Family Cultural Exploration in Seville

A Day of Discovery in Seville

Today was a delightful exploration of Seville, venturing beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and discovering some truly hidden gems. Sofia was especially excited, and Klaus, ever the history enthusiast, was eager to soak in the local culture. I felt a sense of excitement mixing with the warm Seville air, ready to uncover stories woven into the very fabric of this beautiful city.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante De La O. The reviews I'd read online were spot-on; the ambiance was lovely, and the food was delicious. I opted for a traditional Spanish breakfast, while Klaus enjoyed a more continental fare. Sofia, of course, went for the pastries, her eyes wide with delight. The staff were incredibly welcoming, making us feel right at home. It was the perfect start to a day of exploration.


Experience exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurante De La O, where culinary artistry meets authentic Andalusian hospitality.

After breakfast, we set off to explore the Monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas, also known as the Monastery of the Cartuja. It was a bit of a journey from our hotel, but the taxi ride gave us a chance to see more of the city. As we approached the monastery, I was struck by its imposing structure and the sense of history that permeated the air. The monastery has had quite the dramatic past, having served as a monastery where Christopher Columbus stayed, barracks for Napoleon's troops, and even a ceramics factory. It's now a contemporary art gallery, which is quite the transformation! We wandered through the grounds, admiring the architecture and the tranquil atmosphere. Sofia was particularly fascinated by the old kilns from the ceramics factory. It was a truly unique experience, blending history and art in a way I hadn't quite encountered before. I even learned that Columbus' remains were buried there for 30 years!


Explore the serene beauty and rich history of the Monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas in Seville, a cultural gem along the Guadalquivir River.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

Next on our list was Calle Judería, the old Jewish quarter of Seville. As we stepped into the narrow, winding streets, it felt like stepping back in time. The area was once the second biggest Jewish quarter in Spain. The narrow streets offered a welcome respite from the summer sun, and the charming buildings were a feast for the eyes. We strolled along, soaking in the atmosphere and imagining what life must have been like centuries ago. I found myself particularly drawn to the ceramic street signs, each one a unique work of art. I envisioned the illicit lovers of the past embracing from opposing balconies. We explored hidden plazas and courtyards, each with its own story to tell. It was a truly enchanting experience, and I felt grateful to be sharing it with my family.


Explore the historic Calle Judería in Seville, a captivating street rich in Jewish heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture.

For lunch, we decided to try Tradevo Centro, a restaurant known for its modern take on traditional Spanish cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with locals, which is always a good sign. Klaus and I shared a few tapas, each one bursting with flavor. Sofia, surprisingly, was adventurous and tried a bit of everything. The prices were reasonable, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. It was the perfect place to refuel after a morning of exploring.


Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors at Tradevo Centro in Seville's historic Casco Antiguo district.

Our final stop of the day was the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador, a stunning church built on the site of a former mosque and Roman basilica. The church is considered the second most important church in Seville, after the Cathedral. The architecture was breathtaking, with soaring ceilings and intricate details. We wandered through the chapels, admiring the artwork and the sense of peace that permeated the space. I was particularly impressed by the main altarpiece and the sacramental chapel. It was a truly awe-inspiring experience, and I felt grateful to have had the opportunity to visit.


Explore the stunning Baroque beauty of Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador, a historical gem in the heart of Seville's vibrant Casco Antiguo.

Before dinner, we made a quick stop at Sevilla Duty Free. Although I hadn’t forgotten any trip essentials today, I was hoping to pick up a small bottle of Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Gin as a souvenir. I had read online that the Duty Free shop has a great selection of local products. However, in the end, I decided against it, as we still had a few days left of our trip and I didn't want to carry it around.


Explore Sevilla Duty Free for unbeatable prices on gifts, cosmetics, and premium items. Shop conveniently at the airport before your departure.

For dinner, we chose Restaurante Cristina Bistró, enticed by its excellent reviews. The bistro had a great vibe, and we were lucky enough to get a table outside. The restaurant is known for its tuna dishes, so I decided to try the tuna tataki, while Klaus opted for the mackerel with potato salad. Sofia, of course, chose the paella. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring.


Experience authentic Andalusian cuisine at Restaurante Cristina Bistró in Seville – where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

As we walked back to Hotel Rey Alfonso X, I reflected on the day's adventures. We had discovered some truly hidden gems, and I felt a deeper connection to Seville than I had before. I'm so grateful to be sharing these experiences with my family. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, Capilla de los Marineros, and Santa Cruz, Seville. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us.


Experience the charm of Sevilla at Hotel Rey Alfonso X, a 4-star sanctuary offering luxury, comfort, and convenience for every traveler.

Even though I forgot my portable phone charger and travel adapter, I am grateful for the experiences and discoveries made today. It reminds me that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about creating lasting memories with loved ones. And as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that tomorrow would bring even more adventures.

The city is alive with culture, and I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings. Perhaps we'll find a quiet spot to simply sit and watch the world go by, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying each other's company. Or maybe we'll stumble upon another hidden gem, another story waiting to be discovered. Whatever happens, I know it will be an adventure.

It's amazing how much history is packed into every corner of this city. From the ancient monasteries to the charming streets of the Jewish quarter, there's always something new to discover. And the food! Oh, the food! Every meal has been a culinary adventure, a chance to taste the flavors of Andalusia and experience the local culture. I’m so glad we chose Seville for our family trip. It's a city that truly has something for everyone, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

I'm particularly looking forward to visiting the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, the famous bullring. I know it's a controversial topic, but I'm interested in learning more about the history and traditions surrounding bullfighting. And of course, I'm excited to explore Santa Cruz, the heart of the old Jewish quarter. I've heard it's a maze of narrow streets and hidden plazas, just waiting to be discovered. We will also visit Capilla de los Marineros. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of adventure in Seville.

As I prepare for tomorrow's adventures, I am reminded of a quote by Ibn Battuta:

Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.

And so, I continue my journey, eager to collect more stories and share them with you all. Goodnight from Seville!