All about Sevilla

Sins of the Father takes place in Sevilla, Spain in 1561, so let’s talk about two of the landmarks mentioned in the book!

Sevilla is an Andalusian port city in the south of Spain. Originally an Iberian town, it went through multiple rulers before finally becoming a Spanish city in 1248. During Spain’s golden age of exploration and trade to the New World, Sevilla grew to be a major trading center as well as the richest city in Spain. The book takes place during this time.

Real Alcazar de Sevilla

The Real Alcazar de Sevilla, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, took over 500 years to build and features Mudéjar, Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance architectural styles. Originally a Visigothic church, it then became a Muslim fortress and palace. When Spain united into a single Catholic country, the Alcazar was once remodeled into a palace for Catholic royalty.

Iglesia de Santa Ana, pc: Official Andalusia tourism website

The Church of Santa Ana is the other major landmark mentioned in the book. It is the oldest church in Sevilla, built in the late 13th century. Like the Alcazar, it features the Mudéjar and Gothic styles.

The city is a lovely one, comprised of a mishmash of styles representative of its colorful history. Many of the old buildings contain different design elements reflective of its changing population and rulers. It is a testament to the mark a people can leave on their surroundings. I hope my book inspires you to explore new places and even search out the history of your own surroundings.