The Blues face Sevilla for the second time in a fortnight, having snatched an injury-time victory over Unai Emery’s side at the Etihad Stadium.
The team will jet off to the capital of Andalusia after training at the City Football Academy this morning and we’ve had plenty of tweets from the City faithful who are also making the journey.
Enroute to Seville. (Via Malaga)
BLUES IN EUROPE. #MCFC #SFC #AwayDays pic.twitter.com/tdbb5PAsBa
— JMD (@JetMan_Dave) November 2, 2015With some time to kill before the 7:45pm kick-off on Tuesday, we thought we’d highlight some places of interest for the travelling army. Here are five suggested trips for football fans in Seville...
Points of interest
Seville Cathedral/La Giralda
The largest Gothic cathedral and third-largest church in the world, the Seville Cathedral was built to portray the city’s wealth and was completed in the 16th Century.
Admired for its grandeur, visitors are said to feel small when inside. It is rumoured its designers wished for guests to be so awe-struck that they think the builders were ‘madmen’.
In building the church, only the best materials and furnishings were used - and it also houses other treasures, such as priceless works of art and the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
The bell tower (the Giralda) sits beside the church. It is the symbol of Seville and visitors can climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Torre del Oro
The Torre del Oro (Gold Tower) is a military watchtower located alongside the Guadalquivir River, which was constructed to control access to the city.
It was connected to another tower across the river by a chain to prevent ‘enemy’ ships from entering, though the second tower no longer exists.
It earned its name because its tiles were enamelled in gold, although it is also claimed gold was stored inside it.
Nowadays, it is a naval museum that highlights the river’s importance in the city’s history. It has a viewing platform on its rooftop for visitors to admire the waterways.
Plaza España
In preparation for the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929, Sevillian architect Anibal Gonzalez designed a principal building located in the Maria Luisa Park, in a bid to boast Spain’s role in history, industry and technology.
The complex spans a huge half-circle with buildings around the edge. A moat surrounds it with numerous bridges which represent Spain’s four ancient kingdoms.
Since its construction, it has been used by the government though some sections of it are now museums.
The plaza has also featured in films, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars and the Dictator.
Barrio Santa Cruz
Bordered by the river, the Barrio Santa Cruz is a neighbourhood consisting of narrow, cobbled alleyways and streets with orange trees, colourful patios and small plazas.
There are many bars and restaurants here but because of its design, it is easy to get lost. However, some people claim that fact to be part of its charm as it is such an interesting area.
Due to its location and ambience, this is one of the ideal places for those who wish to experience the atmosphere of a medieval Spanish city.
Visitors can watch the world go by, or wander through centuries-old gardens and relax on beautiful tiled benches.
Metropol Parasol
Claimed to be the largest wooden structure in the world, the Metropol Parasol was only recently completed and is located at La Encarnacion Square.
It features six large umbrella-shaped pieces made of birchwood and is also known as ‘Las Setas de la Encarnacion’ or ‘Incarnacion’s Mushrooms’.
Its construction - particularly the price of it - caused controversy, with its estimated cost having doubled from 50 million euros. Many also shared contrasting views on its location, construction and modern design.
The structure is worth a look though and includes a market, antiquarium, restaurant and open air plaza.
Bars and leisure
For those who wish to frequent the city’s local watering holes, the below locations are suggested.
Calle Betis
Located in Triana, this area is known for its nightlife and houses many large bars along the city’s waterfront.
Calle Alemanes
“The German street” is located in Sevilla’s Casco Antiguo district and consists of various historical hotspots in addition to gift shops, entertainment venues and restaurants.
Calle Mateos Gago
Calle Mateos Gago serves as the main entrance to Sevilla’s Santa Cruz district, beginning next to the cathedral and ending at the street Fabiola.
Plaza del Salvador
Located in the pedestrian Alfalfa and Old Town districts, the Plaza del Salvador is an open space in which hordes of people gather to enjoy the bars and stunning architecture.
