Patio de los Naranjos

Seville embodies the essence of southern Spain, where Arabic architecture meets Spanish flair. The city centre is a maze of narrow lanes opening onto surprising plazas, with orange trees lining the streets and their fruit scenting the air. The Gothic cathedral, the largest in the world, stands next to La Giralda, the Moorish tower that serves as the city's icon.
In the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, whitewashed houses sport intricate iron balconies, and hidden patios offer refuge from the intense Andalusian heat. The Real Alcázar palace shows off centuries of architectural evolution, from Islamic arches to Mudéjar tilework and Renaissance additions. Along the Guadalquivir River, the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) watches over modern life in this ancient city.
Sevillanos take their traditions seriously - flamenco still pulses through neighbourhood tablaos, tapas bars serve classic bites like espinacas con garbanzos and pescaíto frito, and the April Fair fills the streets with polka-dotted dresses and horse carriages. The city moves to its own rhythm, with long lunches stretching into afternoon siestas, and dinners starting well after sunset. Even in modern areas like La Alameda, this relaxed pace of life prevails.Read more