Palaces, Football & The Boss: Summer in Seville

- The Peace Cup 2009 will be held in Andalusia and Madrid from 24th July to 2nd August. A number of international football clubs like Sevilla FC, Olympique de Lyon, FC Porto and Juventus will meet in this charity tournament to promote peace and sport. The venue in Seville for the Peace Cup is the emblematic Cartuja Stadium.
- Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band arrive at the Cartuja Olympic Stadium on 30th July with their “Working on a Dream” tour. Get your ticket and see for yourself why they call him “The Boss”.
- More music…at the Noches de Verano concerts at the Palacio de la Buhaira, you can enjoy over 93 performances throughout August in an outstanding, historical location in Seville.

Sevilla

The southern rhythm of Sevilla

If you wish to experience quintessential Andalusia, look no further than Seville. Situated in the south of Spain on the plain of the River Guadalquivir and more than two thousand years old, this city has been home to Romans and Moors, each leaving their mark here and forming part of Seville’s rich cultural tapestry. Seville is one of the largest cities in Spain and its landscape is characterised by orange growths and a sunny climate which can become almost unbearable for tourists during the months of July and August, with temperatures as high as 40ºc not being unusual.

The best of Seville

The first landmark you can spot on entering the city is the Cathedral, one of the largest remaining Gothic cathedrals; built on the foundations of the city’s former Mosque with what was originally a minaret now being the famous bell tower, La Giralda. Other important sights and attractions include the Alcazar, a stunning old Moorish Palace with extravagant Mudejar interiors and lush gardens, the Torre del Oro which was a watchtower built by the Almohad dynasty and, of course the Real Betis Balompie and Sevilla FC football grounds.

During the Ibero American Expo’ 92 World Fair, the Maria Luisa Park was built and remains today an attractive green area with monuments and museums. The Santa Cruz neighbourhood which was built on the old Jewish area is home to some of the city’s most important sights and its pretty winding streets make a great place for a stroll. Pretty patios full of geraniums where you can enjoy locally produced Jerez sherry and olives are dotted all over the city and are a great place to mingle with the locals and take part in an authentic Andalusian pastime.

Seville and its religius tradition

The city is at its busiest and most festive during Holy week (Semana Santa) and the Seville Fair (La Feria de Sevilla / Feria de Abril). Somber yet beautiful processions take place during Easter with Effigies of religious icons such as Santa Macarena being paraded through the streets. The Fair held two weeks later is a much more cheerful event with marquees set up on a permanent fairground for a week of colourful fun with women in traditional Flamenco dresses and men in their best suits dancing Flamenco and Sevillanas.

Seville...enjoy flamenco

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, offers an insight into traditional Hispanic culture and this tradition is reflected in the nightlife with great Tapas bars in the Santa Cruz area, live Flamenco shows in the original Gypsy neighbourhood, Triana and attractive terraces along the Guadalquivir River where you can keep cool on those balmy summer nights without missing any of the action. Home to famous Bull-fighters and Flamenco dancers, Seville displays all the flamboyance and friendliness of the south and is a must for travellers wishing to experience true Andalusian culture!