Sevilla+-+Three+Empires+Route+Version

Consorcio de Turismo Edificio Laredo Pza. San Francisco, 19 4ª planta 41004 Sevilla
 * Population -** 704,414 (2006)
 * Area** - 140 sq. km.
 * Distance from Granada** - 256 km
 * Tourism Office** -

Sevilla is an excellent starting point for our route, not only because it is one of the easiest cities in Spain for international travelers to get to, but because it affords an introduction to the earliest imperial civilization: Rome.

The remains of an aqueduct are here, as they are in many cities on our route. There is also the unequalled opportunity to see one of the most complete Roman ruins in Iberia in the form of Italica, located a short distance outside the city.

Returning to Sevilla proper, there are several remnants of the Moorish period, among which are the Torre del Oro, constructed in the Almohad period as a watchtower and defensive fort on the banks of the Guadalquivar River. The Cathedral, arguably Sevilla´s most famous landmark, also contains an important relic from Moorish times: the Giralda, a minaret still remaining from the original mosque that is notable for its wide pathways, constructed so that the man who gave the Muslim call to prayer could ride on horseback to the top of the tower, rather than be forced to walk up all 34floors.

The Cathedral itself was, as the previous section indicates, constructed on top of the original Mosque, from 1401-1519, following the city´s reconquest from the Moors by Ferdinand III in 1248. It is one of the largest medieval churches in the Gothic style in the world and is particularly famed for the immense amount of gold at its main altar.

Across from the cathedral is the Alcazar, a palace that, like the cathedral, was built on the site of a pre-existing Moorish structure and completed over an extensive period of time. Its gardens point out a theme that will be common throughout our journey, for they are a mixture of Moorish and Christian designs.

A more contemporary, but by no means less impressive sight, is the vast Parque Maria Luisa, with its numerous buildings and monuments constructed by the delegations of the various former Spanish colonies, now independent nations for the 1929 International Expo. These buildings reflect the individuality of each country and are distinctive in their uniqueness. A few other nations, such as Spain itself, the United States, and Portugal, have buildings within the park as well.

Holy Week is one of the most famous Spanish festivals and no city is more famous for it than Sevilla, with more than 100 floats sponsored by no less than 57 different religious societies, celebrating the passion, death, and ressurrection of Jesus Christ. Held in mid-April, this is a celebration the spring season and involves dancing, drinking, horsemanship competitions, fireworks, bullfighting, and flamenco. It lasts for an entire week and is the place where the stereotypical flamenco dresses and old-style carriages are most likely to be found.
 * Festivals**:
 * Semana Santa**
 * Feria**: