5 Days To Fall In Love With Seville

It is a city with a prestigious past, having bequeathed an artistic heritage of immense wealth, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Its monuments, the many artists who were born there or worked there, its glorious history, its traditional festivals, but also its climate, contributed to its fame.

During the 16th century it was one of the richest city in the world. When Spain “discovered” the Americas, it became the center the new world. Coming from the ocean by the Guadalquivir river, the boats arrived with all the wealth of the new world.

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA

It was the film set for Star Wars Saga Episode II: Attack of the Clones by George Lukas, as well as for three other movies. However, the square was not built for that. The Plaza de Espana of Seville represented the regionalism architecture at the Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair in 1929.

The main attraction here is, of course, the imposing half-circle structure made up of pavilions and galleries and towers, all surrounded by a moat with bridges connecting it to the giant square and fountain on the other side.

It is a mix of Renaissance Revival in Spanish architecture, Art Deco and Neo-Mudejar styles. The Plaza has that same Spanish flair we’d seen everywhere else in Seville – lots of bright colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish embellishments. I hadn’t realized how much fun this place would be to photograph. It has been very hard to avoid people but I’ve tried to give a minimalist approach. During the night, it take another dimension, and you’ll feel like being in a fairytale.

SENSATIONAL SETAS OF SEVILLE

Mushrooms of Seville, also known as Metropol Parasol is the world’s largest wooden structure and construction was carried out with the aim of renewing the Plaza de la Encarnación in Seville. Its designer was the Berlin architect Jürgen Mayer. It is a true demonstration of how architecture can really change a place. Its main goal is to protect people from the hot summer.

Head to the top and enjoy a drink while overlooking the city with the panoramic viewpoint of 360 degrees. If you’re looking for spectacular city views, this is one of the best place to go in Seville. Photographers may need to know that these walkways are made of metal and vibrate and wobble with every footstep, (you will have to shoot with high ISO are be very patient)

UPPER ARISTOCRATIC CLASS HERITAGE

Seville had an important upper aristocratic class, and you can see that with the huge amount of Palaces in the city center. Very symmetric with a lot of azulejos works and wood and stone details. It’s a real playground for photographer!

THE REALES ALCÁZARES OF SEVILLE

Over the course of the centuries it became a complex of several palaces with beautiful courtyards. Still today, many architectural features Moorish-style can be recognized. For centuries it served as residence for many generations of monarchs. Nowadays it is the residence of the Royal Family during their stays in Seville. Since 1987 it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The palace is an excellently preserved example of Mudejar architecture, a combination of Christian architecture with Moorish elements.

I freaking love the tiles and patterns around Spain’s mudejar architecture. You should plan enough time for a visit because there is a lot to discover. Half-day just for the Alcazár is the best, especially since I felt compelled to photograph every square inch of the place.

More info: gauvin.pictures