Arabic, Baroque, Renaissance and Medieval influences are used to describe the city of Sevilla, Spain. It is the capital of Andalusia, an independent community of Spain granted the title of historical nationality through the 1978 Spanish Constitution. Located on the River Guadalquivir, the second longest river in Spain, it houses 704,000 Sevillanos or Sevillanas also known as residents. It is the fourth largest city in Spain and is more than 2,000 years old. For the ardent history lover waiting to explore and caress the unprecedented jewel that is Seville, Spain, and all of its adorned artifacts and architecture, unmitigated bliss awaits you.

Originally, Seville was called Hispalis during the rule of Caesar Augustus and was renamed in the year 712 after it was defeated by the Moors or Muslims. It was known as the capital for the Kings of the Umayyad Caliphate, and the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties. The Umayyad Caliphate was the second of four major Arab successors. The Almoravid dynasty was a Berber-Muslim dynasty from North Africa. The Almohad dynasty was a Moroccan Berber-Muslim dynasty founded in the 12th century. This invasion was reversed when King Fernando III of Castile recaptured Seville. Today bits and pieces of Roman features in the form of an aqueduct and elements of the Moors remain in the City of Seville through its formations and structural design.

There are so many amazing historical sites to see in this city. The Alcazar, a royal palace originally a Moorish fort transformed after 500 years of construction, was built in the Muslim, Iberian and Renaissance styles and beautifully decorated. There is also the Cathedral of Seville built after the recapturing of the city. It is among the largest of all Gothic and medieval cathedrals. The interior exhibits the longest nave in Spain. The University of Seville is situated in the original site of the first tobacco factory in an 18th century building in baroque style, an artistic style from the late 16th to the early 18th century. The Town Hall was built in the 16th century in the plateresque style which is said to be “in the manner of a silver smith”.

Many museums are available to satiate the thirst for knowledge through carefully preserved relics. The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville, founded in 1839, contains a compilation of treasures from the medieval period to the early 20th century. However, if you are interested in other museum worthy subjects, The Maritime, Carriages, Flamenco Art and Bullfight Museums are also available. Many travelers can find a wide choice of historical as well as modern Seville accommodation available throughout this historical city.

Other activities for a day trip in Seville may include climbing the La Giralda Bell Tower, enjoying the Isla Magica amusement park, or taking a boat cruise on the Guadalquivir River. Wine lovers can celebrate at the Mountain Wine Festival of the Fiesta de Vino. Nature lovers can explore the Donana National Park which is also a wildlife refuge named after Dona Ana de Silva y Mendoza. They can also discover the wonders of The Alcazar Gardens, Gardens of Murillo or the Gardens of Catalina de Ribera.

If you are headed to Seville there are plenty of apartments in Seville that will put you in the heart of this historical city.

History is plentiful as you make your way around Spain, a stop in Seville Spain will be a welcome destination on your journey through the southern portion of the country. World Heritage sites and Ancient Roman history will add to your adventure in Seville.

Seville is famous for being the center of culture, arts and finance in Southern Spain. There are about 1.5 million residents in the city and its metropolitan area, which is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Residents often refer to the city as "Sevilla," pronounced "seh-vee-yah." Whether it is called Seville or Sevilla, the city definitely has its own unique history, much of which remains in architecture and culture today. Several historic as well as modern apartments in Seville will add to the experience of reliving the history the city has to offer.

One example of ancient history is the aqueduct, which is one of the oldest remaining pieces of historical evidence, dating back to the Roman days. At that time, the city was called "Hispalis." Seville's documented history began more than 2,000 years ago. It has been greatly influenced by medieval days, the Renaissance and baroque periods. Much of its cultural influence comes from Arabic culture and the religion of Islam. In the time period between the 5th and 6th centuries, the Vandals and Visigoths were responsible for conquests in the area. After the Moors had their conquest, the city of Seville gained its name, awarded to it by the Muslims who took over the city in 712. It had now become the capitol for the Kings of the Almoravid Dynasty, Umayyad Caliphate and the Almohad Dynasty. Later in 1248, King Fernando III sent his soldiers in to conquer the city in the Catholic Reconquest. Although the days of Moors ruling are far in the past, several sections of the city wall remain from those ancient days. There are also several public structures in the historic district that remain from the Moors' ruling. Another interesting sight to see is the Cathedral, which remains from the era and reflects the rich heritage. Along with the Cathedral, Archivo de Indias and Alcázar are UNESCO World Heritage registered sites.

Trade began to flourish in the 16th century in Seville when the Port of Cadiz was named an official trade port. Spirits were high for a short time until 1649. The unfortunate plague that swept the city devastated the population. With almost half of its residents dead from the Great Plague of Seville, growth and prosperity didn't begin to make a comeback until the 19th century. The Kingdom of Castile began to lose influence of the area as the Spanish Empire unified and made its impact. Population growth, industrialization and trade began to increase again and flourished through the 19th and 20th centuries. There are plenty of places in the city to learn more about Seville's fascinating history. The Traditional Arts &

Customs Museum is a fantastic place to visit. Nestled on a waterfront location, the building itself is a piece of breathtaking history. Seville is a great destination any time of year. The climate is a mix of Mediterranean and Arid. Average temperatures in the winter months range between 40-60 degrees. Summers are hot and dry, usually ranging between 80-90. Record temperatures have reached 115 or higher in some instances. The air quality is good and the supply is plentiful, as the city's average elevation is 23 feet above sea level. Could Seville be your next stop on your travels through Spain? Seville accommodation are plentiful in this historic city. Need more information on traveling in Spain, Beachcomber Pete can help.