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Santa-Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, will surprise you with its
narrow streets. The many residential buildings with their iron gates
that open out on to flower-covered patios and balconies will be
a feast for your eyes.
The main street through the district ends at Santa-Cruz square,
in the center of which the Cruz de la Carrejeria stands tall and
connects the district to the Murillo gardens. Leaving the square
on Santa-Teresa street, you'll come to the San-José convent,
an impressive building from the 17th century. |
Other sites to contemplate in this section of town include: 
the Cathedral, le patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Patio) and the Giraldaz,
the monuments that are most representative of this Andalusian city. They
are all located in the heart of this town with such an historic past.
The Cathedral, which mixes both gothic and renaissance styles, has been
placed on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Built on the site of
the former Mezquita Mayor (grand mosque) of Seville, the cathedral has
nine gothic style naves, with a great transept which contains the la Capilla
Mayor (the large chapel). La Giralda (weathervane) is 98 meters off the
ground. You can climb to the top of its tower to get a good view of the
city.
| On Virgen de los Reyes square, you can admire the facade of the
Archbishop's Palace, which dates back to the 18th century. Its colors,
bull's blood red and pale ochre, are typical of baroque buildings
in Seville.
If you're a history buff, a stop at the , " el Archivo de
Indias " is an absolute must. Built during Felipe Il's reign, the
building contains the archives which retrace the history of Spanish
conquests.
A number of Gypsy women sell bouquets of red carnations outside
this building, the flowers that are the symbol of the city of Seville. |
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Next to the Puerto de Leon is the Alcazar, the oldest royal residence
in Europe. 
A Mudéjar palace, with its gothic forms, decorated with plaster moldings,
and wooden coffered "mudéjar " ceilings, it was built by Pedro I.
Don't miss a visit to Monteria patio, nor the Doncellas or Munecas patios.
You should also be sure to get a look at the impressive Salon de los Embajadores
(Ambassador's Salon) with its great golden cupola which dates back to
the middle of the 15th century. Near the Mudéjar palace, is the Palacio
de Carlos V (Palace of Charles V) which opens out on to the Alcazar Gardens. |
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