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Seville (Sevilla) evokes the spirit of passion and intrigue. Home to the beautiful gypsy, Carmen, and the legendary philanderer, Don Juan, Sevilla seems to be the perfect setting for intimacy, deception and forbidden trysts. With its narrow winding streets, small plazas, and scent of orange blossoms, it is easy to see how Sevilla's muse-like charms inspired so many writers. Yet Sevilla does not live only in literature, the festivals of Feria de Abril and Semana Santa are also evidence to the enduring passion and drama of today's Seville.
With the arrival of the Muslims in 711, Sevilla prospered culturally. Throughout the next five centuries, under the control of various Moorish rulers, Sevilla grew exponentially. With a flourishing economy, steady population growth, and extensive building projects, Sevilla rivaled with Cordoba as the most important city in Andalucia. It was during this period in 913, that the Alcazar, a lovely Mudejar-style palace, was built. The Alcazar remains in excellent condition today and offers an absolutely awe inspiring example of Arabic mosaic tilework, geometric design, and wood craft. Outside the main palace lie the lovely landscaped gardens - a great place to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Andalucian Spain.
The massive Cathedral in Sevilla is one of the largest in the world. Built on the site of the city's old mosque, work started on the Cathedral in the early 15th century and is predominantly Gothic in style. However, elements of the Mudejar style of art and architecture are visible inside and out. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the church is the belltower, La Giralda. Originally a Moorish minaret attached to the adjacent mosque; La Giralda was later converted into the cathedral bell tower in the Renaissance style. For a truly marvelous view of the city, climb to the top of the tower. Besides having the distinction of being the largest Cathedral in Spain, the Sevilla Cathedral also houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus whose remains were brought from Cuba in 1899.
In spring, the city comes alive with two of Spain's grandest spectacles - The Feria de April and Semana Santa. In Semana Santa, every day for a week devout believers from 57 brotherhoods parade through the streets of Sevilla. The solemn penitents carry candles and dress in long dark robes and tall pointed hoods to obscure their identity and retain the necessary anonymity of sinners seeking forgiveness. The festival commemorates the events surrounding Christ's crucifixion and the procession often stops to re-enact the suffering of Christ on the cross and the pain of the Virgin Mary. The effect is dramatic and awesome - people come from around the world to witness Sevilla's display for Semana Santa. Immediately prior to Semana Santa is the Feria de Abril. The April Feria is a wonderful party, showcasing some of the region's finest flamenco dancers and musicians.
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