Seville's origins go back to about 2,700 years ago. In Roman times the city already existed, and increased its importance. Julius Caesar himself settled in it for a while. Witness to this period is the Grand Amphitheatre of Italica, only 3 km. from the city centre.
After the fall of the Roman Empire and the Visigoth period, Seville became a Muslim city for more than 5 centuries (712-1248) that left important monuments such as the older sections of the Royal Palace (Reales Alcázares), the Golden Tower, and the famous Giralda (ancient minaret later adapted as bell tower of the Cathedral).
In 1248 the city was conquered by the Christians of the Kingdom of Castile and Leon, whose Kings will spend long periods in Seville enriching it and extending the Royal Palace with lavish and new buildings. At this time (1401) begins the construction of his superb cathedral, third Temple of Christianity because of its size.
But without doubt the time of maximum splendor begins after the discovery of America. Seville, only inland port of Spain, will be for about 250 years Puerto de Indias (Port of the Indies), enjoying a monopoly of trade with the colonies. It is in this period when major artists like Miguel de Cervantes or Diego Velazquez live in the city, then one of the largest and wealthiest of Europe.
In the 18th century it comes decadence, when the Puerto de Indias is moved from Seville to Cadiz. However, important buildings are carried out at this time, notably the Royal Tobacco Factory (home of the famous Carmen).
In the 20th century will Seville again know a great urban growth with two major international exhibitions: the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929, whose main architectonical feature is the Plaza de España, and the Expo’92, who endowed the city with modern infrastructure such as the spectacular Alamillo bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava.
