Thread by @NickLovesSpain

Gold from the Americas once flowed through its ports.

Flamenco and tapas born in its streets.

This is a love letter to Sevilla — the Pearl of Andalucía... 🧵

Long before Spain existed, Sevilla was Ishbiliya, a major city under Muslim rule.

The Moors transformed it into a cultural capital: with grand mosques, gardens, and palaces.

In 1248, Ferdinand III of Castile reconquered the city.

The Giralda tower, once a minaret, was crowned with a Christian bell tower: a symbol of the city’s layered history.

Then came the 15th century.

Columbus sailed west. And when gold and silver poured in from the New World, Sevilla became the economic heart of the Spanish Empire.

To control trade with the Americas, Spain built the Archivo de Indias in Sevilla.

Today, it houses priceless documents, including Columbus’ own writings.

One of Sevilla’s crowning jewels is its Cathedral: the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.

It’s the final resting place of Christopher Columbus himself.

Next to the cathedral stands the Giralda: a minaret-turned-bell-tower that towers over the city.

It’s Sevilla’s most iconic symbol, offering sweeping views of orange-tiled roofs and church domes.

Sevilla also has a scent.

It is home to more orange trees than any city on Earth: with over 40,000.

In spring, their blossoms fill the air with a sweet, citrusy perfume you’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Real Alcázar, a royal palace straight out of an Andalusian fairy tale.

In fact, it is the oldest royal palace in Europe still in use today.

At the heart of the Alcázar lies the Hall of Ambassadors, its most breathtaking room.

With its golden dome, intricate carvings, and geometric perfection, it was designed to awe foreign envoys and project the power of the crown.

And if the Alcázar looks familiar, you might’ve seen it in Game of Thrones.

It stood in as the Water Gardens of Dorne.

Across the Guadalquivir River lies Triana, the neighborhood of potters, bullfighters, and flamenco.

It’s the soul of Sevilla. And where flamenco was born.

Flamenco in Sevilla isn’t a tourist show; it’s a way of life.

Haunting voices. Passionate dancers. Fingers on guitar strings like fire.

In my opinion, it's the most beautiful performative art in the world.

And then there’s the food.

Sevilla claims to be the birthplace of tapas: small plates meant to be shared, savored, and never rushed.

In fact, the city is home to the oldest tapas bar in the world, El Rinconcillo.

Legend says King Alfonso X of Castile ordered wine to be served with small bites of food to prevent drunkenness.

Another tale says bartenders used ham to “cover” (tapar) drinks to keep flies away.

Either way, tapas are a Sevillian art.

Salmorejo. Jamón ibérico. Espinacas con garbanzos. Fried fish.

In the 20th century, Sevilla built one of its most photographed sights: the Plaza de España.

A semicircular marvel of colored tiles, canals, and bridges.

Made for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo.

More recent is the Metropol Parasol, nicknamed Las Setas (“The Mushrooms”).

It’s a massive modern canopy made of wood: the largest wooden structure in the world.

Sevilla is also a city of celebrations.

The Semana Santa processions are solemn and powerful: a river of candles and sorrow.

Then, just weeks later, comes the Feria de Abril, an explosion of color, music, and dancing.

Writers, artists, and poets have all fallen under Sevilla’s spell.

Carmen, Don Juan Tenorio, and even Figaro all walk its streets — in opera and in myth.

In Sevilla, past and present don’t just coexist. They dance together.

Roman columns stand next to flamenco clubs. Moorish arches echo with Christian bells.

And golden light spills onto tiled patios.

Few cities feel so alive.

And few cities have given so much to Spain’s identity.

The magic of Sevilla! I hope you enjoyed 🇪🇸✨

Cheers, everyone! Follow me @NickLovesSpain for daily insight into Spain's endless charm ❤️