On the Avenida de la Constitucion snake young moped riders in jeans and t-shirt through the afternoon traffic. The 720 000-inhabitant city, after Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, Spain's fourth largest, vibrates. But the sevillians never lapse into hectic. Around the Giralda - the symbol of the city, originally a minaret that was transformed into a bell tower of the cathedral - is a puzzle of streets, squares, monuments, lush gardens and roof terraces crowned homes.

Ayuntamiento The Town Hall from the 16th century is to the plaza San Francisco made of the Spanish Gothic style design, while the main facade on the Plaza Nueva, is following an expansion of simple classical fell. guided tours Sept.-July Tu-Thu 5.30pm and 6pm, Sat 12pm. entrance free.

Barrio Santa Cruz The fabulous neighborhood in the shadow of the Reales Alcazares invites you to rest a few hours without a map in his white alleys, undisturbed by cars or motorbikes in one of the bars to drink a coffee or in small shops looking after ceramics.

Catedral and Giralda "We build up such a large church that the post-World declares us insane." The builders of the cathedral of Seville (15th century) followed this expresion and created the largest gothic church in the world. Just behind the south entrance are four stone figures which hold a sarcophagus of stone, since 1902 the bones of Columbus should preserve in here whether the explorers really here rests, is the many reburial of his body not quite sure. The rise on a ramp to the top of the Giralda is with the best views of the old Seville rewarded. Mon to Sat 11am-5pm (July/Aug. 9.30am to 3.30pm), Sun 2.30pm-6pm. entrance Cathedral with Giralda 7 Euro, Sun entrance free.

Isla La Cartuja On the "Kartaeuserisland" celebrated the Sevillians cheerful the Expo in 1992, traces of which are already slowly blur. Where once the Lake Expo was, today the Sevillians have fun in the Isla Mágica theme park.

Plaza de Toros Seville's Real Maestranza bullring from the 18th century is equipped with 14 000 seats and is the largest and most important of Andalusia in Spain after Madrid. daily 9.30am-7pm, entrance 4 Euro

Reales Alcazares A tale from a thousand and two nights .Between arab playful ornaments are always the symbols of christian Spain: The castle and the Lion - but also the motto of the Nasridking in arabic script: "There is no winner except Allah." But the gardens are worth to visit: a fragrant island of tranquility full of water games and tile benches in the middle of the city. April-Sept. Tue-Sat 9.30am-7pm, Sun 9.30am-5pm, Oct.-March Tue-Sat 9.30am to 5pm, Sun 9.30am-1.30pm. entrance 5 Euro

Reales Atarazanas The royal ship stuff houses in the vicinity of the Guadalquivir river are among the oldest structures in the city (13th century). Sept.-July Tue-Sun 10am-2pm and 6pm-8pm (Oct. to March 5pm-7pm) C/Temprado, 1. entrance free.

Torre del Oro The Gold Tower on the banks of the Guadalquivir river originated in Moorish time in 1220 as a fortress tower. The second landmark beside the Giralda in Seville was probably originally with gold ceramic plates covered. Do not miss it but its only from the outside a visit worth.

Triana The residents of the neighborhood west of the Guadalquivir live in a separate world from their perspective Sevilla is a major town across the river. In Triana is the oldest church in Seville, the Iglesia de Santa Ana (1280). A visit to the district is good for its nightlife and its arts and crafts shops.

shopping Sevillas stroll mile is the area around the Sierpes and Calle Tetuan, north of the town hall. For souvenirs, such as tiles in Moorish style, it is worth the souvenir shop in the Reales Alcazares. The old train station in the Plaza de Armas since 1999 is an elegant consumption temple, where you will find well-known brand names.

food                                                                                                                                                                                                                       La Albahaca Stylish restaurant in an old mansion in the Barrio Santa Cruz, with a quiet terrace. Elegant Spanish kitchen. Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm and 8pm-12am Plaza Santa Cruz, 12

Los Alcores Here you eat like the locals: simple, but always with the best and above all fresh ingredients. Tue-Sun 1pm-4pm and 9pm-12am. C/Farmaceutico Murillo Herrera, 10.

La Cava del Europa Tapas bar and restaurant on the outskirts of the Barrio Santa Cruz with a modern kitchen, own tapas creations and long wine list. daily 8am-12am. Santa María la Blanca, 40

Cerveceria Giralda On the card are 38 different tapas, one more tasty than the other. Even many tourists can not distribute the locals. daily. 9am-12am. C/Mateos Gago, 1

Confiteria La Campana More than 100 years old cafe at the entrance to the street Sierpes. daily 8am-10pm. C/Sierpes, 1

Taberna del Alabardero Modern Andalusian cuisine in a city palace from the 19th century. Luxurious, but with affordable lunch menu. Sept.-July daily. 1pm-4pm and 8pm-12am. C/Zaragoza 20

where to stay                                                                                                                                                              Alcazar Pension Alcazar in the shadow of the walls overlooking the cathedral. 8 rooms. C/Dean Miranda, 12

Alfonso XIII One of the finest hotels throughout Spain. 147 rooms. C/San Fernando, 2

Las Casas de los Mercaderes Elegant hotel built around a beautiful patio in the 18th century, in the vicinity of the town hall. 47 rooms. C/Alvarez Quintero, 9.

Dona Maria Luxury hotel with a nice taste for kitsch. 64 rooms. C/Don Remondo, 19

La Hosteria del Laurel A traditional hotel near one of the most beautiful places in the Barrio Santa Cruz. 21 rooms. Plaza de los Venerables, 5.

Naranjo Ordinary Hostal in a typical, somewhat baroque sevillian furnished town house. 27 rooms. C/San Roque, 11