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Why Seville?

WHY SEVILLE?

The city fathers of Seville are fond of saying, "Para vivir ¡Sevilla!" We at IUS wholeheartedly agree and would add, "... y para estudiar, ¡También!"
Seville is the capital of La Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía. Of the seventeen autonomous regions comprising modern Spain, Andalusia is the largest demographic area though it is second in size geographically. With a population bordering on one million, Seville is not only the political center of Andalusia but also its industrial, technical and cultural center: significant events in Seville will affect not only Andalusia and the rest of Spain, but at times all of Europe.

TOUCH HER HISTORY

With human settlements dating as far back as 1000 B.C., Seville has welcomed Tartesians, Iberians, Celts, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. She has also received Germanic tribes from the north, Arab invaders from the south, and Christian armies from the 13th Century kingdom of Castille.
Seville welcomes you, too! IUS invites you to join this list of invaders, settlers and passersby and partake in the adventures—intellectual and otherwise—that Seville has to offer.

Walk With Greatness

As you stroll through Seville's ancient streets, you may feel the presence of such significant historical and cultural figures as Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega, or Don Juan and Carmen "La cigarrera"; Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and Velázquez seem so near, as do Hernán Cortés, Fray Bartolomé de las Casas and, of course, Cristóbal Colon (known to Americans as Christopher Columbus). The list could go on and on as Spain's historic past greets you right here in Seville.

Step Into the Past

For a more formal exploration of her rich past and her role in history, you can visit one of Seville's seven different museums, including the world's largest repository of documents relating to the discovery, conquest and colonization of the New World. Or you may prefer to more literally step back in time by walking social among the Roman ruins at nearby Itálica, whose amphitheater and beautiful mosaics offer a stunning reminder of the Roman presence in Spain. Whatever period of Spanish history interests you, Seville can help you understand it.

"All the IUS events were great." Jesse Rubin • University of Oregon

EMBRACE THE DIVERSE CULTURE

Here in one fabulous city, you may explore streets built by Rome for its victorious legions; stroll by minarets and port-defense towers dating back to Seville's Moorish 12th and 13th Centuries; stand in awe before the world's largest Gothic place of worship; and visit palaces of brilliant Renaissance and Baroque magnificence.
You may study in an 18th Century tobacco factory or in a 17th Century merchants' exchange; later, you may discuss class notes while sipping a drink in a "hamman", or Arab bathhouse. And in the midst of so many reminders of Spain's diverse historical influences, you are surrounded by a modern world-class city.

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

Whether you are a serious student of nature or just like to get away from the city every once in a while, the area surrounding Seville offers many interesting destinations.
Just one hour from Seville you'll find Europe's largest and most important wildlife preserve, El Parque Nacional de Doñana. Other nature parks at about the same distance are waiting for you in the Sierras, while the beaches of the Mediterranean and Atlantic are also within easy reach.