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The city of Seville is a popular tourist destination for its historic buildings and monuments. The city is also known for its many sights, such as the Cathedral, the Alcazar and the Plaza de España.
One of the main tourist attractions, and one of those that allow you to breathe the true essence of the Andalusian city, is the Barrio de Santa Cruz. In order not to miss any detail of this unique neighbourhood of Seville, we recommend you to count on the specialised guide of a Free Tour of Santa Cruz like the ones we offer you in Guruwalk.
The Santa Cruz quarter in Seville is the living representation of the Jewish quarter in Andalusia.
The neighbourhood was established in the 12th century and then grew steadily, with a large influx of Jews escaping the Inquisition.
Spain's Jewish community, once one of the largest in Europe, had its centre in Seville. The first Jews arrived in Seville after being expelled from their homes by Muslim rulers during the Spanish Reconquista. More Jews escaped the Inquisition and found refuge there.
The geographical isolation of this quarter made it a closed community dominated by commerce and artisans who spoke Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) as their mother tongue.
The most distinctive features of this neighbourhood are its narrow streets and houses with flower-filled courtyards and gardens.
Monuments, streets and small squares are what you will find as you stroll through the Barrio de Santa Cruz. One of the most privileged views of the Giralda can in fact be enjoyed from its streets.
One of the most spectacular times of the year to visit this unique neighbourhood of Seville is during the Holy Week celebrations, as many of the brotherhood processions parade through its streets, and you can enjoy something as deeply rooted in its inhabitants as Holy Week and the veneration of the pasos of the brotherhoods of brotherhoods.
As you can see, the unique history of the neighbourhood, as well as its architecture, marked by its narrow streets that lead to beautiful squares, as well as its houses with courtyards, and not forgetting its celebrations on special dates, make Santa Cruz a major tourist attraction in the city of Seville.