Seville travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Seville, Andalusia, Spain.
Seville's history spans more than 2,000 years and three great civilisations. Founded as Hispalis by Phoenicians and later developed under Rome, the city blossomed under 500 years of Moorish (Al-Andalus) rule into one of medieval Europe's most cosmopolitan cities. The Reconquista of 1248 brought it under Castilian control, and following Columbus's 1492 voyage, Seville became the exclusive gateway to the Americas — the wealthiest city in the known world for over a century. The Baroque churches, palaces, and hospitals built during this golden age still dominate the skyline.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Seville.
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1
Phoenicians establish a trading settlement near the Guadalquivir
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2
Julius Caesar grants Hispalis the status of Roman colony
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3
Muslim conquest; Seville becomes Ishbiliya under the Umayyad Caliphate
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4
Almohad dynasty builds the Giralda tower (as a minaret) and begins the Alcázar
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5
Ferdinand III of Castile conquers Seville; Reconquista complete
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6
Construction of the Gothic cathedral begins on the site of the great mosque
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7
Columbus departs for the Americas; expulsion of Jews from Spain; beginning of the Golden Age
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8
Casa de Contratación established; Seville granted monopoly on Americas trade
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9
Great Plague kills roughly one-third of the population; city begins long decline
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10
Americas trade monopoly transferred to Cádiz; Seville loses its economic dominance
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11
Ibero-American Exposition; Plaza de España, Parque de María Luisa, and many hotels built
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12
World Expo brings the AVE high-speed rail, the Cartuja island development, and modern infrastructure
Historical eras
The chapters of Seville's past.
Historical sites
Places where Seville's past comes alive.
Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Where: Centro, Seville
Admission: €14.50 (~$15.80); book at entradas.alcazarsevilla.es
Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede)
Where: Centro, Seville
Admission: €12 (~$13.05); book at catedraldesevilla.es
Archivo General de Indias
Where: Centro, Seville
Admission: Free
Hospital de la Caridad
Where: El Arenal, Seville
Admission: €8 (~$8.70)
Museums
Curated collections that tell Seville's story.
Museo de Bellas Artes
Specialty: Spain's second most important art museum; Murillo, Zurbarán, Velázquez
Admission: Free (EU citizens) / €1.50 (~$1.65)
Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla
Specialty: Roman, Moorish, and pre-historic artefacts from Andalusia
Admission: Free (EU citizens) / €1.50 (~$1.65)
Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares
Specialty: Andalusian folk arts, ceramics, textiles, and costumes
Admission: Free (EU citizens) / €1.50 (~$1.65)
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.