Seville (or Sevilla) is widely known as a mystical city of beauty and warmth. The capital of Andalusia, Seville is one of southern Spain's most gorgeous cities, and the people are known to be some of the friendliest in the country. The sevillanos (as the people are called) are happy to welcome visitors, students, and anyone else fortunate enough to find Sevilla whether for one of the city's well-known festivals or just to wander its quiet, shady streets.
The sevillanos are known for their love of music and dance, which is only to be expected from the birthplace of flamenco. Experiencing true flamenco dancing while in Seville is an absolute must and is sure to leave you yearning for more. Make sure to check out the vibrant nightlife that accompanies this love of music and dance and the locals' desire to celebrate life throughout both the day and night, if possible. You can also witness this exuberant spirit during the Fería de Abril - a week-long party that includes all the food, drink, and dancing you could possibly desire. The bright colors and the gaudy costumes will leave you dazzled long after the event is past. Both the Fería and Semana Santa in Seville are known to be two of the biggest celebrations in Spain.
Study Abroad Programs in Seville
Despite often being better known for the spirited vitality of the city and the joyous character of its people, Seville also has much to offer the student in terms of history, architecture, and culture. The architecture of Seville is considered some of the most impressive in Spain and you can see such wonders there as the Alcazar, the Cathedral, and the Giralda tower.
The Alcazar provides a fascinating look at the influences of Moorish architecture. It was constructed for Pedro I who has become known as both "The Cruel" (El Cruel) and "The Justice-Dispenser" (El Justiciero) depending on who's writing the history book. Seville's cathedral is in the running for the largest in the world and stands on the site of a great mosque. For all that it is undeniably very large and very grand, the cathedral has also maintained a surprising sense of balance and simplicity through the ages as the years worth of monuments were restricted to a relatively small portion of the overall structure. The cathedral also contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón). La Giralda is the minaret that dominates both the cathedral and Seville's skyline. It was originally the culmination of Almohad architecture and served the Moors both to call people to prayer and as an observatory. It is the most popular destination to get a breathtaking view of Seville and the surrounding countryside.
In addition to its impressive architecture, the city also has a quieter, more demure beauty that can be seen in neighborhoods such as the Barrio Santa Cruz which contains a series of winding alleys and lovely squares with flowers and orange trees. The Guadalquivir River adds a sense of charm to the city as it flows gently along. And then there are always the plethora of terrace cafés and lovely restaurants to sample the Spanish cuisine or simply converse with a friend.
Grace and beauty comes in many forms, however, and not all of them are quiet or safe. Seville offers some of the best of what Spain is all about and bull-fighting is no exception. The Plaza de toros de la real Maestranza witnesses the daring exploits of some of the country's best matadors during the season, which runs from Easter Sunday to October. Seville's bullring is one of the oldest and most impressive in the country. You will probably not find another more eye-opening or startling educational opportunity in Seville than the bull-fights.
Whatever you wish to study, Seville is an enchanting destination and will leave you charmed and wishing to stay longer.
