Return to Sevilla, Part I
Sevilla is the perfect destination to use as a homebase while travelling around Andalucia, Spain. Beach towns such as Rota, Barbate and Tarifa are all less than two hours away (on the toll roads) and the inland attractions such as Ronda, Zahara de la Sierra and Vejer are also close by. Even closer are the elegant cities of Carmona, Ecija and Marchena, all well worth a visit. Being the restless traveller I am, even the relaxing city life of Sevilla isn't enough to keep me in one place for too long; Especially since Sevilla has lost a bit of its cultural appeal in its attempt to lure more tourists.
That being said, there is enough Sevilla will keep you busy for days after the tours and sightseeing are done, especially if you fall off the beating track and follow the locals.
Not too far from Calle Betis, the road that runs parallel to the river and hosts plenty of fine restaraunts with excellent views, you could lose yourself in the Spanish lifestyle while hopping from tapas bar to tapas bar all day long. The best tapas bars are often found in residential areas, usually on the ground floor of residential buildings. While you're in one of those small tapas bars drinking a Cruzcampo, snacking on some jamon and engaging in pleasant conversation with the locals, you'll be sure to smirk when you see the tourist buses drive by knowing that you're getting a little bit more out of your visit than those that never leave the bus. Again, I've got nothing against the guided tours, they are essential to a full and complete understanding of the history and culture of any historical city, but the point is that you have to leave the tour groups at some point and venture out on your own to truly experience a city.
Some Must-Sees of Sevilla, continued from the last entry:
Plaza de Espana
This plaza is truly one of the architectural masterpieces of its generation. Each time I visit the landmark, I am more impressed than the time before. Many who have never visited Sevilla will recognize this Plaza because it was used as the location of Naboo in Star Wars II.
It must be a pleasure for the hundreds of Spanish Government workers that arrive to work each day in such a fabulous location.
You're sure to be impressed by the semi-circular shape of the plaza, highlighted by a bell tower on each end. A fountain spits water high into the air in the center of the plaza, and a moat accentuates the inner shape of the square. In the summer months you're able to rent rowboats to row along the moat, but vendors are present in this famous plaza year-round.
In Sevilla, the impressive Plaza de Espana is second only to the Cathedral, but not by much. The Plaza should be the second place you visit, if not the first.
TORRE Del ORO
The 'Gold Tower' is nearly eight hundred years old and was once used as a military watch tower to guard the Guadalquivir river. At other times in its history, the tower was also used as a prison and as safe storage for jewels and treasure. It was probably the latter use that gave the tower it's name.
Don't miss this extraordinary site, just try to ignore the 'Golden Arches' across the street. I hate it when they let McDonald's set up shop at these historical locations.
Other landmarks from around the city:
CONTINUED.....
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