Barrio Santa Cruz

After Ferdinand III of Castile conquered Seville in the 13th century, the monarch who conquered the Moors then went about concentrating the city's Jewish population into an enclave now known as Barrio de la Santa Cruz. After the Alhambra Decree of 1492 expelled Jews from Spain, the quarter fell into a dark decline until the 18th century when an architectural renaissance spurred constriction of the magnificent buildings still standing.

Travelers may enjoy Barrio de la Santa Cruz during a private walking tour of Seville, discovering more than 3,000 years of Spanish history through the diverse architectural monuments like the Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, Real Alcázar palace, and Plaza Santa Cruz. Soak up the ancient atmosphere strolling through the narrow medieval streets, hidden gardens, and charming squares lined with orange trees.

• Suitable for solo travelers, couples, families.
• Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, water, and sun protection.
• Tours may include roundtrip hotel transfers.
• Check specific tours for details.

Barrio de la Santa Cruz is just west of Seville’s center, bordered by the Real Alcazar, Calle Mateos Gago, Calle Santa Maria La Blanca, and Jardines de Murillo. The city’s extensive bus network covers all the barrios of the city with many lines stopping in or near Santa Cruz. Get off at Ronda De Capuchinos (La Trinidad) or take the tram to the Archivo de Indias stop, which is next to Real Alcázar palace in the Jardines de Murillo

Seville is lovely to visit year-round. The summers can get quite hot, so come in the winter and fall for a combination of pleasant weather and less crowds. The spring is gorgeous, and comes with fantastic festivals like the two week Easter holiday, celebrated with raucous carnival-style processions, and the April Fair, a week of partying, drinking, earing and flamenco dancing, and the largest of its kind in Andalusia.

Seville is renowned for its enchanting architecture, and many of the most prized landmarks are in the old Jewish quarter. Start at the central Plaza de Santa Cruz and wander to the Moorish Real Alcázar palace, the Cathedral of Seville the 16th-century Casa de Pilatos palace, the Church of Santa María la Blanca built atop an old synagogue, and Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija, a museum showcasing an outstanding collection of art and mosaics.