Sevilla is one of the largest historical centres in Europe and the administrative capital of Andalucía. The city is situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir river and is home to the only river port in Spain.
It was originally founded and christened ‘Hispalis’ by the Phoenicians (according to some legends the city was actually founded by Hercules). Due to the easy access to the area by water, its strategic position overlooking the Andalusian plains and the fertility of the land it became a Tartessian centre and a coveted Carthaginian colony.
The Vandals conquered and destroyed the city and the Visigoths chose this as the base for their civil wars against Toledo in the 6th century. The Muslims renamed it Yzvilia and the Vikings devastated it in 844 before it became the most important of the independent Taifa kingdoms. The Almohads arrived in 1146, made Sevilla their capital and built the Giralda then, fifty years later, the Christians also chose it as their base.
Today, Sevilla is one of the largest Spanish cities with over 700,000 residents. It is famous for its culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage. Known as one of the most charming cities in Spain, it is the birthplace of flamenco, a genuine Spanish art that exists in three forms: the song, the dance and the guitar playing. The city has a wonderfully enchanting atmosphere and many places of historic interest to visit.
Sevilla has excellent road and rail communications and an international airport.
SOURCES:
- https://www.andalucia.com/cities/sevilla.htm
- Nuñez, J. (ed) n.d., Seville in Focus, EDILUX
- https://www.tourspain.org/sevilla/
- https://www.red2000.com/spain/flamenco/
