Explore the essence of Seville – the stunning capital of Andalusia in southern Spain with your expert local private guide.
Your guide will meet you right at your hotel and walk you over to the first stop: the eccentric, hexagonal building known as Costurero de la Reina – the queen’s sewing box! It was built in the late 19th century. Today it is the tourist information center.
Set off for the Plaza de Espana – the central square of Seville, and justly famous for its magnificence! Designed in the 1920s it is a half circle with palatial buildings, accessible via footbridges over the large moat. In the center is the great Vicente Traver fountain. Designed by Anibal Gonzalez, it is a fusion of Art Deco, Renaissance and Baroque revival, and Neo Mudejar architectural styles. It is truly a jaw-dropping sight! Scenes from Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, and The Dictator were filmed here.
Admire the famous old tobacco factory – an enormous neoclassical edifice built 1728-1771 by order of the royal family. Out of 10,000 mostly female employees, the most famous was Carmen (of the opera)! She was known for her ability to roll cigars between her thighs. The factory was a mini-town, with its prison, nursery, and courthouse with 116 mills and stabling for 400 working mules. Today it is part of the University of Seville.
Next, you’ll see the mighty Seville Cathedral from the outside. This is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, built between 1401 and 1506 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tour inside La Casa de Pilatos, a gorgeous 15th-century palace, famous for its azulejo – beautiful glazed tiles, and collection of Greco-Roman statues.
The Setas de Sevilla (“Mushrooms of Seville”) provides a sharply modern contrast! Completed in 2011 for 50 million euros, it serves as a museum, market, viewing platform, and restaurant. Wander down the famous Calle Sierpes, a long and narrow shopping street before ending your tour outside the impressive Ayuntamiento de Sevilla building.