. After the death of Ferdinand III, him and his wife were buried in the chapel. Into the 1400s, the mosque converted chapel served as an important site in Seville, so much so that religious leaders wanted to reconstruct it into a grand Cathedral. It was recorded that they wanted to make the Cathedral “one so good that none would be it’s equal.” Construction was finished in 1511, although more was worked on over the years.

The Cathedral contains many admirable pieces which draw curious minds to experience. One notable piece is the retablo. The gothic altar work is carved moments from the life of Christ and it is the life work of artist Pierre Dancart. Even some of the original mosque pieces of the cathedral were preserved, like the courtyard or Patio de los Naranjos, containing fountains and orange trees. Also the minaret was turned into a bell tower called the Giralda. Visitors also look at the beautiful doors all over the Cathedral. Many notable figures are said to be entombed in the Cathedral including Ferdinand III, Alfonso X, and even Christopher Columbus.

The Seville Cathedral offers guided tours through the many exciting and exquisite parts of the Cathedral. This lovely site offers more than just history, but an immersive experience into the diverse cultures which have influence Spain throughout the years.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seville_Cathedral

https://www.andalucia.org/en/sevilla-cultural-tourism-catedral-de-sevilla

Sevilla is home to two clubs in the first division of Spanish football, Sevilla FC and Real Betis. Sevilla FC historically has been the more dominant of the two, being founded in 1890. Real Betis, was the first of the two clubs to enter the Spanish top flight. Football in Sevilla is very much like football in the rest of Spain. The passion of the fans is like no other. Both of these teams are in the top seven of average attendance in La Liga. The atmosphere in La Liga is nothing like American sports. You’d be missing out on a great time if you decided against going to a football game. If not for the enjoyment of the game, you will always have the memory of thousands of fans coming together for one cause.

Sevilla FC has thirteen total titles to their name, including six European trophies. They are currently playing in the group stage of the EUFA Champions League at the time of this writing. Tickets for La Liga range from $62 to $165 dollars depending on the team and seating, and with a stadium fairly close to the center of the city, they are a great team to watch. Sevilla plays all home games at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium and have played there since 1958. Bosting some of the most well known names in Spain such as Ivan Rakitic, Papu Gomez, and Eric Lamela, they currently sit in first place in La Liga. Sevilla sits at sixth place on the all time league table even though they have played three hundred games less than the next best team. As with all sports, there is a period of down time in which the players get a break from their tumultuous schedule. During June and July, typically no games are played. In August however, many teams tour around the world for pre-season.

If you are at all interested in becoming a fan, click here to get more information on the clubs fan services.

If red and white aren’t your colors, you might be interested in going to watch Real Betis. Real Betis was founded in 1907 and granted to the title “Real” in 1914. While not as decorated as their cross city rivals, they still have some trophies to their name. Currently in fifth place on the La Liga table, they will give spectators a good show no matter what. Real Betis’s stadium is only two miles away from Sevilla’s and hold just over 60,000 people. The stadium, Benito Villamarín Stadium, is located in the Heliópolis neighborhood, very near one of the main roads of the city. Their ticket price is about the same due to it being set by La Liga. Betis ranks fourth in Spain in regards to fan clubs. Not only do they have fan clubs in Europe, but in America, Australia, and Zanzibar. As well as a women’s team, Betis have an indoor team and a basketball team.

For more information on Real Betis, click here.