Seville is a city in the southwestern tip of Spain and about 200 km north of Gibraltar. It is the capital city of Andalusia province, an autonomous community within Spain. Its location along the lower reaches of the Guadalquivir River made it geographically suited for human habitation as far back as 400 BCE.

Modern Seville is as Spanish as any other city in Spain. However, the city has hints of its ancient past all around modern structures. This past predates the Romans as contemporaries and economic traders, with the Greeks to the east and Carthaginians to the south. Seville kept some of its Muslim influence from the Moors, giving Seville an interesting cultural reference to the time when Muslim rule dominated much of Europe.

Seville Facts:

• The first people to settle in the region called Seville were the Tartessians.
• Seville was once Spain’s economic center because of its proximity to the Atlantic shipping lanes during the founding of the Americas.
• The Romans took over the region and renamed the city Hispalis in 206 BCE.
• A fleet of Viking ships raided the river and Seville in 844. However, the Moors controlled the city
• King Ferdinand III of Castile conquered the region and throughout the Moorish rulers in 1247, making Catholicism the official religion.
• Seville claims that Christopher Columbus is buried under Seville Cathedral. However, Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico also makes the same claim about its cathedral.
• Seville’s motto is NO8DO. But its meaning is a mystery with the suggested loose translation of “Seville never left me.” 

Seville Attractions:

• Seville Cathedral & La Giralda: The Seville Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Stop in to see the tomb of Columbus and climb the Giralda Tower for a full view of the city. 
• Alcazar of Seville: The Alcazar of Seville is the city’s royal palace. Built by the Moors, the palace is still used today by the Spanish King. 

Plaza De Toros: The Plaza De Toros is Spain’s largest bullfighting arena. The arena also features a museum on the history of the sport.