When planning a journey to Andalusia, most travelers think first of Seville city — with its dazzling monuments, vibrant plazas, and flamenco culture. Yet just beyond the capital lies a province filled with treasures waiting to be explored. If you’re visiting Seville, set aside a few days to discover its wider province. Here’s why Seville Province deserves a place on your itinerary.
1. A land of Al-Andalus legacy.
For more than five centuries, Seville and its province were part of Al-Andalus, flourishing as a cultural and economic powerhouse. Under the poet-king Al-Mutamid, it became the most powerful Muslim kingdom of the region. Today, echoes of that era remain everywhere: walled medinas, alcázares and alcazabas (palaces and fortresses), bustling souks, ancient baths, and minarets that once belonged to mosques. For Muslim travelers, this heritage offers not only history but also a deep spiritual connection with the land.
2. Walled towns full of history
Throughout the province, many towns still preserve their fortified character. Places like Aznalcázar, Carmona, Écija, Marchena, Sanlúcar la Mayor, Alcalá del Río, and Alcalá de Guadaíra reveal the layout of former Islamic medinas, with their narrow streets, central markets, and defensive walls. Walking through these towns feels like stepping back in time.
3. Timeless Landscapes Along the Guadalquivir
The Guadalquivir River —its name derived from the Arabic Wadi al-Kabir, “the Great River”— runs through the province, shaping its landscapes and culture. Around it, you’ll find whitewashed villages and endless olive groves stretching towards the Sierra Morena. This is Andalusia at its most authentic: tranquil, sunlit, and perfect for travelers seeking a slower pace away from the bustle of the city.
4. Gastronomy with Andalusi roots
Food in Seville Province carries the flavors of Al-Andalus. Dishes like harira, alboronía (a vegetable stew considered a forerunner of pisto), and early forms of gazpacho reflect centuries-old traditions. Sweet lovers will enjoy alfajores, pestiños, and nougat, while olive oil —a legacy from both Roman and Andalusi times— remains a star product worldwide. Thanks to these roots, many recipes naturally align with halal-friendly dining, making the culinary experience especially appealing for Muslim visitors.
5. Artisan traditions that endure
From leatherwork (marroquinería) to ceramics, mosaics, glass, and wood carving, Seville has long been a land of skilled artisans. These crafts, perfected during the Andalusi period, are still alive in some towns today. Visiting workshops and markets is a wonderful way to connect with this heritage while supporting local communities.
6. Beyond Al-Andalus: Roman and Renaissance gems
The province offers more than its Islamic past. Just outside the capital, a unos 15 kilómetros, lies Itálica, the first Roman city in Hispania, where you can stroll among ancient streets and one of the largest amphitheaters of the Empire. In Osuna, you’ll find Renaissance palaces and mansions lining Calle San Roque —voted in 2024 the most beautiful street in Spain and the second most beautiful in Europe. This blend of eras shows how Seville Province has always been at the crossroads of civilizations.
7. Towns and monuments worth discovering
Seville Province is dotted with towns that hold remarkable monuments and landmarks. Carmona enchants visitors with its ancient walls, Roman necropolis, and Islamic fortress and gate. Écija, known as “the city of towers,” offers baroque churches, algunas de ellas alminares de antiguas mezquitas, rising above its skyline. In Marchena, you’ll find traces of its Andalusi medina alongside Renaissance treasures. And Osuna, beyond its elegant palaces, is also famous as a filming location for international productions like Game of Thrones. Each town reveals a different layer of the province’s history, making them unforgettable stops on your journey.
8. Easy to explore from Seville city
One of the best reasons to discover Seville Province is how easy it is to reach. Carmona is just 30 km from the capital, Osuna about 86 km, and even the farthest town is less than a two-hour drive away. With excellent transport links and seven themed routes highlighting the Andalusi legacy, exploring the province can be done through short day trips or a two- to three-day stay.
More than just the city
Seville city is unforgettable — but the province adds layers of history, beauty, and authenticity that complete the experience. From Islamic heritage to Roman ruins, from olive groves to artisan workshops, Seville Province invites you to slow down, explore, and connect with Andalusia’s many stories. Make sure to include it in your trip — its charm will captivate you.
