Welcome to Seville Educational Tours Inc. Spring 2011 Seville - the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. The History: Seville, a more than 2000 year old city, has a rich history filled with the influences of many different cultures, including Islamic and Catholic. These influences can be seen in the beautiful architecture in the city today. Seville has experienced many different periods throughout its history. First settled by the Tartessians, who settled in this area due to the Guadalquivir river. The Romans arrived around 200 B.C and started building the city. In 49 B.C, Seville became an official colony of the Roman empire. By the end of the Roman Empire, Seville was one of the most important cities of Rome. After the fall of Rome, the Visigoths had taken control of the city. Visigoth dominance lasted until 712 when the Moors took control of Seville. Many different Moorish tribes settled in the area and this led to internal conflicts. The Moors controlled the city until In 1248, Fernando III conquered Seville and thus began the Christian period of the city. Seville became the capital of the kingdom of Fernando III. Construction of many important buildings was initiated during this period, like the Cathedral of Santa Mara de la Sede. Spain has also discovered America and this period is often considered the Golden age of Seville. Today, all of these influences are seen throughout the city and Seville continues to show its abilities. A gorgeous city with a rich history is the perfect destination for any traveler. Educational Tours Inc. Spring 2011 Created for Mr. Ulman’s Class Sources: content/uploads/2010/10/seville-alcazar-2.jpg

Must See Destinations: 1. Catedral and Giralda : Catedral and Giralda is the third largest cathedral in the world and the world’s largest gothic building. It is also said that the remains of Christopher Columbus are located here. The climb to the top of the Giralda, the tower, is around 70 meters and once at the top provides a perfect view of the city. 2. Alcázar: The Alcázar, or Reales Alcazares, is one of the royal palaces in Spain and is still used as a vacation spot for the King and Queen. Dating back to the early 10 th century, Alcázar is one of the best examples of Moorish architecture in Spain. 3. Torre de Oro: Located on the Guadalquivir river and dating back to the 13 th century, the top of the Torre de Oro was once covered in gold tiles. It has also been used at a stronghold during Arab occupation. Today it houses the city’s naval museum. Activities: 1. Semana Santa: This year, 2011, Semana Santa will take place during the week of April 17-24, the holy week before and including Easter. Seville’s Semana Santa celebration is one of the most famous in the world. The celebration includes processions from more than 55 brotherhoods and floats depicting scenes from the Passion or the Virgin Mary. Semana Santa is traditionally one of the most important events in Seville and people from all over come to the city to partake in the celebration. 2. Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza: The Plaza de Toros is one of the most well known venues in Spain to see a bullfight and was built during the 18 th century. The Plaza de Toros also includes a museum and gift shop. 3. Nightlife: Seville is a great place to enjoy a night on the town because there are so many venues in such a small area. The happening nightlife locations include Barrio de Santa Cruz where it is possible to find numerous tapas bars, The Center which is located around the Iglesia del Salvador, the Park of Maria Luisa where locals like to place dance music into the early hours of the night, and along the Guadalquivir River which boasts many open-air bars perfect during the heat of the summer. Tapas Bars and Restaurants: 1. Tapas Bars: There are two types on dining in Seville, the more traditional restaurant experience or tapeando (going out for tapas). Tapas are small appetizers or snacks. Eating smaller portions allows the patron to try a larger variety of food and takes some of the emphasis off of the meal and more on the conversations and company of who is with you. Each section of Seville boasts great tapas bars and many have a full menu and full portions as well. 2. Restaurants: For some, walking from bar to bar snacking on tapas might not be the way to go. If looking for a sit down restaurant, Seville offers many with traditional and excellent Spanish cuisine. Some recommendations include Casa Robles whose menu has more than 100 dishes and 40 desserts, La Isla which has some of the best seafood in all of Seville, La Juderia which is a modern restaurant with a modern menu, and Les Petxines which is a Mediterranean restaurant whose menu is always changing with the fresh ingredients being brought in daily.