Sevilla, Spain- The Return Visit

It had been years since I last visited Sevilla, Spain, and upon my recent return, I was quite surprised at how much the splendid city had turned into a tourist mecca. According to some locals with whom we spoke, Sevilla is in competition with Madrid and Barcelona to became Spain's #1 tourist destination. Judging by the rebuilt 'Avenida de la Constitucion', new tram network and city-wide construction projects, Sevilla is taking that competition very seriously.

While Sevilla continues to grow into a major international tourist destination, it still retains the charms of a small city- only now those cultural roots are a little harder to find. I was a little disappointed that much of Sevilla had lost a lot of the old Spanish 'hospitable' feel and has become more of a tourist trap with inflated prices and a declining quality of service. Many of the old 'Tapas Bars' have been replaced with new, trendy establishments that are geared towards tourists and the local University population. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's well worth the extra time to roam around and find the true local spots that offer the same quality and touch of cultural Spain that gives the country it's allure.

As always, I do recommend taking a guided tour through the city, but once you're done with the tour, navigate the city with your street-map and your feet so that you don't miss anything. Sevilla is not just a city that boasts the third largest Cathedral in the world and the astonishing Plaza de Espana, it's a city that also beholds centuries of history, culture and class. Get to know the city by getting to know the locals. Then you will have truly visited the city, and not just snapped photos of the landmarks.

That being said, any trip to Sevilla will be off to a good start with a sighting of the Tio Pepe Girls.

Tio Pepe, for those that have not yet enjoyed the drink or heard the brand, is a Spanish icon and the world's finest Fino/Sherry. The Tio Pepe bodegas are in Jerez, Spain, but the Sherry can be enjoyed worldwide, and I recommend it to anyone whether they are sitting at home or enjoying some conversation and tapas at a Spanish tapas bar.

Sevilla is not short on landmarks and historical sites, and here are a couple of my must-see destinations in Sevilla.

The Giralda and Cathedral
Built in the 15th century to demonstrate Sevilla's influence and wealth after the reconquest of the area from Muslim rule, the Cathedral of Sevilla is the third largest in the world behind only St. Peters in the Vatican and St. Pauls in London. The Cathedral is a marvelous site and you could literally spend days admiring the impressive architecture and the detailed carvings of this astonishing landmark.

Aside from the absolutely awe-inspiring sight of the centuries old masterpiece of construction, this cathedral beholds a piece of American history as well. In 1902 the Spanish moved the remains of Chrisopher Columbus, or Cristobal Colon to the Spanish, from Cuba to the Cathedral in Sevilla where his tomb still remains.

The Cathedral should be among your first stops upon arriving in Sevilla.

The REAL ALCAZAR, located right next to the Cathedral:

Originally a Moorish fort, the Real Alcazar has stood for centuries and today looms large on the landscape surrounding the Cathedral. An architectural and historical delight, the Alcazar is well worth the visit after you're done touring the Cathedral.

CONTINUED.....
Sevilla- The Return Visit, Part II
Sevilla- Plaza Salvador