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TOUR SEVILLE
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%
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.

Seville

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
Seville
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Andalucia's splendid
landscapes, food and
culture are the focus of
this walking adventure
that takes us into the
heart and soul of Spain's
most passionate region.
Highlights:          
Seville, Grazalema, Grazalema National Park, Zahara
de la Sierra, Ronda, Tapas tour, Granada, Alhambra
Palace

Eight Days Walking in Andalucia
Trails of Andalucia
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,