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Built on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville is heir to a rich Arab legacy, as well as that of being a prosperous trading port with the Americas, during the height of the Spanish Empire. Every street and square that makes up the historic quarter of the Andalusian capital bustles with activity and life. This area has an interesting collection of historic buildings, many of which have been declared World Heritage Sites, and also contains colorful districts with great local flavor, such as Triana and La Macarena.
The monumental site formed by the Cathedral, Royal Fortresses and Archive of the Indies was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is the city's emblem. The Gothic church, built on top of the Almohad Mosque of Seville, is located among whitewashed houses in the district of Santa Cruz. Of the Arab legacy, the old minaret is preserved, which nowadays is the famous Giralda, as well as the Patio de los Naranjos (the Courtyard of the Orange Trees). Next to these, the Reales Alcázares (Royal Fortresses) are built on top of an Arab citadel from the 9th century, yet we owe the Mudéjar decoration to Pedro I the Cruel in the 14th century. The walls enclose numerous rooms, lavish halls, and intimate courtyards. Its spacious gardens, with Arabic and Renaissance elements, frame the whole complex.
Seville is a remarkable southern business and service centre, having around 10.000 four- or five-star hotel beds distributed all over the city. Museums, arts centers, theme parks, cinemas, theatres, and banquet halls are only a few of the endless possibilities that a great city like Seville affords. The numerous terraces, pubs and bars are where the most deeply-rooted of all traditions of the city is carried out, the tapeo. The visitor soon discovers the immense natural wealth of this region, it being the ideal setting for practising outdoor sports, including hiking, horse riding, and cycling. If, on the other hand, golf is your sport of choice, then you will be glad to know that Seville has four excellent golf courses in its vicinity.
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