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Seville Airport
(San Pablo Airport)
Airport code: SVQ
Seville airport is located about 10 Kilometres north
east of the city, on the A4 (was NIV) motorway to
Cordoba and Madrid at km 533.
There is a half hourly bus service from 06.15 to 23.00
to the Santa Justa railway station in the centre of the
city.
International country code: 34
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin
plugs are standard.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy
Population
Seville: 704,414
Religion
Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Seville The City Of Fiesta
By Edward Kirwan
Situated in south western Andalucia, Seville, the capital city, sits astride the
mighty Rio Guadalquivir at the head of the Donana National Park, Spain
largest nature reserve.
Seville enjoys a very sunny climate but can and does suffer from very high
temperatures during the height of the summer. Therefore, the spring and
autumn months are the preferred time of year to visit. At this time with
flowers in full bloom Seville is stunning.
Seville proudly starts the 'feria' season in Andalusia when it holds the two-
week Feria de Abril (the April Feria) This follows two weeks after the week-
long Easter Celebrations of Samana Santa. During Easter they hold huge
elaborate parades of many hours duration. Eager volunteers carry enormous
effigies on floats (pasos) depicting Jesus on the Cross, The Blessed Virgin or
various scenes from the Last Supper. The Penitents, fully covered in silken
gowns with tall pointed hoods (made infamous by the Klu Kulx Klan) march
solemnly with the processions.
For those not deeply involved in the solemnity of the occasion there are
numerous cafes, bars and restaurants willing to serve you well into the night.
Once the celebrations of Semana Santa are over the bullfighting season gets
underway with the Feria de Abril.
Romance and flamboyance sum up Seville because Seville is the cradle of
flamenco and flamenco is the essence of 'feria'. Andalucians take 'feria' very
seriously as this is serious party time. 'Sevillanos' are out to show off their
style and flair. The festivities revolve around bullfighting, horses, wine, and
flamenco. Mid-day parades consist of shining, strutting, proud Andalucian
horses bearing their handsome riders, often with their "novia" sat behind.
Horse drawn carriages, harness bells jingling, trot around the city. They are
filled with happy people calling out to friends and relatives who line the
streets.
The streets, decorated with paper lanterns, bright flowers and huge
speakers, overflow with gossiping, chattering diners during the lunch time
period and impromptu flamenco breaks out everywhere. It's time for siesta,
after which the bullfighting commences.
In the evening, (for evening read midnight) people head for the main Feria
ground, across the river from the city centre, in Triana. The brightly lit
fairground is enormous and the seemingly constant fireworks enliven an
already heady atmosphere. Pavilions (temporary bars both private and
public) abound each with its own music and shows entertaining friends and
acquaintances.. Everyone wanders freely enjoying a chat and some "tapas"
with a glass of "manzanilla". Strolling, dancing, drinking and eating all the
way to dawn when "churros' become available. This is a sweet sugar-coated
stick of deep-fried batter dipped in thick chocolate. Delicious…but not for me
thanks, I need my bed.
The old city centre is dominated by the gigantic Cathedral of Seville. The third
largest cathedral in Christendom, it has an odd neighbour. The Giralda,
Seville's best known landmark is the remaining minaret of the mosque on
whose foundations the cathedral now stands. Christianity and Islam side by
side in peace…wonderful. Take time to explore both buildings and absorb
their uniqueness. Later maybe take a horse-drawn carriage drive from the
Patio de Naranjas (think Seville oranges) around other parts of Seville, along
the riverbank or through the Maria Luisa Park.
The park adjoins the fascinating Plaza de Espana. This large plaza has an
impressive semi- circular building enclosing half the perimeter. Dominated by
two grand spires and arches supported by fine columns, this building is now
home to government and military offices. Beneath each arch is a depiction in
ceramic tiles of all the provinces of Spain.
Other areas of interest are the royal Mudéjar palace known as the Alcazar
where you can stroll in the wonderful gardens. In the Santa Cruz quarter, the
cozy tight streets burst with colour from the decoration and the floral
arrangements.
Tapas, those very tasty snacks, are a part of the Spanish way of life. Hardly
anywhere in Spain will you find more variety than in Seville. Choices range
from tripe and chick peas, lamb with honey or grilled baby squid to tiny grilled
birds or fine cured hams. With the vast Guadalquivir River connection to the
sea, Seville restaurants serve delicious seafood in a whole myriad of styles.
Along with the 'tapas', the selection of wines and sherries is as vast as it is
delightful. Just find what suits you.
The grand hotels in Seville are grand like Seville itself, the Alfonso XIII being
a prime example (take a tour of the lobby) Many hotels are former mansions
and large town houses designed in the old Moorish style with a central
courtyard open to the sky. Modest hostels ('hostals' in Sevilla) are plentiful,
cheap and comfortable, many offering internet connections.
Seville's San Pablo Airport has daily scheduled connections with international
destinations although the majority of flights are internal. It lies 12 km north
of the city and if you hire a car the road you need is the E-5 motorway.
Otherwise let the taxi, bus or airport transfer company take the strain for
you. There are no trains at present.
The AVE high-speed trains conveniently links Seville to Madrid and Malaga
(not yet fully completed) with a journey time of less than three hours aiding
the city in business and tourism. This is a great way to see more of the
country during your visit. Look for the Santa Justa Train Station in your guide
book
The style, wit and pure joy of living that is expressed by the 'Sevillanos' in
their daily lives will never leave you once you experience Seville. "Quien no
visto Sevilla, ho ha visto maravilla" He who has not seen Seville, has not
known marvel.
Time Zone GMT +1, +2
during daylight-saving time
(last Sunday in March to last
Sunday in October)
Finca Fantastica Travel for the independent traveller
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