Seville is one of the most important cities in Spain and has been since Antiquity when an initial centre, identifying with Tartessian culture, emerged. After its destruction at the hands of the Carthaginians, it became the Roman city of Hispalis, next to which the colony of Itálica was constructed. During the reign of the Visigoths, their court was hosted here occasionally. During the period the area was called Al-Andalus, after the Muslim invasion, the city was the first seat of a "cora" (a territorial region) and then the capital of a taifa (an independent Muslim-ruled principality). In the year 844 it was sacked by the Vikings who travelled up the Guadalquivir River. Although the Caliphate of Cordoba strengthened the defensive system, the Vikings managed to enter the city again in 859.
In 1248, the city was incorporated into the Christian Kingdom of Castile when it was reconquered under the rule of Ferdinand III who was the first monarch to be buried in Seville's Cathedral. From then on, Seville was repopulated by the Castilian aristocracy as the Kingdom of Seville was one of the cities that had a vote in court and which hosted the travelling court on numerous occasions. During the Early Middle Ages, the city, its port and its active colony of Genoese merchants occupied a peripheral, yet important, position in international commerce in Europe.
The Puerto de Indias was an important port in the 16th Century, being home to a large number of boats along the Guadalquivir River. In the background was the Giralda belltower, to the left was the Barcas Bridge, and the Torre del Oro was to the right. After the Discovery of America in 1492, Seville became the economic centre of the Spanish Empire.
The civil architecture of Seville is of great beauty and variety. Due to its important role throughout history, many iconic buildings were constructed here, including the Torre del Oro, the Alcázar, the local government, the General Archive of the Indies, the Palace of San Telmo and the Royal Tobacco Factory.
It is worth going for a walk through the Santa Cruz district. This is the old, medieval Jewish district in the historic centre of Seville, and it is one of the most symbolic and picturesque neighbourhoods in the city. The district has narrow, winding streets and Seville-style houses with stately courtyards and balconies that have forged iron railings adorned with flowers.
There are numerous museums in the city: the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes), Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico), Museum of Popular Arts and Customs (Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares), Andalusian Centre for Contemporary Art (Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo), General Archive of the Indies (Archivo General de Indias), Casa de Pilatos (Pilate's House), Palace of the Countess of Lebrija (Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija), Cathedral Museum (Museo Catedralicio), Naval Museum (Museo Naval), Historic Military Museum of Seville (Museo Histórico Militar de Sevilla), Flamenco Museum (Museo del Baile Flamenco), Bull-fighting Museum (Museo Taurino) and the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería, Carruajes Museum (Museo de Carruajes), Basilica de la Macarena Museum (Museo Basílica de la Macarena) and the Casa de Murillo Museum (Museo Casa de Murillo).
Enriched throughout the centuries, thanks to the number of people who have passed through here and thanks to products from fertile lands, Seville's gastronomy traditions have their biggest ambassador in the tapa. 'Going out for tapas' has become an almost obligatory activity for those who wish to discover traditional dishes and the local culture.
With Andalusian and Mediterranean influences, dishes such as casseroles and "potajes" (vegetable, lentil or chickpea stews) are characteristic of this tendency. Vegetables are the protagonists in dishes like "gazpacho" (a cold soup) and "salmorejo" (a tomato-based puree) that are typical of this Andalusian region. The strength of the city's sea tradition lies in the different varieties of "pescaito frito" (fried fish). Omelettes, paellas and Iberian products complete the range of options that have become haute-cuisine, with numerous creative tapas dishes making their way onto local menus.
It is our mission to offer a hospitality service along with our facilities, which are bursting with "Sevillana" traditions, while also providing the highest level of professionalism in order to satisfy all our clients' needs.
