Tour Seville in a day

If you’re looking for a suggested itinerary for your Visit Seville in One Day tour, look no further! We recommend starting your day by exploring The Royal Alcazar, the Cathedral, and the General Archive of the Indies. These three iconic buildings were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987, and are definitely worth a visit.

The Royal Alcazar of Seville is a stunning combination of lush vegetation, clear water fountains, and palatial architecture, creating a true oasis in the heart of the city. As the oldest active royal palace in Europe, it offers visitors the chance to discover special corners such as the exotic Gardens of the Alcazar, the famous Baths of Doña María Padilla, and the spectacular Fountain of Fame in the Garden of the Ladies – the only 17th century organ fountain that remains in Spain, and one of only three left in all of Europe.

We highly recommend including The Royal Alcazar in your Visit Seville in One Day itinerary, as it is truly one of the city’s most beautiful and captivating landmarks. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience its unique blend of natural beauty and architectural magnificence!

Continuing our tour, we recommend a visit to the Cathedral of Seville. As the largest Gothic temple in the world, it boasts an impressive collection of artworks waiting to be discovered, including the tomb of Christopher Columbus, the largest altar in Christendom, and stunning paintings by Murillo.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral’s history dates back to the late 12th century when the great Almohad mosque was built. In the 13th century, it was transformed into a Cathedral and held the title of the largest in the world for nearly a century. As a reminder of its Muslim past, the minaret, now known as the marvelous Giralda, still stands and has become an iconic symbol of the city, offering stunning views of Seville from the top.

During the 16th century, the Cathedral was expanded with impressive works of the Spanish Renaissance, including the Sacristy Mayor, the Sala del Cabildo, and the Capilla Real, where significant Castilian monarchs, such as Fernando III, Alfonso X, and Pedro I, are buried.

Visiting the Cathedral of Seville is an unforgettable experience that will give you a glimpse into the rich history and artistic heritage of this magnificent city. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover its beauty and grandeur!

The Indies Archive

The General Archive of the Indies was established in the 16th century as a merchant’s exchange house. However, due to the protests from the canons of the Cathedral, King Philip II ordered the construction of the building to be the merchants’ headquarters, who used to carry out their transactions in the vicinity of the Cathedral, or even inside it.

In the 18th century, the building was converted into an archive, where today more than 40,000 documents related to the discovery and conquest of the New World are preserved. It is an impressive collection that offers a unique insight into the history of the Spanish Empire’s expansion across the Atlantic. You’ll have the opportunity to browse through the archives and learn about the fascinating stories of the explorers, conquerors, and colonizers who shaped the history of the New World.

Santa Cruz Quarter

Let’s take a leisurely walk through the enchanting neighborhood of Santa Cruz. It’s a treasure trove of Jewish culture in Seville and boasts narrow winding streets that form a delightful labyrinth. We’ll discover a place of myths and enigmas that we simply can’t miss.

We’ll amble through its charming squares like the picturesque Plaza de Doña Elvira or the historic squares of los Venerables and Santa Cruz. We’ll also catch a glimpse of the Balcony of Rosina from the famous opera The Barber of Seville and visit the house where the great Sevillian painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1616-1682) lived.

After wandering through the neighborhood, we’ll take a well-deserved break and savor some delicious tapas at one of the charming local eateries in Santa Cruz.

Spain Square

Next, we’ll make our way to the impressive Plaza de España. Built as the main pavilion for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, this semi-circular monument designed by Sevillian architect Aníbal González represents two arms reaching towards the Americas.

The bridges symbolize the Kingdoms of Spain, while the beautiful tiles depict the various Spanish provinces. Its timeless appeal hasn’t gone unnoticed by American filmmakers who have used it as a backdrop for world-famous movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and Starwars.

Not far from there, we’ll find the stunning former Tobacco Factory. It is Spain’s second-largest building and has been the University’s Rectorate since 1953. In its halls, we’ll learn about the cigarreras of Seville, among whom Carmen stood out and inspired George Bizet’s famous opera.

Golden Tower

As we approach the banks of the Guadalquivir River, we’ll come across the Tower of Gold, the last construction left by the Muslims in Seville.

The tower was once part of the city’s walls and now serves as the Naval Museum. It is said that at its feet, the galleons loaded with precious metals from the New World arrived.

Triana Quarter

Crossing the San Telmo Bridge, we’ll arrive at the neighborhood of Triana. Known for its lively spirit, this neighborhood boasts beautiful streets and squares, as well as ancient ceramic factories, the Church of Santa Ana, which was the first church built in Seville after the Reconquest, and the Church of the Esperanza de Triana, from which a procession takes place during Holy Week.

The neighborhood of Triana is also known for its sailors who participated in Columbus’ voyages and for its bullfighting culture.

Arenas´ Quarter

Let’s cross the Triana Bridge to reach the Arenal neighborhood. Here we can find the Royal Shipyards, which used to be a key element of the city’s maritime commerce. If time allows, we can finish our tour in the city center, where the Church of El Salvador stands out, which was once the first mosque of Seville. Another interesting landmark in the center is the Metropol Parasol, a fascinating modern structure that has become an icon of the city.

The “Seville in a Day” tour is perfect if you want to make the most of your time in the city without missing anything. It’s undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive guided tours you can take.