Seville a cultured city shaped by 3,000 years of history

The NO8DO motto, present on the coat of arms of Seville, symbolizes the city’s loyalty to its king.

This motto, which reads as “NO-madeja-DO” (stands for “no me ha dejado” – “no me ha abandonado”, is interpreted as “Seville has not left me”, referring to the city’s loyalty to the medieval monarch Alfonso X El Sabio during the war he fought against his son Sancho. The ball of wool (madeja in spanish) in the middle of the motto symbolizes the unity and unconditional support of Seville to its king in times of adversity.
In the center of the coat of arms is Fernando III of Castile, known as Saint Fernando, who reconquered Seville in 1248. To his right, Saint Isidore is depicted, the Archbishop of Seville and author of the first encyclopedia in history, the “Etymologies”. To the left of Fernando III, there is Saint Leander, brother of Saint Isidore and also Archbishop of Seville, known for Christianizing the Visigothic tribes in the Iberian Peninsula.

Seville, one of Spain’s most important cities, boasts a history spanning over 3000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe.

The origins of Seville are shrouded in legend and history, with its first settlers identified with the Tartessian culture. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains dating back to the 8th century BC, when Seville was an island in the Guadalquivir River. The city was known as Spal or Ispal by the Tartessians, who controlled the Guadalquivir Valley and traded with Phoenician, Greek, and Carthaginian navigators. The city’s name evolved to Hispalis under Roman rule, becoming a significant market and industrial center. The nearby Roman city of Italica, birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian, also played a crucial role in the region’s history. Over the centuries, Seville has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Visigoths, Muslims, and Christians, each leaving their mark on the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

The ancient Roman city of Italica, located in present-day Santiponce, Seville, was the birthplace of two of the most influential emperors in Roman history: Trajan and Hadrian.

Italica, founded in 206 BC by Publius Cornelius Scipio during the Second Punic War, became the first Roman city on the Iberian Peninsula and an important urban center. Trajan, born in 53 AD, and Hadrian, likely born in Italica although not proven, left an indelible mark on the Roman Empire. Trajan, known as the “perfect prince,” led the Empire to its greatest territorial expansion and was famous for his public works, such as Trajan’s Forum in Rome and the Segovia Aqueduct. Hadrian, on the other hand, expanded and beautified Italica, granting it the status of a colony and constructing numerous public buildings.

Seville’s 50,000 bitter orange trees form Europe’s largest urban citrus forest, blending ancient symbolism with modern municipal challenges.

The naranjos amargos (Citrus aurantium) lining Seville’s streets trace their roots to 10th-century Genoese traders and Andalusian perfume-making ambitions. While their spring azahar blossoms perfume the city, these trees now spark debates about urban maintenance and historical preservation. With annual harvests exceeding 5.7 million kilos, these iconic trees reveal a complex interplay between cultural heritage and contemporary city management.

Seville Cathedral, a monument of unparalleled beauty and magnitude, is the largest Gothic church in the world.

With a surface area of over 23,500 square meters, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See in Seville is not only the largest Gothic cathedral in the world but also the largest Catholic cathedral, surpassing any other Gothic or Christian temple in size. Its construction began in 1401, following the demolition of the former Almohad mosque, and continued until the 16th century, reflecting the ambition and splendor of Seville during the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

The April Fair, known as “Feria de Abril,” is one of the most vibrant and colorful celebrations in Spain, held annually in Seville.

This week-long event, which takes place two weeks after Easter, transforms the city into a spectacle of lights, music, dance, and traditional attire. Originating in the mid-19th century as a livestock fair, it has evolved into a cultural extravaganza where locals and visitors alike don traditional Sevillian dress, enjoy flamenco performances, and indulge in local cuisine and drinks.

Despite its golden name, the origin of this iconic 13th-century defensive tower has more to do with tiles than with the precious metal.

Its name comes from the golden glow that its original tiles projected onto the Guadalquivir River during sunrise and sunset. The tower was part of the Almohad wall and served as the endpoint of the chain that crossed the river to protect the port of Seville.

The Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas (The Mushrooms), is an architectural marvel in Seville, offering a unique viewpoint and the title of the largest wooden structure ever built.

Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, this modern structure was completed in 2011 and stands in the Plaza de la Encarnación. It features six large parasols made of micro-laminated wood, creating a futuristic canopy that spans 150 meters by 70 meters. The Parasol not only provides shade but also houses an archaeological museum, a market, and a panoramic terrace, offering visitors a 360-degree view of the city.

Seville, a city where modernity and tradition intertwine, finds its soul in the art of flamenco.

Flamenco, with its deep roots in Andalusian culture, is not just a musical genre but a way of life in Seville. This art form, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, continues to thrive in the city, where traditional tablaos (flamenco venues) coexist with modern interpretations, showcasing Seville’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing contemporary expressions. The “quejio,” a mournful cry or lament, is the emotional core of flamenco, expressing the joys and sorrows of life through song, dance, and guitar.