A city beaming with a beauty and exuberance every bit as intense as the bright Andalucían sun shining upon it, Sevilla is one of Spain's cosmopolitan gems. 
Situated in the middle of
the autonomous community of Andalucía, Sevilla and its surroundings comprise this quintessentially “Spanish” region. Olive groves sprawling across rolling hills unite soaring mountain ranges with the lapping waters of the Mediterranean sea. It's the Spain of popular imagination, the home of bullfights and flamenco, the world of fiction’s famous protagonists Don Juan and Cármen and the quaint land of white-washed houses and flower-filled patios.
It’s only natural that Sevilla, as the artistic, cultural, financial and social center of southern Spain, serves as the capital of this fascinating region. The winding, cobbled streets lead you to hidden baroque churches, intimate plazas, great shopping areas, and world-renowned museums like the Fine Arts Museum. Jump on the bandwagon and and cheer along with the sevillanos, as Sevilla has the best bullfights, concerts, and football games. Or sit back and revel in the theatrical and classical music offerings of Sevilla’s theaters. Plus, as the birthplace of the Spanish phenomenon otherwise known as tapas, Sevilla is like a gastronomical playground. Restaurants, cafés, and bars line the streets and serve up a mouth-watering array of typical Andalucían food and drink.
Admire the massive Gothic cathedral- the biggest in the world!- and the totally different yet equally stunning Mudéjar-style Alcázar palace, neighbors in Sevilla’s old city. Ramble through the winding alleys of Santa Cruz, the city’s former Jewish quarter, then cross the historically important Guadalquivir River to the grittier Triana, traditional home of gypsies and flamenco. Be in Sevilla during the spring, as hooded penitents march alongside beautifully adorned floats during its famous Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions, followed two weeks later by the lively and colorful Feria de Abril (April Fair), the week-long fiesta of dancing, polka-dotted flamenco dresses, and the perfected sevillano art of simply having a great time.
Sevilla seems to move at half the pace of a normal major city, creating a relaxing and even small-town atmosphere that complements the sevillano way of savoring every moment of life, bite of food and sip of drink. While this laid-back atmosphere is part of the appeal, don’t be fooled- sevillanos are experts at having fun and know how to kick up the energy. Don’t forget your dancing shoes, because from the moment the sun goes down right up until it comes up again, the bars and clubs of Sevilla's nightlife are brimming with festive people, great music, lively conversation and unrivaled excitement.
The friendly, fun-loving, and carpe-diem-abiding sevillanos themselves are one of the Sevilla’s high points and take great pride in their beautiful city. In fact, sevillanos are so passionate about their beloved city that they will go to great lengths to convince you of just how great life in Sevilla really is- hardly necessary, as the atmosphere and culture emanating from its every cobbled stone, iron lamp post, and ringing church bell will have you wanting to stay forever!
