Guided Tour of the Nativity Scenes of Seville and its Illuminations
Departure on foot for the guided tour of Seville's nativity scenes and its illuminations. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the holidays in Seville, where the streets shine with thousands of twinkling lights. You will marvel at the famous Belenes, the city's traditional Christmas nativity scenes, which derive their name from the word "Belén," meaning Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. These nativity scenes, true artistic masterpieces, go far beyond simple representations of the nativity, showcasing craftsmanship at the intersection of art and culture. They highlight Andalusian traditions through intricately sculpted scenes and decorations filled with details. We will explore the Plaza de España, adorned with azulejos and specially built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929. The plaza forms a semicircle with a diameter of 200 meters, symbolizing Spain welcoming its former colonies. It faces the Guadalquivir River, representing the path toward the Atlantic Ocean and America. A unique building lines the entire curved side of the plaza. In the center of the square is a fountain (designed by Valencian architect Vicente Traver). Canals flow between the center and the palace, also in a semicircle, and four bridges span them, representing the four former queens of Spain. Continue the visit through the charming Santa Cruz district, the former Jewish quarter, located within the old city walls. It is part of the historic heart of the city and neighbors some of the most famous monuments in Andalusia's capital. A place of art and history, the district dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with legends, churches, and palaces, remnants of its past. Beautified at the beginning of the 20th century, it is now one of the most emblematic neighborhoods of Seville. It is particularly known for the charm of its steep, narrow streets, which will be enhanced by the festive illuminations. End your visit at the Feria del Belén, a market dedicated to figurines, decorations, and materials for nativity scenes. It’s the perfect place to discover local craftsmanship, find unique pieces, or simply admire the traditional Spanish nativity creations. Return on board.
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Departure on foot for the guided tour of Seville's nativity scenes and its illuminations. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the holidays in Seville, where the streets shine with thousands of twinkling lights. You will marvel at the famous Belenes, the city's traditional Christmas nativity scenes, which derive their name from the word "Belén," meaning Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. These nativity scenes, true artistic masterpieces, go far beyond simple representations of the nativity, showcasing craftsmanship at the intersection of art and culture. They highlight Andalusian traditions through intricately sculpted scenes and decorations filled with details. We will explore the Plaza de España, adorned with azulejos and specially built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929. The plaza forms a semicircle with a diameter of 200 meters, symbolizing Spain welcoming its former colonies. It faces the Guadalquivir River, representing the path toward the Atlantic Ocean and America. A unique building lines the entire curved side of the plaza. In the center of the square is a fountain (designed by Valencian architect Vicente Traver). Canals flow between the center and the palace, also in a semicircle, and four bridges span them, representing the four former queens of Spain. Continue the visit through the charming Santa Cruz district, the former Jewish quarter, located within the old city walls. It is part of the historic heart of the city and neighbors some of the most famous monuments in Andalusia's capital. A place of art and history, the district dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with legends, churches, and palaces, remnants of its past. Beautified at the beginning of the 20th century, it is now one of the most emblematic neighborhoods of Seville. It is particularly known for the charm of its steep, narrow streets, which will be enhanced by the festive illuminations. End your visit at the Feria del Belén, a market dedicated to figurines, decorations, and materials for nativity scenes. It’s the perfect place to discover local craftsmanship, find unique pieces, or simply admire the traditional Spanish nativity creations. Return on board.
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
The Soul of Christmas in Andalusia: Cruise to the Heart of the Nativity and Festive Celebrations (port-to-port cruise)
SEVILLE - CADIZ - EL PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA - SEVILLE
Experience the magic of Christmas in Andalusia and discover its history through its festive traditions. The Nativity scenes of Seville highlight the local craftsmanship, with meticulously sculpted figurines and majestic decorations full of details. The enchantment of Spanish Christmas customs lies in the sharing and conviviality of festive moments, elevated by local gastronomy, songs, and the beauty of Christmas decorations. A landmark city in Spanish history, Seville, where Christian and Muslim cultures thrived together, inherits from its rich past architectural treasures, notably the Palacio de Las Dueñas.