Icon of Seville, the magnificent Giralda was the tallest building in the city for over 800 years, dominating the skyline at 103m. Originally built in 1195 as the minaret of the Aljama mosque, it is now the belltower of the cathedral, and is recognised as World Heritage by UNESCO.

This magnificent bullring is considered to be one of the finest in Spain and is one of the oldest and most important in the world. Although many of the younger generation in Spain abhor the sport, it remains phenomenally popular, especially in Seville, and the 'Catedral del Toreo' is the perfect place to experience the electric atmosphere of a corrida (bullfight).

The Parque Maria Luisa is a large green space to the south of the city centre, close to the river, with hundreds of exotic trees lining shady avenues, and historic, fairytale buildings, with exotic touches provided by colourful tiled benches, and Moorish fountains and pools.

Once a convent, this magnificent art museum has been lovingly restored and is now one of the finest in Spain. Located in a tiny plaza away from the city centre bustle, the building dates back to 1612, the work of architect, Juan de Oviedo.

This magnificent palace is one of Seville's most impressive buildings, and certainly the city's finest example of the baroque style. Situated to the south of the centre, between the Hotel Alfonso XIII and the river, its 40-million-euro, 10-year refurbishment finished in 2010. The palace is the seat of the Regional Government's President.

Tucked in between Avenida de la Constitucion and the river, El Arenal was home to the city's port, from where ships sailed to the New World - hence its name, from arena (sand), on the then-tidal river banks. These days, it's a well-heeled barrio with abacerias (shops selling conservas, tins and jars of food, and cheese), freidurias (fried fish takeways) and, as well as some good bars and restaurants.

The two most important are the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporaneo. One of the most prestigious of all Spain's Fine Arts Museums, the beautiful Museo de Bellas Artes is a former monastery and has a superb collection of art by Spain's most celebrated painters including Zurbarán, Murillo and Valdás Leal.

The first is Semana Santa (Easter Week) which is truly spectacular with extraordinary processions of masked penitents and carnival-style floats. People travel from across the country and around the world to witness this annual week-long event.

Tourist Offices in Seville City are Sevilla Centro, Triana, Seville Airport, and Santa Justa Station.

Seville has a long, rich and fascinating history. The Romans governed the whole of Spain for more than six centuries, their first colony, Italica, is close to the city, and can still be visited today.

Seville is a city rich with convents and monasteries. Groups of nuns scuttle down the streets going around their daily business and school girls, dressed in smart plaid skirts and shirts walk in single file throughout the city. Although there is restricted entry to many of the convents, most are inhabited by closed religious orders.

No fewer than three Roman emperors were born just outside Seville. The Romans first arrived in Spain in 206BC, during a war against the Carthaginians, and stayed for 700 years battling the fierce Iberian tribes.

This is the first barrio (area or neighbourhood) tourists head for, and with good reason. The Barrio Santa Cruz is the most picturesque and delightful part of the city, with narrow winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, where you can sit outside a bar, enjoy some tapas and watch the world go by, or wander through centuries-old gardens and relax on beautiful tiled benches.

One of the least known of Seville’s museums, this is a family palace with a wonderfully varied private collection. It is situated at the Campana end of Calle Cuna, parallel to Calle Sierpes. Look out for the impressive but discreet stone doorway (there is no obvious sign) and huge wooden doors.

Back in Columbus' time the river here would be crowded with boats, nowadays the occasional tourist steamer chugs by or pedal boat. But it is still the most charming paseo which during the weekends is thronging with strolling lovers and Spanish families dressed in their Sunday best. The view across the river is quite beautiful with a row of typical Andaluz houses with wrought iron balconies.

The main shopping area is the square between Plazas Nueva, Magdalena, Encarnacion and San Francisco, with Calle Sierpes at its heart. For more touristy gear (flamenco aprons, T-shirts, bullfighting souvenirs) Barrio Santa Cruz has a wealth of places; for more individual shops, Barrio San Vincente and the Alameda; while for ceramics, Triana is where the beautiful azulejos (ceramic tiles) which adorn many Sevillano bars, hotels, churches and private houses are made.

When you visit Seville, you will undoubtedly go out for tapas. These small, tasty dishes, now found all over the world, originated in Sevilla.