Our trip to Seville was over an Easter weekend, so it was largely taken up with following the routes of the AMAZING Santa Semana processions. But, we did get to see quite a lot of the centre of this beautiful city, in between the Easter fervour. We’re not religious at all, but do appreciate a theatrical extravaganza, and this city gives it all at Easter…
We stayed in a beautiful Moorish inspired hotel, on the Alameda de Hércules, a boulevard located inside the historic district, today considered the oldest public garden in Europe. After renovation and remodelling works, the Alameda de Hércules was once again opened to the public in 2009. Now, it is possible to enjoy the tree lined, pedestrianised area paved with coloured tiles, replacing the previous chalky sand. Although we didn’t know at the booking, we were clearly very lucky to plump for this area of Seville…
For decades, the Alameda de Hércules has been the home of some of Seville’s most interesting social movements. This neighbourhood has become the epicentre for new trends, fashions and cultural expressions, which in turn lead to social customs changing all over the city. All that hasn’t just transformed the neighbourhood’s atmosphere, but it’s had a big impact on the impression that people get of Seville, as being an open-minded city that embraces diversity.Much of that is thanks to the LGBTI+ community. Venues catering to this community have opened up and many of those who belong to it have moved into the area, driving this change of image. But if you consider that just a few years ago it was one of Seville’s most run-down neighbourhoods it’s surprising that, these days, it’s so fashionable. In stark contrast to what it used to be like, today house prices in the area are rising, and every important chain in Seville has either opened, or wants to have, a restaurant or tapas bar here. What’s more, the Alameda de Hércules itself is—thanks to its size (480 metres by 80 metres) and the fact that it’s all pedestrianised—the perfect spot for holding markets, concerts, open-air exhibitions and popular festivals.
The hotel we chose – Patio de la Alameda – was a nineteenth-century mansion, now converted into a charming and unique hotel in the emblematic Plaza Alameda de Hércules in the centre of Seville. We couldn’t have been better placed – and we had the bonus of an underground garage, too. The hotel is very Moorish in design, with internal courtyards, tumbling plants, lanterns, nooks and crannies filled with Moroccan antiquities and rooms decorated in definite riad style. Right down our streets.
Images : https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/patio-de-la-alameda.en-gb.html
We didn’t experience the best weather when we were in Seville, but it definitely didn’t stop us getting out and about. It truly is a beautiful city – cosmopolitan, fast paced, architecturally off the scale and full of a sense of history. We also manged to eat and drink our way around a fair few few bars and restaurants, and without exception, every single one, was outstanding. Just outstanding and memorable – even if I can’t remember the names, I can remember the food, the atmosphere and the decor and know we’d be able to find them all again.
eating & drinking memories…
the streets of seville…
We did take in a lot of sights, but as we were madly snapping away at the Semana Santa processions, when we were relaxing, we it was mostly food and drink, so architecture took a bit of a back seat. All there for the next visit…
