Alamillo Bridge
The splendid Alamillo Bridge spanning the Guadalquivir River was built in order to allow access to La Cartuja, where Spain decided to host Expo 92. Its extraordinary construction is one of the most striking marvels of modern architecture. It represents the soaring aspirations of Seville during the preparation for the World's Expo of 1992. Since then, Seville has become one of the most notable cities in Spain. Seville Cathedral
The Cathedral of Seville, formally Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, is the largest of all Roman Catholic cathedrals and also the largest Medieval Gothic religious building. It was built to cover the land previously occupied by the Almohad Mosque. Its construction began in 1402 and continued into the 16th Century. Its interior, with the longest nave in Spain, is lavishly decorated with gold. Its main altar, Capilla Mayor, with 45 carved scenes from the life of Christ, is the largest and richest altarpiece in the world. There’s also the tomb of Christopher Columbus, surrounded by a large collection of religious jewellery, paintings and sculpture. The cathedral was built to demonstrate Seville's wealth after it became a major trading centre in the years after the Reconquista. Legend has it that the citizens wanted to have church of such a kind that those who saw it constructed would think they were mad. The builders reused some elements from the mosque and the Giralda, which was originally a minaret and converted into a bell tower. Alcazar
The mysterious Alcázar of Seville was originally a Moorish fort built by The Almohades and expanded several times. It was originally called Al-Muwarak, later taking its present name, which means ‘palace’ in Arabic. The royal residence was built over Moorish ruins for King Pedro of Castile in 1364. The king used Moorish workers to build his palace in a distinctly Islamic style. That's why it’s one of the best remaining examples of Mudéjar architecture, a style under Christian rule in Spain but with a significant Islamic influence. Subsequent monarchs transformed the Alcázar. Inside, there’s the beautiful Courtyard of the Maidens, the name of which refers to a legend that the Moors demanded 100 virgins every year as a tribute from the Christian kings in Spain. You should also visit the Baths of Lady María de Padilla. These rainwater tanks owe their name to María de Padilla, the mistress of Pedro the Cruel. It’s said that he fell for María and killed her husband. However, María resisted his advances and poured boiling oil over her face in order to disfigure herself and put an end to Pedro's pursuit. Afterwards, she moved into a convent and became a nun. Nowadays, she is regarded as a symbol of purity in the culture of Seville. Another interesting place is Casa de Contratación (The House of Trade), built in 1503 by the Catholic Monarchs to regulate and promote trade with the New World. It includes a chapel where Columbus met with Ferdinand and Isabella after his second voyage. You can see Madonna of the Seafarers, a triptych depicting the Virgin Mary protecting a group of Native Americans and other New World-related scenes. Giralda
If you happen to visit one of the largest churches in the world, the Cathedral of Seville, don't miss the Giralda. This bell tower is an outstanding example of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. It used to be an Almohad minaret which, when built, was the tallest tower in the world at 97.5 metres in height. It’s constructed in several distinct parts from different cultures. The oldest part is Islamic, and dates back to 1184. There are also some Roman stones from the ruined city of Italica among the construction materials. The Giralda has no stairs, but instead there are 34 ramps ascending the tower. In the 16th Century, architect Hernán Ruiz designed a belfry extension to convert the minaret into a bell tower. At the top, there’s a statue representing Faith, from which derives Giralda’s name (‘weathervane’) since it twists in the wind. It was devoted to the patronesses of Seville, Saints Justa and Rufina, who are also the protectors of the Giralda. The Giralda has several sister towers built by the same architect, and there are also several replicas in the United States. Giralda, one of the most important places in this Medieval city, is still one of the best-known symbols of Seville.