Seville Airport
(San Pablo Airport)
Airport code: SVQ
Seville airport is located about 10 Kilometres
north east of the city, on the A4 (was NIV)
motorway to Cordoba and Madrid at km 533.
There is a half hourly bus service from 06.15 to
23.00 to the Santa Justa railway station in the
centre of the city.
International country
code: 34
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz;
round two-pin plugs
are standard.
Government
Parliamentary
monarchy
Population
Seville: 704,414
Religion
Roman Catholic 94%,
other 6%
Time Zone GMT +1, +2
during daylight-saving
time (last Sunday in
March to last Sunday in
October)
Use this drop-down-menu to find your way
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This specially
designed
photography tour will
help you to discover
and experience a city
through the eyes of a
local photographer.
Photography Tour
in Seville
Photography Tour in Seville
|
This follows two weeks after the week-long Easter
Celebrations of Samana Santa. During Easter they
hold huge elaborate parades of many hours
duration. Eager volunteers carry enormous effigies
on floats (pasos) depicting Jesus on the Cross, The
Blessed Virgin or various scenes from the Last
Supper. The Penitents, fully covered in silken gowns
with tall pointed hoods (made infamous by the Klu
Klux Klan) march solemnly with the processions.
For those not deeply involved in the solemnity of the
occasion there are numerous cafes, bars and
restaurants willing to serve you well into the night.
Once the celebrations of Semana Santa are over the
bullfighting season gets underway with the Feria de
Abril.
Romance and flamboyance sum up Seville because
Seville is the cradle of flamenco and flamenco is the
essence of 'feria'. Andalucians take 'feria' very
seriously as this is serious party time. 'Sevillanos'
are out to show off their style and flair. The
festivities revolve around bullfighting, horses, wine,
and flamenco. Mid-day parades consist of shining,
strutting, proud Andalucian horses bearing their
handsome riders, often with their "novia" sat
behind. Horse drawn carriages, harness bells
jingling, trot around the city. They are filled with
happy people calling out to friends and relatives
who line the streets.
The streets, decorated with paper lanterns, bright
flowers and huge speakers, overflow with gossiping,
chattering diners during the lunch time period and
impromptu flamenco breaks out everywhere. It's
time for siesta, after which the bullfighting
commences.
In the evening, (for evening read midnight) people
head for the main Feria ground, across the river
from the city centre, in Triana. The brightly lit
fairground is enormous and the seemingly constant
fireworks enliven an already heady atmosphere.
Pavilions (temporary bars both private and public)
abound each with its own music and shows
entertaining friends and acquaintances.. Everyone
wanders freely enjoying a chat and some "tapas"
with a glass of "manzanilla". Strolling, dancing,
drinking and eating all the way to dawn when
"churros' become available. This is a sweet sugar-
coated stick of deep-fried batter dipped in thick
chocolate. Delicious…but not for me thanks, I need
my bed.
The old city centre is dominated by the gigantic
Cathedral of Seville. The third largest cathedral in
Christendom, it has an odd neighbour. The Giralda,
Seville's best known landmark is the remaining
minaret of the mosque on whose foundations the
cathedral now stands. Christianity and Islam side by
side in peace…wonderful. Take time to explore both
buildings and absorb their uniqueness. Later maybe
take a horse-drawn carriage drive from the Patio de
Naranjas (think Seville oranges) around other parts
of Seville, along the riverbank or through the Maria
Luisa Park.
The park adjoins the fascinating Plaza de Espana.
This large plaza has an impressive semi- circular
building enclosing half the perimeter. Dominated by
two grand spires and arches supported by fine
columns, this building is now home to government
and military offices. Beneath each arch is a depiction
in ceramic tiles of all the provinces of Spain.
Other areas of interest are the royal Mudéjar palace
known as the Alcazar where you can stroll in the
wonderful gardens. In the Santa Cruz quarter, the
cozy tight streets burst with colour from the
decoration and the floral arrangements.
Tapas, those very tasty snacks, are a part of the
Spanish way of life. Hardly anywhere in Spain will
you find more variety than in Seville. Choices range
from tripe and chick peas, lamb with honey or grilled
baby squid to tiny grilled birds or fine cured hams.
With the vast Guadalquivir River connection to the
sea, Seville restaurants serve delicious seafood in a
whole myriad of styles. Along with the 'tapas', the
selection of wines and sherries is as vast as it is
delightful. Just find what suits you.
The grand hotels in Seville are grand like Seville
itself, the Alfonso XIII being a prime example (take a
tour of the lobby) Many hotels are former mansions
and large town houses designed in the old Moorish
style with a central courtyard open to the sky.
Modest hostels ('hostals' in Sevilla) are plentiful,
cheap and comfortable, many offering internet
connections.
Seville's San Pablo Airport has daily scheduled
connections with international destinations although
the majority of flights are internal. It lies 12 km
north of the city and if you hire a car the road you
need is the E-5 motorway.
Seville The City Of Fiesta
By Edward Kirwan
Situated in south western Andalucia, Seville, the
capital city, sits astride the mighty Rio Guadalquivir
at the head of the Donana National Park, Spain
largest nature reserve.
Seville enjoys a very sunny climate but can and
does suffer from very high temperatures during the
height of the summer. Therefore, a visit in the
spring - with flowers in full bloom can be
recommended. You will find Seville stunning.
Seville proudly starts the 'feria' season in Andalusia
when it holds the two-week Feria de Abril (the April
Feria)
Finca Fantastica Travel for the independent traveller
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Seville The City of Fiesta
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Otherwise let the taxi, bus or airport transfer company take the strain for you. There are no trains at
present.
The AVE high-speed trains conveniently links Seville to Madrid and Malaga (not yet fully completed) with a
journey time of less than three hours aiding the city in business and tourism. This is a great way to see
more of the country during your visit. Look for the Santa Justa Train Station in your guide book
The style, wit and pure joy of living that is expressed by the 'Sevillanos' in their daily lives will never leave
you once you experience Seville. "Quien no visto Sevilla, ho ha visto maravilla" He who has not seen
Seville, has not known marvel.