Sixty million people visit Spain every year. Or to boggle the mind even further, about as many people as Turkey, Germany and Mexico put together.

What a place! As much as we try to illustrate how special the country is, no words can qualify the inherent allure of Spain. The Balearic Islands, Asturias, Aragon, Catalonia, Basque Country, Galicia … the diversity of Spain is simply awesome.

Andalusia of course, is a vital part of that multiplicity. We turn our attention then, to the fabulous capital of Seville and ten must-see attractions in the city of 1.5 million people.

10. Archivo General de Indias

New visitors to Seville should note that the Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo General de Indias form one cohesive UNESCO World Heritage Site. At least on paper they do. They are however, three distinct points of interest.

The Archivo, or Mercantile Exchange as it were, was a hall of records for business concerns of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Philippines. The Renaissance architecture of the landmark is remarkable but the treasure trove of archival documents on the inside – they number in the tens of millions – is the real draw.

9. Barrio Santa Cruz

Yes, the Barrio Santa Cruz is very popular but this is one notable exception to the rule that exhorts you to flee from tourist crowds. The labyrinthine quarter swells with vibrancy and reverberates with tapas and flamenco deep into the night.

8. Plaza de España

One of the most familiar landmarks in Spain, let alone Seville, is a glorious exemplar of Moorish Revival goodness.

7. Museum of Fine Arts of Seville

The Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla is a significant national institution, with a comprehensive collection of Spanish art that spans a period of more than 800 years.

6. Seville Cathedral

A valuable third of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage inscription, the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is also the third most prominent church in the world. Impressive enough but tour the inside, which is full of incredible details, from Pierre Dancart’s magnum opus altar to the tomb of one Christopher Columbus.

5. Seville Spring Fair

More event than attraction, La Feria de abril de Sevilla is nonetheless must-see. Time your visit to coincide with the post-Semana Santa celebration, which dates back to the mid-19th century and features traditional costumes, performances, cuisine and good Andalusian fun.

4. Torre del Oro

Easy to spot on the shore of the river Guadalquivir, the Torre del Oro is a vital symbol of Seville. The military watchtower was built in the early 13th century and has withstood the ravages of time with resilience. The naval museum inside is well worth a tour.

3. University of Seville

With over 70,000 students, the University of Seville ranks second in size in Spain and injects the city with a palpable youthful exuberance. The draw for tourists however, is the historical significance of the academic institution. The university is spread out in notable districts like La Macarena, La Cartuja and Nervion but the highlight is the main campus edifice, a massive former tobacco factory and backdrop of the Georges Bizet opera Carmen.

2. Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla

The oldest bullring in Spain was built in the mid-18th century and is absolutely magnificent. No matter how you feel about the corrida de toros, take the tour and visit the Museo Taurino inside.

1. Alcázar of Seville

Fabulous paradigms of mudéjar architecture thrive in Spain, from Calatayud to Sahagún. The Alcázar of Seville however, is nonpareil. The former Moorish fort is still in use by the royal family today as a residence.

Discover the best hotel deals in gorgeous Seville.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10