My Favorite City that I Visited in Spain
By: Caitlin Carter
Summer break brings the perfect opportunity to travel, and I took the chance to explore Spain with my family. Read on for some essential highlights that I've outlined below when in the city.
With a history dating back to the Romans, Seville, initially known as Hispalis, flourished from the 2nd century BCE onward. Although the Roman rule was relatively short-lived, Seville witnessed the influences of various rulers, including the Silingi Vandals, Muslims, and Spanish Christians. Even today, Seville stands as a testament to time through its architecture, which shows a fusion of Moorish, Arabian, and Gothic designs.
While in Seville, a visit to Andalusia is an absolute must. This southernmost autonomous community of Spain showcases an array of historical monuments, museums, and inspiring Arabic architecture. For history enthusiasts, Andalusia serves as a look into the former Islamic state that once spanned modern Spain and Portugal. Important landmarks like the Alcazar Palace and the Seville Cathedral add to the stunning Andalusian architecture style.
During my time in Seville, I explored the Seville Cathedral. The cathedral's distinctive architectural features stood in contrast to the conventional Spanish cathedrals found in other regions of the country. I would definitely recommend a visit to this cathedral, as it offers an experience that's both culturally enriching and visually pleasing.
(top) Seville Cathedral (bottom) Alcazar Palace
While Seville is renowned for its historical architecture, it also symbolizes the birthplace of Flamenco, an art form deeply ingrained in its culture. The origins of the dance trace back to the heart of Southern Spain - Andalusia. Flamenco dancing is believed to have come from the dances of the Andalusian gypsy community. At its start, Flamenco was accompanied solely by the rhythmic sounds of clapping, known as "toque de palmas," as opposed to singers and guitarists. The addition of music was later introduced to establish a connection between the dancers' emotions and the audience. With this new addition of music, the whole dance became an expression of the struggles, hopes, and desperation of the lower class.
Flamenco's popularity expanded past borders, to parts of the Caribbean and Latin America, which further explored the dance form. For anyone visiting Seville, witnessing a Flamenco performance is an absolute must! My own Flamenco experience was directly inside the Flamenco Dance Museum of Seville, where I was treated to an amazing showcase of dancers and musicians.
In conclusion, my Spanish adventure began in Seville, a city known for its rich history and architecture as well as frivolous dance steps to click-clacking castanets. The blend of cultures and influences that have shaped Seville is truly amazing, making it a destination that offers much more than meets the eye.
The performance venue at the Seville Flamenco Dance Museum
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