Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage treasures: the majestic Royal Alcázar of Seville, the iconic Seville Cathedral and Archivo General de Indias © Michelle Chaplow
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN SEVILLE
Categories: urban landscape, Medieval European (added to list in: 1987)
What UNESCO says: "Together these three buildings form a remarkable monumental complex in the heart of Seville. The cathedral and the Alcázar - dating from the Reconquest of 1248 to the 16th century and imbued with Moorish influences - are an exceptional testimony to the civilization of the Almohads as well as that of Christian Andalusia. The Giralda minaret is the masterpiece of Almohad architecture. It stands next to the cathedral with its five naves; the largest Gothic building in Europe, it houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The ancient Lonja, which became the Archivo de Indias, contains valuable documents from the archives of the colonies in the Americas."
The Giralda Tower stands as Seville's timeless guardian, where centuries of history meet the endless blue sky. © Michelle Chaplow
The Cathedral of Seville
What there is to see: a huge, imposing basilica, built over a mosque, whose highlights include a massive gold altarpiece, paintings by Murillo and a magnificent tower, The Giralda, offering superb views over the city. Tip: for a bird's eye view of the flying buttresses, go to the EME Catedral's terrace bar for a drink. Exhibitions and concerts are held within the cathedral.
The Royal Alcazar of Seville. The pond of Mercury © Michelle Chaplow
The Alcazar of Seville
What there is to see: a mish-mash of architectural styles and periods, making up a fascinating tour through history - various buildings featuring courtyards, baths, pools, tapestries and intricate carvings, plus a lush garden. Exhibitions, and outdoor plays and concerts in summer.
The Archivo General de Indias © Michelle Chaplow
What there is to see: a 16th-century building, formerly the stock exchange, housing 40,000 documents and maps (including fascinating city plans) referring to voyages to the New World, covering three centuries; an extraordinary research resource. Exhibitions.
Andalucia has seven World Heritage Sites
Andalucia has seven World Heritage Sites: the Alhambra, the Generalife and the Albayzín in Granada; the Cathedral, the Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias in Seville; the historic city centre of Córdoba (including the Mezquita); the Renaissance monumental ensembles of Úbeda and Baeza; and 68 items of cave art in the provinces of Almería, Granada and Jaén, which are included in the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin, as well as Madinat al-Zahra. The natural World Heritage Sites are the Doñana National Park in the province of Huelva and the Antequera Dolmens in the province of Málaga. The Gorham's Cave Complex is located on the Rock of Gibraltar.