Seville | Spain

Seville (Sevilla) is the administrative and cultural capital of Andalusia and Spain’s primary inland port. It is situated on the plain of the Guadalquivir River, approximately 530 km southwest of Madrid and 120 km north of the Atlantic coast.

Historical Timeline

Founded as the Roman city Hispalis, it became a provincial capital under Julius Caesar. Major governance eras include the Visigothic Kingdom, the Umayyad Conquest (712), and the Almohad Caliphate, during which the Giralda and Torre del Oro were constructed. Following the Reconquista in 1248, it became a royal residence for the Crown of Castile. Its most significant era was the Golden Age (16th–17th centuries) as the monopoly port for trade with the Americas. Modern urban reconstruction was defined by the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 (Plaza de España) and the Expo '92, which reclaimed the Isla de la Cartuja and modernized city infrastructure.

Demographics & Population

As of 2026, the city population is approximately 701,500, with a metropolitan area exceeding 1.5 million. The population is aging, with a median age of 45.1 years. Foreign-born residents comprise roughly 6% of the population, primarily from Morocco, China, Italy, and Latin American nations (Ecuador and Colombia).

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Seville is divided into 11 districts and 108 neighborhoods.

Casco Antiguo: The third-largest historical center in Europe, containing the Cathedral, Alcázar, and the Santa Cruz quarter.

Triana: Located on the west bank of the Guadalquivir; historically the district of sailors, potters, and flamenco artists.

Nervión: The modern commercial and financial hub, home to the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.

Los Remedios: A residential and commercial district developed in the mid-20th century, host to the annual April Fair (Feria de Abril).

La Cartuja: Site of the 1992 World’s Fair, now a technology park and cultural zone.

Top City Landmarks

Seville Cathedral & Giralda: The world’s largest Gothic cathedral and its former minaret bell tower; houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Real Alcázar: A UNESCO-listed royal palace complex featuring mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.

Plaza de España: A massive semi-circular brick complex built for the 1929 Exposition, noted for its tiled provincial alcoves.

Metropol Parasol (Las Setas): One of the world's largest wooden structures, offering panoramic views over the old city.

General Archive of the Indies: A 16th-century building housing the primary documentation of the Spanish Empire in the Americas.

Transportation Network

Public transit includes a 1-line metro system, a tram line (MetroCentro), and a comprehensive TUSSAM bus network. Taxis are white with a diagonal yellow stripe; Free Now and Cabify are the primary ride-hailing apps (Uber is available but faces periodic local restrictions). Traffic is restricted in the historical core (ZBE zones). The Santa Justa station serves as the southern terminal for high-speed rail (AVE).

Safety & "Red Zones"

Seville is generally safe, but pickpocketing is common in the Casco Antiguo, particularly around the Cathedral and Barrio Santa Cruz. The El Vacie area (near San Jerónimo) and parts of Las Tres Mil Viviendas (southern Polígono Sur) are considered "red zones" with high rates of crime and social marginalization; these areas should be strictly avoided.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average fixed broadband speed is 240 Mbps. 5G coverage is stable across all urban districts via Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone. Card acceptance is high in the center and commercial zones. The official currency is the Euro (€). ATMs (cajeros) are densely located along Avenida de la Constitución and Calle Sierpes.

Climate & Air Quality

Seville has a Mediterranean climate with extreme summers. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in July and August ("The Frying Pan of Europe"). Winters are mild, ranging from 6°C to 18°C. Air quality is generally moderate, though dust from the Sahara (calima) and nitrogen dioxide from heavy traffic in the ring roads (SE-30) are periodic issues.

Culture & Social Norms

Flamenco: Recognized as the spiritual home of Flamenco; tablaos are concentrated in Triana and the center.

Tipping: Not required; rounding up to the nearest euro is standard in tapas bars; 5% is generous in restaurants.

Siesta: Many local shops close between 14:00 and 17:30.

Greetings: Two kisses on the cheeks for social interactions.

Dress Code: Sevillanos dress formally; beachwear is inappropriate in the city center.

Accommodation Zones

Santa Cruz / Alfalfa: Recommended for historical immersion and walking access.

Triana: Recommended for a local atmosphere and traditional dining.

Nervión: Recommended for business travelers and luxury hotel chains.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: €1.50–€1.80

1 Standard Lunch (Menu del Día): €12.00–€15.00

1 Single Bus/Metro Ticket: €1.40 (€0.40–€0.80 with rechargeable cards)

Nearby Day Trips

Córdoba (140 km): Reachable in 45 minutes via AVE for the Great Mosque-Cathedral.

Itálica (9 km): A well-preserved Roman city and amphitheater in Santiponce.

Cádiz (120 km): Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, reachable by train in 1.5 hours.

Doñana National Park (50 km): A major nature reserve and UNESCO site.

Facts & Legends

According to legend, Seville was founded by Hercules. A verified historical oddity is the NO8DO motto found throughout the city on manhole covers and buildings; it is a phonetic rebus for "No me ha dejado" (She has not abandoned me), a tribute from King Alfonso X to the city for its loyalty during a 13th-century civil war.