The city was founded by the Phoenicians between 850 and 750 b.C, and was given the name of Hispalis, although this was subsequently changed to Colonia Romula during the Roman colonisation, to Spalis during the Gothic period and to Ishbiliya during the Arabic era. Fernando III recovered it for the Kingdom of Castile in 1248, and it later became significant for expeditions to the New World, which in 1492 led to the discovery of America. Seville is nowadays the capital of Andalusia and one of the cities with most deep-rooted traditions in the whole of Spain. Population: 699,759

Tourist Information: Tourist Office, Arjona, 28 ( 95 422 17 14). Tourist Office, Plaza de San Francisco, 19 ( 95 459 29 15). Patronato Provincial de Turismo, Plaza del Triunfo, 1 ( 95 450 10 01). Junta de Andalucía Tourist Office, Av. de la Constitución, 21B ( 95 422 14 04). Also at the airport and in Santa Justa station. More information at www.turismo.sevilla.org ( 010).

Youth Information: Inturjoven, Turia, 46 ( 95 503 58 00). Also in Virgen de la Victoria, 46. Youth Information Regional Centre (CPDIJ), O'Donnell, 22 ( 95 503 63 50).

Weather: Temperatures are warm during winter season and hot during summer, with average above 40º C in July and August usually. This is the current weather:

Telephones: Sevilla code number is 95, even necessary for local calls. For international calls dial 00 plus the country code you wish to call. Public telephones works with coins and prepaid cards on sale at newsagents. For telephone information dial 11888 or 11822.

Airport: Sevilla Airport San Pablo - SVQ ( 95 444 90 00) is 10 km northeast from the city center, in the motorway A-IV direction Carmona. Connected with the city center with a bus service ( 902 210 317), which stops at Palos de la Frontera, Pedro de Castro, Enramadilla, San Francisco Javier Avenue, Luis de Morales and Kansas City Avenue (beside Santa Justa Station). Journey takes 30 minutes and cost 2.30 € (2 € with transport card), with this schedule from the city center: from Monday to Friday from 6:15 to 8:45 every 30 minutes; from 9:45 to 14:45 every 30 minutes; and from 16:30 to 23:00, every 30 minutes. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 6:15, 7:15, 8:45, 9:45, 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45, 16:30, 17:30, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00 and 23:00.

Train Station: Santa Justa Station, Avenida de Kansas City ( 95 441 71 11). AVE Information, 902 24 02 02. High speed trains connection (AVE) to Cordoba (1 hour), Ciudad Real, Málaga and Madrid (2h 30min / from 65.80 €). Regular connections to Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva and Jaen. San Bernardo Station, Av. Ramón y Cajal.

Bus Stations: Plaza de Armas Station, Avenida Cristo de la Expiración ( 95 490 80 40). Connections to Alcalá del Rio, Esquivel, El Viar, Villaverde del Rio, Lora del Rio, Alcolea, Constantina, Cazalla de la Sierra, Espartinas, San Lucar la Mayor, Gelves, Camas, Gerena, Aznalcollar, Madrid, Asturias, Extremadura, Valencia, Castilla-Leon and Galicia. Prado de San Sebastián Station, Manuel Vázquez Sagastizábal ( 95 441 71 11). Connections to Alcalade Guadaira, Arahal, Carmona, Lebrija, Los Palacios, Mairena, Marchena, Moron de la Frontera, Osuna, Utrera, Almeria, Cadiz, Arcos de la Frontera, Jerez de la Frontera, Cordoba, Granada, Baza, Guadix, Jaen, Malaga, Antequera and Barcelona.

Public Transport: Seville's Public Transport network CTS ( 902 450 550) offer a local and region bus network, a Metro and tram line and 4 local train network, which divide Seville region into 4 ring fares.

Transportes Urbanos de Sevilla - TUSSAM buses ( 900 710 171)run from 6:00 to 23:45. There are 6 night lines (A1 to A6) from Plaza Nueva at 23:50, 1:00 & 2:10. Single ticket cost 1.20 € and 10 trip (bonobus) 6 € without transfer or 7 € with transfer to another bus or MetroCentro line in 120 minutes. There are also tickets for 1 & 3 days at 4.50 € & 8.50 € and monthly cards at 30 €.

A Metro line ( 902 364 985 ) links Ciudad Expo with Olivar de Quintos and is divided into 3 fare areas, which crosses are called saltos. Run from Monday to Thursday 6:30 to 23:00, Friday 6:30 to 2:00, Saturday 7:30 to 2:00 and Sunday 7:30 to 23:00. Single trip (univiaje) in 1 salto cost 1.30 €, round trip 2.60 € & 1 day 4.50 €. With magnetic transport cards (sold in ticket machines and newsagents at 1.50 €), price is reduced to 0.80 €. Tram line, called MetroCentro, links Prado de San Sebastián and Plaza Nueva from 6:00 to 2:00 every 7 minutes.

Local trains offer a 4 line network from Santa Justa Station, divided into 6 different fare areas. Single/return tickets cost 1.25/1.90 €, 1.40/2 € & 2/3.05 € for 1, 2 & 3 areas, monthly card allowing two daily trips 26 €, 33.50 € & 53 €, and monthly unlimited trips 32.15 €, 38.30 € & 55.25 € each area.

Taxis: Fare 1 applies weekdays from 7:00 to 21:00, with a start fare of 1.06 € plus 0.74 € each kilometre and minimun charge of 2.91 €. Fare 2 applies weekdays from 21:00 to 7:00 and 24 hours Saturday and bank days, with a start fare of 1.30 € plus 0.91 € each kilometre and minimun charge of 3.65 €. There is a supplement of 0.40 € for each suitcase and a flat rate to the airport of 18.58 € with fare 1 and 20.72 € with fare 2. Easter and April Fair races increases 25% and Santa Justa station start race 1 €. Teletaxi, 95 462 22 22. Radiotaxi, 95 458 00 00. Radiotaxi Giralda, 95 467 55 55.

Parking: Street parking is controlled by parquimeters which operate Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00 and Saturday 10:00 to 14:00 (variations on some areas). Prices are 0.30 € for 35 minutes, 0.60 € for 60 minutes and 1.45 € for 90 minutes.

Calesas Rental: Offer 45 minute trips at 40 € during low season or 50 € during high, starting from plaza España, Av. Constitución (next to cathedral) and Puerta de Jerez.

Medical Assistance: Virgen de la Macarena University Hospital, Av. Dr. Fedriani ( 95 500 80 00). Virgen del Rocío Hospital, Av. Manuel Siurot ( 95 501 20 00).

24 hour pharmacies: Concepción de los Reyes, Amador de los Ríos, 31. Neto del Río Pharmacy, Castillo de Constantina, 4 (in front of Virgen del Rocío Hospital).

Lost & Found: Manuel Vázquez Sagastizábal ( 95 442 04 03).

Emergencies: All the emergencies: 112; Medical Service: 061; National Police: 091; Local Police: 092; Firemen: 080.

Tapa tasting restaurants: Patio de San Eloy, San Eloy, 9. Sandwichs and taps. El Rinconcillo, Gerona, 42. Specialised on spinach, pork sauisages and iberian meat. Victoria Eugenia, Plaza Villasís with calle Cuna. Codfish and international cooking. Barbiana, Albareda, 11. Stews with sea products, fish and seafood from San Lúcar de Barrameda. Casa Robles, Alvarez Quintero, 58. Veal to the Sevillian style and small cuttlefish cooked with white wine. Casa Román, Plaza de los Venerables, 1. Iberian products and home-made croquettes. Modesto, Cano y Cueto, 5. Delights of mussel and fried dish. Mariscos Emilio, Génova, 1. Prawns with garlic and all type of seafood.

Flamenco Venues: Los Gallos, Plaza de Santa Cruz, 11. The ancient flamenco place in the city, from 21:30 to 1:30. El Arenal, Rodó, 7. From 21:30 to 23:30. Patio Sevillano, Paseo de Colón, 11. From 19:30 to 23:30.

Restaurants & Friyng-fish Places: Macarena, San Luis, 134. Friyng specialized in mojama. Sevillana, San Jacinto, 100. Friyng place. Arenal, Arfe, 8. Friyng place from 1904. El Pescaíto Frito, Pastor y Landero, 21. Big plates. Casa Dueñas, Gerona, 3. Home-made kitchen. El tres de Oros, Santa María la Blanca, 34. Home-made kitchen. San Marco, Betis, 68. Italian kitchen. Jalea Real, Sor Angela de la Cruz, 37. Vegetarian kitchen. Casa Diego, Plaza de Curtidores, 7. Favourite restaurant among local workers. Las Escobas, Alvarez Quintero, 62. Afordable menus. El Giraldillo, Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, 2. Regional cooking. Casa Modesto, Cano y Cueto, 5. Specialized in fish. El Bacalao, Plaza Ponce de León, 15. Specialized in pod-fish. Egaña-Oriza, San Fernando, 41. Elaborate and expensive kitchen.

Cafés: Café No-8-Do, Pastor y Landero, 24. Traditional café. Café de Oriente, Avenida Luis Montoto, 10. Select clients. Café de Indias, Sánchez Arjona con República Argentina. Colonial decoration. Europa, Siete Revueltas. Traditional café. El Café del Pintor, Murillo, 8. Bohemian place. Café de la prensa, Pureza. Traditional café. Heladería La Fiorentina, Zaragoza, 16. Original ice creams flavors like Sanlúcar manzanilla and vinegar are their specialty.

Pubs & Clubs: Sasayá, Julio César, 3. Latin music. El Chiringuito, Huelva, s/n. Latin music. La Rebotica, Pérez Galdós, 11. Shoots. La Cara B, Bustos Tavera, 11. Different kinds of music. Café Bar Sonanta, San Jacinto, 31. Live music. Madigan's, Plaza de Cuba. Irish Tavern. La Sandunguera, Trajano, 43. Cuban cocktails. Chefchaouen, Pelay Correa, 84. Moroccan place with milk-shakes and home-made juices. Sol Jazz, Sol, 40. Jazz and live music. La Catedral, Cuesta del Rosario, 12. Club. Ypodromo, Av. de la Bonanza. Select club. Sala Theatre, Economía, 19. Club with a strict entry code. No8Do, Federico Sánchez Bedoya, 20. Club. La Recua, San Juan de Aznalfarache road beside Canal Sur TV. Summer club with pool.

Gay venues: Cafe Latte, Jesús del Gran Poder, 83. Café-pub. Emperador Trajano, Trajano, 10. Mixed crowd. Noveccentro, Julio César, 10. Gay pub. El Bosque Animado, Arias Montano, 5 (Alameda de hércules). Café-pub. Isbiliyya, Paseo de Colón, 2. Café-pub. El Paseo, Paseo de Colón, 2. Café-pub. Sacha's. Torneo, 64. Young crowds into spanish music. Itaca, Amor de Dios, 31. The biggest gay disco in Sevilla. Neo 27, Trastamara, 27. Gay pub.

Times changes, timetables and prices vary continuously, attractions that were once interesting are no longer so a year later, and others that were not even mentioned become a must in no time. For this reason, at infoidiomas.com we are always updating and we would be grateful if our clients would tell us about details and information that has become obsolete. We will acknowledge them by publishing their names in future editions.

Golden Tower

The Cathedral -located in the Plaza de la Virgen de los Reyes (Virgin of the Kings Square)- is the world´s third largest after Saint Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican and Saint Paul's Cathedral in London. It was built in 1420 on the same site in Seville where the Great Mosque had once stood; today the only remaining parts of the Moorish building are the Patio de los Naranjos (Patio of the Orange Trees) and the minaret, known as La Giralda. La Giralda, the most representative symbol of Seville, gets its name from a statuette -el giraldillo (the weather vane)- which stands under the dome at the top of the tower and which rotates in the direction of the wind on blustery days ( Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00, and on Sundays from 14:30 to 18:00; adults 7.50 €, students under 26 2 €, free access on Sunday). Just behind the Cathedral is the Palacio Arzobispal (the Archbishop's Palace), a barroque style building built by Lorenzo Fernández in the XVIII century which is home to a large collection of works by Murillo, Zurbarán and other painters. Next to the Palace is the Hospital de los Venerables (open daily from 10:00 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 19:30; 4.75 €) and Santa Cruz Church, which date from the XVII and XVIII centuries. Facing the south side of the Hospital and the Church is the Convento de la Encarnación, whose only surviving building is the church, and the Archivo de Indias (Archives of the Indies) -located on the Avenida de la Constitución-, which was built by the architect Juan de Herrera in 1598 and was put to use by King Carlos III as the seat for the colonial archives in 1785 ( Monday to Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00 and Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00).

Royal Alcazar

At the outer edge of the Santa Cruz district and leading into the Plaza del Triunfo are the Reales Alcázares (Royal Alcazar), which had originally been intended as a residence for Moorish Kings but which were claimed for Christian Kings when Seville was reconquered in 1248. The building, unfinished at the time of the reconquest, reflects a number of different architectural styles, most notably the Mudejar style of the Patio del León and also of the Patio de la Montería ( Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 to 17:00 and on Sundays from 9:30 to 13:30; 7 €). Around the south side of the Alcazares are the old Hospital de la Caridad (Charity Hospital) -located at Calle Temprado, 3-, the Maestranza Theater, specially-built for the 1992 World Fair, and the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower), located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River alongside the San Telmo Bridge. The Torre del Oro, dating from the period of the XIII century Almohad dynasty, was built by the Moors in order to reinforce the walls of the Alcazares ( Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and weekends from 11:00 to 14:00; 2 €, students 1 €). Still further south is the Maestranza Bullring and the Bridge of Isabel II, and on the other side of the Alcazares heading north along the Paseo de Colón is the Palacio de San Telmo, a Churrigueresque style palace built at the end of the XVII century as a school for mariners. In the area immediately surrounding the Palace are the San Telmo gardens, the University of Seville, with its emblematic Rectorate, and the ancient tobacco factory, built in the XVII century. Heading northwards is the Avenida del Cid and the Murillo gardens, home to the Monument to Christopher Coloumbus by Juan de Talavera.

plaza de España

At the end of the Avenue is the Parque de María Luisa, built for the 1929 Iberoamerican Fair to reflect a French style popular at the time; the Park contains the Pavillion of Perú, a statue of Spanish poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and also of the Costurero de la Reina (Queen's sewing room). The north end of the Park leads into the semicircular Plaza de España, which is lined with benches and ceramic murals that represent all the Spanish provinces, and the east end of the Park leads towards the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs ( Tuesday from 14:30 to 20:30, Wednesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 20:30 and Sunday from 9:00 to 14:30; 1.50 €, free access to EU citizens) and the Archeological Museum ( Tuesday from 14:30 to 20:30, Wednesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 20:30 and Sunday from 9:00 to 14:30; 1.50 €, free access to EU citizens). On the return trip to the Cathedral, the Plaza Nueva (New Square) is located toward the east; this plaza is home to the Seville Town Hall, a Plateresque style building built by Diego Riaño in 1527. Next to the Town Hall is the barroque San José church, the Palacio de Lebrija, and the San Andrés and Salvador Churches are located towards the north. Past the western exit from the Plaza Nueva is the Alameda de Hércules, a broad tree-lined boulevard linking the districts of Macarena and San Vicente; at the end of the Alameda are two columns sculpted in 1574 portraying Hercules and Julius Caesar. Past the columns is the Macarena district, where the Mudejar gothic Omnium Sanctorum Church, and the Seville style gothic Santa Marina and San Luis Churches are located ( San Luis Church is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 14:00, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00). On the Calle Bécquer is the Macarena Basilica itself -built in the mid-XX century in a neobarroque style- home to the image of the Virgin of the Macarena, a mythical image worshipped by artists and bullfighters ( from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00; treasure 3.50 €). Next to the Macarena Church is a gate by the same name that leads to the XIII century San Gil Church and then to the city walls. At the end of the walls is the Hospital de las Cinco Llagas (Hospital of the Five Sacred Wounds); built in a Renaissance style the building is currently used as the seat of the Parliament of Andalucía. Turning westward is the San Julián Church and the Santa Paula Convent; the Convent´s homemade pastries and sweets are reknowned worldwide and its museum houses works by Ribera and Alonso Cano ( Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30 and from 16:30 to 18:30). Beyond San Julián and Santa Paula are the Churches of Santa Catalina and San Ildefonso; past these churches is the XIII century San Leandro Convent; and past the convent is the Casa de Pilatos (House of Pilate) -currently called the Palacio de Medinaceli-, located in the plaza by the same name. This XV century Palace blends Renaissance, Gothic and Mudejar styles ( daily from 9:00 to 18:00, with opening hours extended to 20:00 during the summer months; 8 €, free on Tuesday). The historical Cachorro and Cartuja Bridges and the modern Barqueta and Alamillo Bridges lead across the Guadalquivir River to the Isla de la Cartuja (Cartuja Island). The island is the location of the XV century Santa María de las Cuevas Monastery and it was also the location of the 1992 World Fair. The World Fair pavillions currently make up the Parque de los Descubrimientos (Park of the Discoveries) y and Isla Mágica Theme Park.

Tourist Office recomends the use of Sevilla Card which allows free entrance to most museums and monuments in the city and environs, unlimited use of public transportation and sightseeing buses, boat rides on the Guadalquivir River and Isla Mágica Theme Park. Prices are as follows: 1 day card 22 €, 2 day card 32 €, 3 day card 42 €, 1 day card with public transport 25 €, 2 day card with public transport 38 €, 3 day card with public transport 48 € (discounts when booking through the web).