Sevilla is world-famous for one place. That is the city of Sevilla, the capital of both the province and the autonomous region of Andalucía. It has an illustrious history - assisted by being the only inland port in Spain, with many ancient monuments, connections to the Americas, and a style, elegance and beauty that is unmatched in Spain. At any time of the year it is a delight to visit, but especially so during the famed Fería de Abril when the streets come alive with color and sound. Men in their country outfits, women in those glorious flamenco-style dresses, and horses and horse-drawn carriages everywhere. All-in-all, an eclectic experience in this otherwise modern world. Besides Sevilla, nearby Santiponce has the ruins of the Roman city of Itálica, Carmona has an even more ancient history, and Écija boasts more than its fair share of mansions, churches and convents. Nearby Carmona's history is unique in that it was never under the rule of a feudal lord. It was, instead, protected as a "Crown" city. This accounts for the extraordinary number of important homes, palaces, convents and churches found here, which alone make the city worth a visit. It has a quiet, charming, atmosphere disturbed by relatively few tourists, and offers a rare opportunity to visit a historically interesting town while experiencing firsthand the delightfully unspoiled lifestyle typical of Andalucía. And then there is Écija. Dating back to Roman times, it is situated along the banks of the Genil River, with over 20 churches and convents boasting an array of Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance towers that grace the skyline. This remarkable guide coveres all of the attractions of Sevilla Province, including the best walks and hikes, the history, the recommended places to stay and the best restaurants.
