The discovery of the Americas by Europeans in the early Middle Ages marked the beginning of the epoch of splendor for Seville and the city became known as the Gateway to the Indies.
It was to this place that the legendary wealth of the Aztecs and Incas was transported after the conquest of the Americas. Merchants from all over Europe gathered here, not only to take advantage of the inflow of fabulous wealth but also to live in the gentle surroundings of the south of Spain.
A region of immense contrasts, Seville embraces the modern yet preserves the ancient ways. In the week of Semana Santa, the heady aroma of coffee and orange blossom permeates the streets.
Heaving, throbbing masses of laughing, sweltering people pulsate down the narrow streets forming a human river that drags everything in its path. And yet, the night air is heavy with the scent of wild roses, fruiting oranges and expectancy.
 During the Golden Age, and because of its unique geographical position, the capital city of Seville was chosen as the main port of arrival for the treasure fleets that plied the seas between South America and Europe.
The city was accessed by the Guadalquivir river that took ships with shallow draft from the Atlantic seaport of Cádiz to the heart of mainland Spain.
By the end of the fifteenth century, however, Seville's attraction as a destination became diminished. Its location, some 80 kilometers from the coast, became too difficult to access for ocean going vessels.
But it doesn't take much imagination, as you stroll around the ancient streets of Seville and visit remote villages located deep in the Sevillian countryside, to see the region as it was in its heyday.
To the north of the province the ancient, once immense mountains of the Seirra Morena hide a myriad of cool valleys, sun-kissed whitewashed villages hugging shaded hillsides and pastures that any self-respecting northern European would be proud of.
History is evident wherever you go in the province. Castles punctuate the horizon and it’s difficult to go very far without seeing a different one brooding, as it has done for untold centuries, over small villages and eve-growing industrial estates.
The road network through the province is, thanks to the influx of funds from Europe’s coffers, up to date and makes it easy for the traveler to visit even the most remote of villages in search of a new experience or view that contrasts vividly with the cosmopolitan vistas of the capital to the south.
 In the east of the province, the once noble towns of Osuna and Ecija preside over rich estates and vine and olive groves that extend for kilometers in wide, chalk-enriched soil.
To the north the beautiful town of Carmona watches endlessly the plains that surround it. From the parador must be one of the best views in the whole of Seville – a vivid reminder of the strategic value of this gateway to the province.
To the south of Seville the province of Cádiz counters the rolling ancient flood plains of the Guadalquivir with its famous trail of the whitewashed villages, to the west the province of Huelva beckons with its strong links to the discovery of the Americas and its flavour of Christopher Columbus sailing into fame and fortune.
To the east Córdoba lies, a province rich in ancient remains of the dominant Arabic rulers of nearly two thousand years ago.
The province of Sevilla doesn’t disappoint in terms of things to see and places to visit. Culture, history, art, good food and a thriving night life make this a multifaceted place that provides just about every diversion needed for a satisfying existence.
More information: http://www.turismosevilla.org
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 04 October 2008 )
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