When anyone mentions the word abroad our minds automatically fill with multiple images of exotic lands, rich cultures and foreign languages. Just the mention of that word sends the brain into a state of travel. We partake in an out of body experience as we wish we were in an out of country one instead. The world is an enormous playground that everyone should take the time enjoy. The planet called earth has so many beautiful, breathtaking and unbelievable places to visit and it’s hard to choose where to possibly start. For someone like me, it occurred to me why not look into the origins of my own ancestors. The only reason I speak Spanish is because I was born in a country that branched from the main Spanish speaking country. Spain.
When you think of going abroad, many of the first thoughts many have are to visit Europe, mainly countries like France, Germany, Italy and of course Spain. Many also like to focus on the bigger name cities like Paris, London, Rome and Madrid; however, one of the most historic, once very powerful and beautiful cities in the world is not often recognized. The city of Seville has its share of interesting beginnings and traditions.
It is the fourth most densely populated city in Spain following cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Lengthy, warm summers and an easy going pace make Seville a must-see place on any European trip. It all began with its earliest settlements began as early as the 8th century. For centuries, it was believed that the city was founded by mythical hero, Hercules but it really just proved to be a myth. Hispalis (also known as Roman Seville) became the more commonly used name after the town was originally named Ispal by descendents of Greeks and Phoenicians. It wasn’t until after the Carthaginians pillaged through and were defeated by Romans that archaic Seville entered an age of splendor. It was then Julius Caesar gave then Hispalis status of colony. Hispalis was overtaken by Arabs and became known as Isbiliah. The then Betis River was also given a new name of Guad el Kevir. Both of these new names helped develop the current names of Seville and the Guadalquivir River. Functioning under Arab ruling the city once again entered a prosperous time and early Seville became a city of operations and a capital. Many things still remain as a reminder of this period of time such as the Macarena Wall, the Alcazar, and La Torre de Oro (the golden tower).
Centuries later, Christianity made its way into Seville and many Muslims were forced to leave the city. Hebrews and Mudejars remained and formed communities creating brotherhoods among its neighborhoods where many divided themselves by occupations. Fernando III the Saint had introduced Christianity into the city, had churches built to replace mosques and moved the Kingdom of Castile court to the Alcazar of Seville where he spent the last of his days. His son, Alfonso X continued his reign establishing a tolerance which led for Arab, Christian and Jewish knowledge to prosper. By the 14th Century it had become one of the greatest Castilian cities and one of the most flourishing. Renaissance buildings arose and baroque construction sprouted. In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered American and Seville began to earn great wealth as a result of trade and new opportunities. The Chamber of Commerce was formed to deal with all the new wave of success. Seville had become the most cosmopolitan city and the most powerful in Spain. Many of Spain’s artistic geniuses were based in Seville from around this time like Murillo and Velazquez. Unfortunately, years later during the 17th century the city met its match as a plague wiped out a good percentage of the population and the Guadalquivir River became even less accessible. The Chamber of Commerce was then transferred to Cadiz and Seville lost its place on top. Following that, disaster struck again when another plague claimed thousands of lives yet again in Spain.
It wouldn’t be till about the 19th century that Seville would once again prosper under the reign of Queen Elizabeth, who established reforms and helped not only build bridges such as the Puente Isabel II and tear down walls, like the one around the city to allow for progress to continue in the form of new roads and buildings. During the 20th century Seville had now become the capital of the self-governing Andalucía within a diplomatic Spain. It also played home to two major expositions that altered the usual scenery of Seville. First one took place in 1929 to increase flow into the Andalucian economy. Many buildings were built to represent various countries during that expo that still remain up today. The second expo was the Universal Exposition. For this exposition, new bridges across the Guadalquivir River were constructed, millions of visitors attended and the fast AVE rail link towards Madrid was revealed. Presently, Seville’s economy is still growing and improving with a combination of tourism, business and technology. It’s also still one of the Spain’s most beautiful cities rich with culture, history and architecture. 
The Giralda Tower was the minaret during the 12th century Muslim mosque that used to call all to prayer. It was after an earthquake that the Christian bell was added and acts a bell tower to the third largest cathedral of Europe. From the top of the tower once can get a clear and vast view of Seville and all its glory.
On top of the tower was placed to act as a weathervane, and as the statue turns, “Gira,” the statue slowly got its name as Giralda and then the tower eventually followed changing the statue’s name to “Giraldillo.”
Alcazar is one of the Seville’s most impressing and impacting places to visit. It is a fortified palace, in which in centuries past due to its grandiose beauty many monarchs took up residence and continue to do so. Juan Carlos his majesty stays here when he visits Seville. The centerpiece features the court of the maidens, with the lower level decorated in Mudejar style and the top level was decorated in Renaissance style. The gardens outside the palace are truly fit for a king.
