What to do for free in Sevilla?

Although in most of "main attractions" of Seville you must pay to enter, the city offers many impressive sites where entry is free. This a list of these sites:

1. The Cathedral of Seville: This is, along with the Real Alcazar, one of the most visited places in Seville. In this immense cathedral (located where the old mosque was), you will be able to appreciate different types of architecture: Almohad from the Islamic period in the bell tower known as La Giralda (belonging to the old mosque), Gothic in most of the temple and Renaissance in the annexed dependencies. Although the general admission is 9 euros, you can enter for free on Mondays from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Enter HERE for more information.

2. El Real Alcázar: This ancient fortified palace was home to the Muslim rulers in Seville during the Al-Ándalus period. Its beauty is such that after the Christian conquest the Catholic kings in the thirteenth century, took this building as their dwelling without significantly changing it. Later, Gothic buildings and other dependencies were built, however the Almohad style can still be seen in most of the enclosures. The courtyard of the maidens should be noted. The general entrance to the Alcázar is from 11 euros onwards, however there is the possibility of acquiring a free ticket on Monday from 18:00 to 19:00 h from April to September and from 16 : 00 to 17:00 from October to March. The process can be done ONLINE.

3. General Archive of the Indies: Located in the old building of the fish market dating from the sixteenth century between the cathedral and the royal fortress, the General Archive of Indians is a World Heritage Site since 1987. On the site you can see documentation related to the conquest of America, including documents signed by Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, Vasco da Gama, among others. Admission is free at the following times: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

4. Torre del Oro: It´s an ancient watchtower of the Muslim period dating from the 13th century and was built to reinforce the vigilance over the Guadalquivir river due to the Viking looting suffered by the city of Seville at that time. It is, in conjunction with the Giralda, one of the best preserved remnants of the Islamic period. During the period of America´s discovery also served as customs for gold and other products from the Spanish looting. Now houses the museum of the Navy of Seville. The visit in general costs 3 euros but on Mondays it is free. The schedule is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

5. Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park: The Plaza de España is one of the most emblematic sites of Seville and was built between 1914 and 1929 (Seville exhibition). This semicircular architectural ensemble is one of the most representative of the architectural movement known as the Andalusian regionalism. In general it houses government and military offices, but there is access to its corridors, to the central channel where you can take a boat ride, the bridges that cross the small canal and the central fountain. You have to take the time to see the beautiful tiles that represent different Spanish cities that are the walls of the main building. Right in front of the Plaza de España we find one of my favorite places in Seville, the impressive Maria Luisa park. Opened in 1914, it is an extensive set of gardens, avenues, ponds with birds, gazebos and fountains, all within a lush grove. It is the ideal place to spend a spring or summer afternoon. In its southern part you can find the Plaza de América and the archeology museum.

6. Parque del Alamillo: On the outskirts of the city center, next to the impressive bridge of Alamillo is the Parque del Alamillo.

7. Royal Tobacco Factory: This impressive 18th century building housed one of the largest tobacco factories in Europe where the tobacco from Cuba was processed for the industrial production of cigarettes. Beginning in the 19th century, women began to be hired for doing a finer job when it came to making cigars, in this way the figure of the women cigar makers of Seville emerged, responsible for the boom of the product in that century. These women were a source of inspiration for various works of art such as Bizet's opera Carmen. At present, the building is the seat of the rectory of the University of Seville as well as the faculties of social sciences. The large building is open to the public and it's beautiful.

8. City Tour: There are several free city tour options. I chose the company Pancho Tours, which make a tour every day at 11:00, starting from the plaza de la virgen de los reyes (in front of the Giralda). The tour includes very complete explanations in the following sites: The outskirts of the cathedral, the royal fortress, the gold tower, cigar factory and Plaza España.

9. Flamenco shows: When walking around the streets of Seville, especially in spring and summer, it is common to see flamenco artists performing in the vicinity of important buildings and monuments. The most common sites are: Puerta de Jerez, Plaza de España and Barrio of Santa Cruz. If you want to see a free and more exclusive flamenco show, at the bar of the Sevilla Dream hostel at number 32 on Pascual de Gayangos street, every Thursday at 8:30 p.m., there is an excellent flamenco company. with guitar, cantaores and bailaores. In the place you can eat tapas and cañas (beers).

10. Barrio Santa Cruz: Walk around this beautiful neighborhood and get lost. Enjoy the simple corners and watch locals in their routine, don´t be shy and talk to a few to learn a little bit more about Sevilla and its culture!

11. Guadalquivir River: Nothing better than sitting next to this amazing river to get lunch or share with your travel partner. You can watch people in kayaks and spent an afternoon meditating or listening to music!

12. Bonus: Metropol Parasol (mushrooms of the Encarnación square): A beautiful modern architectural work located in the Plaza Encarnación, has a viewpoint at a height of 26 meters that provides a peripheral view of the city, with excellent views of the Giralda and the Cathedral. The place is perfect to see a Sevillian sunset. You can also see some Roman archaeological remains. The entrance is not free, it has a small cost of 3 euros that includes a drink in a brewery that is under the structure. A place that is worth every cent you pay.

Written by: León L. (Photography assistant, musician and chemist.)