Seville - Firstoasis

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Seville

Romantic Seville delights visitors but also torments them with torrid heat in summer; however, the city is always irresistible.
Proud monuments, such as the Cathedral and La Giralda (one of the largest churches in the world, built on the site of a mosque from which the 90 metres, 300 feet minaret remains, the perfect Islamic tower raised between 1184 and 1198), the Alcazar (the dazzling palace-fortress created by Muslim and Christian monarchs, namely the great Pedro I, 1350-69), or the Archivo de Indias (built between 1584-98 and illustrating the Spanish discovery and colonization of the New World), all World Heritage Sites, are just a few examples of the city jewels.
The charm of Seville lies also in the gay plazas, narrow and winding streets, small plant-decked patios and cool gardens and parks.
The soul of flamenco and bullfighting also pulsates in this city full of style and atmosphere, which has yet to offer the vibrant festivals of the Holy Week (the most magnificent in Spain) or of the April Fair, an exciting nightlife, excellent shopping and naturally, being one of the tapas capitals, the spectacle of merry crowds wandering each evening through the streets and enjoying the tasty snacks offered by scores of bars.

Seville is so absorbing that the rest of the province seems much less motivating, but it is worth taking some time to visit Carmona, 38 kilometres (24 miles) away, a walled town dating from the 8th century with its impressive fortified main gate, the Puerta de Sevilla, and the remains of a Roman cemetery, the Necrópolis Romana, including a small museum.

Not far away from Seville, Itálica was one of the first Roman towns in Spain (founded in 206 BC), and features the ruins of an enormous amphitheatre and of a public bathhouse, as well as wonderful mosaics.

Finally, almost on the province's limits, Osuna has fine buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, namely the Colegiata de Santa María, a great church with a Baroque retable and paintings by José de Ribera (17th century).