The largest Gothic cathedral in the entire world is the ideal place to begin this list. Constructed in the 12^th century, the final resting place of none other than Christopher Columbus impresses visitors on the inside as much as the outside, with a giant central nave and 80 side chapels facing it. An outstanding collection of fantastic religious artwork, iconography, carvings and features make the cathedral more than deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

And adjoining the side of the cathedral is the single most iconic image of Sevilla. La Giralda was originally a minaret that formed part of the Moorish mosque prior to the Catholic reconquest in the 12^th century and was converted into a bell tower by the Castilians. It can be seen from all over the city, and if you manage to climb to the top of this 340 feet high tower, some of the best views of the city and surrounding area are your reward.

Mudéjar is the world-famous architectural style closely associated with Andalusia that elegantly fuses Christian design and Muslim / Jewish craftsmanship, and the Real Alcázar, a 14^th century palace located in the city center, is said to contain the finest and purest elements of Mudéjar work in the entire world. Its network of plazas, fountains, patios, corridors and of course the palace itself were even used to film the hit television series “Game Of Thrones”!

The Barrio de Santa Cruz is known as the “Old Jewish Quarter” by locals and is possibly the most mysterious neighbourhood in all of Sevilla. This labyrinth of cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and towering stone buildings have a strange way of keeping the rest of the modern world, including its noise and traffic, outside. And as you wander the winding streets of Santa Cruz in the late afternoon while peering at the various plaques and carvings all around that tell the stories of the Barrio’s former residents, you may well feel yourself stepping back in time….

This semi-circular structure sits directly opposite the charming Parque de María Luisa and was chosen as a filming location for the film “Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace”. Its arching fountain, elegant bridges, elegant moat and cavernous archways will therefore be familiar to many viewers, but what they may not be familiar with is the colorful tiled porticos that line the enormous edifice, each one dedicated to a specific Spanish province. Built as recently as 1928, Plaza de España has become of the Sevilla’s most popular locations for photography.

Another location that’s great for photo enthusiasts is the Metropol Parasol, more commonly known by locals as “Las Setas” thanks to its close resemblance to a giant mushroom. The single largest wooden structure in the entire world sits on top of the city’s ancient Roman ruins (that are still accessible to visitors), but as the sun begins to set, you’ll want to climb to the top of the Metropol Parasol in order to enjoy some of the finest nighttime views of the whole city.

Sevilla always has something else to offer. Other attractions include:

• Torre del Oro, a 13^th century observation tower located on the banks of the river that shines brightly in the late evening sun, giving it a golden shine.
• Plaza de Toros: Sevilla’s bullring is known as the temple of bullfighting as it is one of the biggest of its kind.
• Archivo de Indias: this building is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sevilla, and houses some of the country’s most important historical records, archives and documents.
• Palacio de las Dueñas: the birthplace of the famous Spanish poet Antonio Machado is a 15^th century palace with a striking flower-covered facade and an unusual architectural design that combines both Gothic and Moorish styles.
• More world-class museums than you could possibly imagine, including, but not limited to, the Sevilla Museum of Fine Arts, the Flamenco Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Sevilla and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.