The culture built over the 700 years following the 711AD Muslim invasion became the highest example of civilised life, the envy of the known world. It is with this in mind that we open our eyes to the role of the Muslim world in the formation of modern-day Europe. It is with this in mind that we see the story behind much of the architecture and accommodation in Seville, since it points back to the Moorish epoch (the 711AD invaders became known as the Moors) as a period of innovation, from the construction of buildings and society to technological advances such as paper and irrigation, and splendour.

The Alcaacutezar palace is worthy of such a visit. But keep in mind Seville is uncomfortably hot during summer. Winters are said to be mild and without the hordes of tourists, and are as such a recommended time to book Seville holiday apartments. Springs are also climatically nice, but come with the crowds, which in turn come with peak rates across all types of holiday accommodation from B&Bs and hotels to Seville apartment rentals.

For many spring is the draw, since this is when Semana Santa (Holy Week) – the week leading up to Easter – and the colourful two-week fiesta that follows it takes place. Semana Santa is internationally well known, particularly for its long processions of the robed and generally hooded.

The distinctive hooded cap is pointed in much the same fashion, it is often noted, as those worn by the Ku Klux Klan. While choice of attire is where any analogy with the Ku Klux Klan ends, there is another memory conjured by these lines of hooded figures.

Isabella and Ferdinand – “the Catholic Monarchs” – set up the Spanish Inquisition, to root out non-Catholics and eliminate the last stronghold of Muslim Spain. The auto-de-fe acute; was the religious ceremony during which heretics were made to repent their sins before their pointy-hooded accusers. The first Spanish auto-de-fe acute; took place in Seville, in 1481.

Should you then book a holiday apartment in Seville for the week leading up to Easter, the religious ceremonies attached to it may well inspire remembrance of this grisly history. Following the auto-de-feacute;, proclaimed heretics might be burnt at the stake; Most would loose their homes and livelihoods.

It is interesting in today’s climate of denigrating Muslim character and culture, both current and historical, that these two chapters in Spanish history have such opposite roots: There is no evidence of forced conversions to Islam in Muslim Spain. Weather or not the hooded processions are vestiges of the auto-de-feacute; there is something to be remembered about the spirit of acceptance that people in pointy hats seem to have historically failed to do.

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Seville has many Moorish characteristics that are evident in its historic buildings and city wall. The Moors controlled the city from 712 until it fell to Fernando III in 1248. From that time, many public buildings and churches were built and many of these can also still be seen today.

When visiting Seville, there are a few sites that are must-sees for any tourist. Begin by going to the city’s cathedral which was built between 1401 and 1519. It contains the longest nave in the whole of Spain and is among the largest medieval and Gothic cathedrals that have been built. It was built where the city’s mosque was situated and in fact, it used parts of the mosque in its building. You can see some columns and a minaret that were converted to be incorporated into the cathedral. It also features a large amount of gold and is extravagantly decorated. It is must see from an architectural and historic point of view.

The Alcazar faces the cathedral. It was developed from the city’s Moorish palaces and sports beautiful gardens that bring together Moorish, Andalusian and Christian themes.

The Torre del Oro was a watchtower on the river and the Town Hall was built in the 16th century. There are also very many beautiful parks and gardens from different eras of the city’s history.

There are two world renowned festivals in Seville each year, Holy Week (Semana Santa) and the April Fair (Feria de Abril) and if you are lucky enough to visit Seville during those times, you will see women wearing rich Flamenco dresses, large marquees and plenty of dancing and drinking. Seville boasts a gastronomically pleasing cuisine that is not to be passed over by tourists to the area. Its cuisine reflects its rich history and is therefore varied and exciting.

There is a range of visitor accommodation in Seville. Tourists to the area can elect to stay in a traditional hotel or in a more modern one. The city offers in the range of 20,000 sleeping options for tourists. They have hotels anywhere from one to five stars, hostels and any variety of guest houses. It should be mentioned here that although there is a huge variety of accommodation available, many of the cheaper Seville hotels are beginning, or have already, undergone renovations in order to upgrade them into more attractive hotels. This is naturally pushing up the prices of some of the previously inexpensive sleeping options.

Due to the attraction of the festivals in Seville, it is important to book hotels well in advance or you may find that you are stuck. In fact, even for weeks other than festival weeks, it is important to book in advance due to Seville’s mild Mediterranean climate that makes the city an attraction all year round.

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