Seville province is the administrative heart of Andalusia. Home to the regional government, the province of Seville is where cultural influences from several civilizations was focused, a fact that is reflected all over the province from the great city of Seville which is overlooked by the wonderfully preserved roman town of Italica, to the smallest of villages such as La Luisiana with its roman baths now located in the back garden of a hotel.

To the north the Natural Park of the Sierra Norte is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, whitewashed villages vie with well stocked reservoirs for attention and the green surroundings belie the fact that the summer months are some of the hottest in the European continent.

Seville was the centre of activity for over seven hundred years for the Arabs, who invaded in the eighth century and were forcibly removed by Fernando III in the 13th century. During the Muslim rule many of the buildings that still grace the horizon were built.

More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seville

Routes and Places worth a visit

Italica is the ancient roman capital of the Iberian Peninsula. Birthplace of two Roman emperors, the city is extremely well preserved, possessing a colosseum and mosaics that are unparalleled in their preservation. Much of the material was removed to the city of Sevill and can be seen in the Casa de Lebrijas in Calle Cuna in the centre of the old town of Seville.

The Sierra Norte of Seville is a green paradise of small white villages that have benefitted from the civilizing influence of recent times. There are many rural cottages of the highest quality. Especially worth a visit are the villages of El Pedroso, the town of Carmona in which the Parador has great views and the heights that overlook the city of Seville, Bollullos, Mairena del Aljarafe and Sanlúcar la Mayor.

Osuna is a regency town that possesses noble buildings constructed in the latter part of the 16th century and spanning the baroque period of the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s eclectic mixture of proud baronial houses and elegant squares make it a must for any visit to Seville.

Important Fiestas

Osuna. Nuestra Señora de la Consolación on the 8th September.

Semana Santa in the whole province and especially in Seville where it has been declared to be of International Interest as a Tourist event.

The Feria of Seville at the end of Aprila and beginning of May is the most exuberant fiesta of the province and kicks off a season of fiestas across the province.

The festival of Flamenco in Utrera, held every two years, is at the heart of flamenco in Andalusia.