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Interesting Facts
- The origin of Seville is shrouded in popular myth. According to the most ancient chroniclers, Seville was first discovered by Hercules. Centuries later, legend has it that the city was "officially founded" by Julius Caesar. The famous Roman general named the new city Iulia Romula Hispalis.
- Over the course of its rich and tumultuous history, Seville has been variously ruled by Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Moors, Christians and others. Not surprisingly, the city has been named and renamed a number of different times. At various periods, Seville has been called Hispalis, Italica, Spalis and Isbiliya.
- Tapas anyone? The city of Seville proudly claims to have invented tapas and boasts somewhere in the neighborhood 1,000 tapa bars within the city limits. In Santa Cruz, try Bar Modesto. In Triana, check out Casa Cuesta.
- One of Seville's most impressive landmarks is the massive gothic Cathedral. Built on the site of a twelfth-century Mosque, the Cathedral was begun in the early 1400's and finally finished over a century later in 1519. It is the third largest cathedral in all of Christendom (behind St. Paul's in London and St. Peter's in Rome).
- During the Medieval Period, Seville was ruled by one of the most notorious figures in its long history — King Pedro I of Castile and Leon. He was perhaps more widely known by his various appellations, among them "The Avenger" and "The Cruel." According to legend, he once threw boiling oil over the face of a mistress who dared to reject him.
- It has been documented that the famous explorer and navigator, Christopher Columbus, visited Seville at various times during his lifetime. Centuries after his death, he returned to Seville yet again where his remains are now safeguarded in the Mausoleum of the Cathedral.
- Seville's most famous citizen never existed. That, of course, would be Don Juan – the fictional literary character created by Tirso de Molina and known for his sexual exploits with the fairer sex. There is even a bust of "The Seducer of Seville" in the Barrio de Santa Cruz.
- Seville has gained exposure over the course of the last century by hosting two international events: The Ibrio-American Exhibition in 1929 and the Universal Exposition of 1992. The latter, commonly called Expo '92, celebrated the 500th Anniversary of the discovery of America. For six months, Seville was the focal point of international media.
- When visitors cast their gaze across the Seville skyline they invariably fix upon the Giralda tower, which stands some 91 meters. This magnificent structure was originally built by the Moors as a mosque minaret. Later, Christians converted it into a bell tower for the gothic Cathedral.
- Perhaps due to the lasting influence of the ancient Roman revelers, Seville still knows how to throw a party. One of the most festive times of the year is the week-long celebration known as The April Feria. Citizens and tourists alike don outrageous costumes and dance all through the night to the intoxicating sounds of flamenco music.
