This is the second part of Shareen Wong’s story on the experience of the charms of Seville
Seville is surprisingly charming in every way. The architecture is spectacular, the place is rich in history, and the people, food and pace of life made me feel I could spend forever wandering around getting lost and I would be happy.
Here are the next three jaw-dropping sights not to be missed.
PLAZA DE TOROS DE LA REAL MAESTRANZA DE CABALLERIA
I have never attended a bullfight and probably wouldn’t be able to bring myself to but I wanted to see what a bullfighting ring would look like, and Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, the bullring of Seville, was the perfect place to see.
The bullring is a stunning piece of baroque architecture and is one of the finest in Spain. What’s really interesting is the guided tour of the ring and the museum, complete with costumes and statues of matadors.
Keep an open mind, and you’ll leave with an understanding about why some Spaniards are so wildly passionate about bullfighting. The bullfighting season runs from April to October, on Sundays.
PLAZA DE ESPANA
You might recognise Plaza de Espana (Spain Square or Plaza in English) from Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, where it was used as a set for the royal planet of Naboo.
Plaza de Espana was built for a Spanish-American exhibition held in Seville in 1929. I couldn’t believe that they would build something so permanent or so elaborate for an exhibition (but that’s exactly how the Eiffel Tower also came to be).
The semi-circular building is huge, with a large fountain and courtyard in the middle. Look out for the 58 ceramic tile benches lining the façade of the building. They’re colourful, intricate and represent the provinces of Spain.
METROPOL PARASOL
I caught a glimpse of this ultra-modern spaceship-like building from a taxi ride and it looked so amazing, I knew I had to track it down.
Built on the site of Roman ruins, this is the largest wooden structure in the world and, close up, it looks like a cross between a mushroom and a waffle!
The Metropol Parasol houses a museum underground, with a couple of restaurants and bars. The rooftop promenade offers great views of the city.
Seville is a bridge between history and modernity.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Fly to the capital of Madrid and take a train to Seville. The Renfe train takes you there in about 2h 30min.
By Shareen Wong
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