Exploring Seville's Rich Culture and History

Seville's Majestic Debut

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at El Pasaje Santa María la Blanca. The restaurant's charming ambiance and delicious offerings, especially the tasty tapas, provided the perfect start to our exploration. The staff was energetic and the atmosphere spectacular. After breakfast, we made our way towards the Catedral de Sevilla, a short walk that allowed us to soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere. January in Seville is quite pleasant; the weather is mild, with temperatures hovering around 17°C during the day, making it ideal for walking and exploring.

As we approached the cathedral, its sheer size and architectural grandeur left us in awe. The Catedral de Sevilla is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a testament to centuries of history and artistry. The cathedral was built on the site of a former mosque, and traces of its Moorish past are still visible today. The blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements creates a unique and breathtaking structure.
Inside, the cathedral is even more impressive. The high vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and numerous chapels create an atmosphere of reverence and wonder. One of the highlights was seeing the tomb of Christopher Columbus, an elaborate monument that pays homage to the famous explorer. Lena was particularly fascinated by the sheer scale of the altarpiece, considered one of the largest in Christendom.

Next, we ascended La Giralda, the bell tower of the cathedral. Originally built as the minaret of the Great Mosque of Seville, La Giralda offers panoramic views of the city. The climb to the top was surprisingly easy, thanks to the series of ramps that gradually ascend the tower. From the top, we marveled at the cityscape of Seville, with its terracotta rooftops, winding streets, and historic landmarks stretching as far as the eye could see. I took several photos, trying to capture the beauty and essence of Seville from this unique vantage point.

After descending from La Giralda, we made our way to the Royal Alcázar of Seville, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alcázar is a stunning palace complex that showcases a blend of Moorish and Christian architectural styles. Originally developed as a fort in 913, it has been renovated and expanded over the centuries by various rulers, resulting in a unique fusion of cultures and designs.
The Alcázar's intricate tile work, ornate ceilings, and lush gardens transported us to another world. Each room and courtyard told a story of the past, from the Moorish influence in the Patio de las Doncellas to the Christian additions in the Salón de Embajadores. We wandered through the gardens, admiring the fountains, ponds, and vibrant flowers that created a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The Alcázar is so stunning that it was even used as a filming location for the Game of Thrones TV series.

Exploring Seville is like stepping back in time, where every corner reveals a blend of cultures and stories waiting to be discovered.

For lunch, we decided to try Az-Zait restaurante, known for its creative Spanish cuisine and reasonable prices. It was located a bit far from the historic center, but it was well worth the trip. The ambiance was elegant and unpretentious, with friendly and attentive service. The interior design was unique and lovely, featuring super original tableware that added to the dining experience. We opted for the six-course tasting menu, which was an excellent value. The dishes were exquisite, including slow-cooked egg, deconstructed tortilla soup, and roasted suckling pig with creamy potato puree. The gin and tonic jelly and ice cream aperitif was a must-try.

After a satisfying lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the Santa Cruz neighborhood, the old Jewish quarter of Seville. The narrow, winding streets, whitewashed buildings, and flower-filled balconies created a charming and picturesque setting. We stumbled upon hidden squares, quaint shops, and local cafes, soaking in the neighborhood's unique atmosphere.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to La Terraza del EME - Bar panorámico, a rooftop bar offering stunning views of the Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda. The bar was located atop the EME Catedral Mercer Hotel, a modern luxury hotel in a renovated 16th-century building. We ordered cocktails and enjoyed the breathtaking views as the city lights began to twinkle. The atmosphere was sophisticated and stylish, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. We were lucky to find heaters that made the atmosphere cozy.
For dinner, we chose Restaurante San Marco Santa Cruz, an Italian restaurant housed in old Arab baths. The restaurant's unique setting, with its historic architecture and warm atmosphere, made for a memorable dining experience. We started with the burrata, which was really good. For the main course, I had the salt-crusted sea bass, cooked to perfection and served at the table by the chef. Lena opted for the ravioli with butter and sage, which she loved. The skilled live guitarist added to the atmosphere.

Reflecting on the day, I felt a deep sense of appreciation for Seville's rich history and vibrant culture. The Catedral de Sevilla, La Giralda, and Royal Alcázar were all architectural masterpieces that showcased the city's unique blend of Moorish and Christian influences. The delicious food, charming neighborhoods, and friendly locals added to the city's allure. I was excited to continue our exploration of Seville in the coming days. For tomorrow, we plan to visit the Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa, followed by the Casa de Pilatos. I'm particularly excited to see the Plaza de España, which I've heard is absolutely stunning, especially in the early morning light. We also plan to check out Ceramica Santa Cruz, a local shop known for its beautiful ceramics.
Lena and I walked back to our hotel, hand in hand, already anticipating the new adventures that tomorrow would bring. Even though I forgot my portable phone charger and reusable water bottle, I was glad I had my camera to capture all these beautiful memories.

I’m excited to continue our Seville adventure, and I hope you’ll join us as we uncover more of this enchanting city’s hidden gems.

Until tomorrow!