Smirnova Natalia Guide in the city of Seville

I was born in Moscow, although my mother was a native of Cadiz. I have lived in this beautiful city for over 15 years. Graduated from Lomonosov Moscow University and the Department of Master of the Humboldt University of Berlin. I work as a guide-interpreter with Spanish, German and Russian groups. We offer excursions, transfer and cultural program to the Costa de la Luz (Cadiz, Jerez, Tarifa, Weher, "White Villages"-, Medina Arcos), as well as in Seville and Gibraltar.

Recently, interest in this corner of Andalusia has increased due to the “golden beaches” of the Atlantic coast, rich traditions, exquisite cuisine, and not least the cheerful and friendly nature of the Andalusians. In the province of Cadiz, as nowhere can you combine a holiday on the beach and excursions! I'd be happy to accompany you!

How personal qualities would mark conscientiousness, punctuality and love for Andalusia!

1. Cadiz is the oldest city in Western Europe!
Cadiz is the oldest city in Western Europe! The Phoenicians arrived here in 1100 B.C. The "Sea Siren" called it Byron! Only 10 km2 of its area and on all sides - the Atlantic Ocean! In ancient times, the city was an island, today only a narrow isthmus connects Cadiz with the remaining Spain. . The program includes not only monuments, which are enough here (sarcophagi of the 5th century BC, the largest theater of Spain during the Roman Empire, the fortress and fortress of St. Catharina, Arab Medina, one of the most beautiful cathedrals of the Spanish Barroco, paintings of Murillo and Goya), but also the city itself with its magnificent beaches, narrow streets, spacious squares, an exotic park and, of course, secrets. Surely you want to find a dragon that is 400 years old, visit the Dark Chamber, try sea urchins and churros, find out what La Pepa means. I hope to fall in love with this city on the Atlantic Ocean!

2. Jerez - horse ballet and "wine cathedrals"
During a walk through the old city we will visit the Arab fortress - Alcazar, built during the Almohad dynasty in the XII century, where the only mosque in the city, and the Arab baths are preserved. We will also see the Cathedral, the Church of St. Dionysio in the Mudejar style, the former Musara Square...
The performance “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” at the Royal School of Equestrian Art begins at 12.00 and you need to be there in advance to walk through the palace park, in the depth of which the arena is located, and admire the pura race horses preparing for the exit.
Jerez is a trademark of wine controlled by origin. Only in this territory, in the heart of the province of Cadiz, this famous wine is produced! After the equestrian ballet - a visit to the "wine cathedral" and tasting the best Spanish sherry and tapas!

3. White villages
There are many and all very diverse. Some still retain the word "frontera" in their name, the border between Castilians and Muslims who fought for the land they considered their own - Andalusia. The wars ended at the end of the XV century, but the stories of everyday life of Al-Andalus remained alive: the structure of towns with a castle on the mountain, surrounded by a fortress wall, white houses behind jagged walls with red geraniums on balconies and spacious patios.
First we will visit the city of Medina Sidonia, where we will see part of the main street "Cardenus machimus" and cloacas of the Roman Empire, walk through the winding streets of the city, climb the bell tower of the parish church to admire the fabulous panoramic views from above.
In the city of Weher there is not a single traffic light and not a single modern building. We seem to be transported to the Middle Ages, because since then, neither the silhouette of the city nor the lifestyle of its inhabitants has changed.
After a break at the restaurant and a taste of algae and red tuna from Almadrava, we will go to Cape Trafalgar, where the battle took place; it is named today the central square of London Trafalgar Square and it also reminds of the death of Nelson.

4. Seville is a fairy tale, of course!
On the way to Seville, we will learn about the history and traditions of Andalusia, talk about horse racing, about “toro bravo” and flamenco, the origins of which are from here.
During the tour of Seville we will see the Maestrans Arena, the Golden Tower of the XIII century, which is today one of the symbols of Seville and, of course, the Square of Spain! This urban ensemble was built in anticipation of the 1929 Spanish-Amenican exhibition.
The Alcazar of Seville is the oldest active royal palace in Europe! Let’s not forget the romantic gardens. Further in the program - the Cathedral - the third largest in the world and of the Gothic and the largest! Built on the site of the main mosque, its architectural appearance harmoniously combines five architectural styles: Almohade, Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance and Barroco. Christopher Columbus is also buried here.
Being in Seville, you can not help walking around the Santa Cruz quarter, once a Jewish ghetto, with its typical narrow streets, courtyards and flower squares. Literally at every step - shops and restaurants, where it is so difficult to resist the temptation not to look.