t The glittering Baroque interior of the Iglesia de la Magdalena
t The glittering Baroque interior of the Iglesia de la Magdalena
Experience El Arenal
Bounded by the Río Guadalquivir and guarded by the mighty 13th-century Torre del Oro, El Arenal used to be a district of munitions stores and shipyards. Positioned at the last point where ships can sail upstream, Seville was perfectly placed to take advantage of Columbus’s landing in the Americas. In 1503, the city was awarded the Puerto de Indias trade monopoly and El Arenal flourished due to the wealth sailing into the port from the Americas.
Along with the rest of the city, the area’s fortunes saw an about-face in the 18th century after the city’s trade monopoly was transferred to Cádiz. Once central to the city’s life, the influence of the Guadalquivir declined during this period and it was left to silt up. By the end of the 18th century, El Arenal had become a notorious underworld haunt clinging to the city walls. After being converted into a canal in the early 20th century, the river was restored to its former navigable glory just in time for Expo ’92. The east riverfront was transformed into a tree-lined, shady promenade with excellent views of Triana and La Cartuja across the river.