The Cradle of Culture, Art and Folklore of Andalucia
Archaeology provides proof of early settlements in Seville. Seville belonged to the Carthaginians until they were defeated by the Romans and then began the romanticization of the senatorial province of Baetica. The Vandals put an end to it and a century after, Seville became the focal point of culture.
Seville came under the rule of Islam in 711; affecting the style of buildings, town layouts and place names. The Giralde and Torre del Oro were built in 1184,a period of prosperity. Seville was conquered by Ferdinand III in 1248 and thereafter resettled, becoming part of the Kingdom of Castille. The new territories experienced great cultural developments under Alfonso X.
The city derived full benefit from the discovery of America, and became an important cultural and economic metropolis. At the end of the 16th century, the first sign of decadence appeared.
There followed periods of important artistic development. By the end of the 18th century, Tobacco Factuary (actual University) and the Mint were finished.
In the 19th century appeared the first sign of industrialization. The Plaza de Espaņa and Plaza de America were built for the Latin Exhibition of 1929 and the new technological park of LA ISLA DE LA CARTUJA for the WORLD EXPOSITION OF 1992.
Cordoba, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Seville, once the capital of "Hispano Ulterior" during the Roman Empire and a very wealthy and important city under the Moslems. This town is situated in the heart of Andalucia and the highlight of the day will be a visit to the "mezquita" (Mosque) founded in the 8th century. You will see that it is unique in the fact that the Cathedral is built inside the Mosque. A visit is also made to the Jewish quarter and you will visit the Synagogue. Cordoba is famous for its patios and cool terraces and this beautiful town is perhaps the finest example of Moorish influence and domination that existed here in Southern Spain.
About 1 hour and 15 minutes drive. Arrival at the well known town of Jerez, famous for its Sherry wines and its horse and bull breeding dynasties - names like Domecq, Sandeman, Williams and Humbert, Terry, etc. appear everywhere. Visit the Royal Andalusian Riding School and assistance to the training of these beautiful horses. (If Thursday, assistance to the complete show). Visit to the stables. Visit to the "bodegas", the famous wine cellars, where sherry and cognac is produced. Taste the wines. Lunch will be taken at a typical restaurant. After lunch return to Seville.
This tour includes the visit of: The Cathedral and Giralda, the Golden Tower, The Royal Alcazar, the Santa Cruz Quarter and panoramic city tour of: Plaza de Espaņa y de America, Maria Luisa Park, Murillo's Gardens, Bullring and a drive along the Guadalquivir river. Duration of the tour is 3 hours.
This famous old city, situated only 10k from Seville, founded towards the end of the third century BC by Scipio the African was created as a base for the Roman legions and soon became one of the most important Spanish cities of the time. There the Emporers Trajan and Adrian were born. A visit to Italica allows us to appreciate the important remains of what was once the splendor of the Roman Empire. At the entrance to the most modern residential area (from amphitheater, baths, streets, drains, and remains of houses with magnificent mosaics. Around these ruins the town of Santiponce has been developed on the shores of the Guadalquivir river.
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