Seville
is the capital of Andalusia, a region inundated with
culture and romance. Andalusia is the backdrop of
Bizet's Carmen, the intense passion and faith of Semana
Santa (Holy Week), the bacchanalia and
revelry of Feria, the gyrating, hand-clapping,
heel-stomping ballet and the songs of love and tragedy
of the flamenco. Nowhere is Spain's character
and history manifested to the degree as in Andalusia,
the meeting point of many cultures and periods.
Seville
represents the passion and life of the region. By
day, the diversity of Seville's heritage becomes apparent.
The Roman, Moorish (Muslim), Jewish, Phoenician, Visigoth,
and Catholic traditions merge to spark the imagination
of newcomers. Located 70 miles inland, Seville has
access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Guadalquivir
River running north to south, dividing the city into
the east and west banks. Most of the city, including
the old quarter of Barrio Santa Cruz, is on
the east bank, while the Barrio Triana lies
on the west bank.
