Internship in Seville
Seville is pure passion. Being the city of Carmen and of Flamenco, of Don Juan and of bullfighting, the city combines all the charms and characteristics of Andalusia.
The wonderful location on the river Guadalquivir, the romantic atmosphere of the old town with its winding alleys lined with orange trees, its palaces and gardens make the city one of the most fascinating in Europe. Seville's historic buildings like the cathedral - the second biggest church in Europe - and its Moorish tower La Giralda, the king's palace Alcázar and all the grand villas speak volumes about the pompous history of the city.
Seville is without a doubt one of the most attractive cities in Spain. You will get to the heart of Spain in the Flamenco capital! An internship in Seville will give you the opportunity to experience the typical Spanish lifestyle and share the traditions and customs with the locals!
History
Romans
Seville underwent an economic high during its Roman era. The Romans built a fortress surrounded by walls and various entrance gates. Of these only the Arco de la Macarena and the Positgo del Aceite are still there today. Later, the city is fought over by Caesar and Pompejus which led to the Battle of Munda (between Osuna and Estepa) which is won by Caesar in 43 B.C.. Hispalis becomes the capital of the Betica (named after Betis, today Guadalquivir) and a Roman colony with all the rights of a Roman city. Hispalis, the political, economic and administrative center in the South of the Iberian Peninsula experiences the flourishing of Itálica which is only 2 km away. The two Roman rulers Adriano and Trajano are born there. In the 4th century Christianity is legalized and in the 5th and 6th century the Suebi and Visigoth invade Hispalis, another heyday of the city.
The Moors
The invasion of the Moors in 711 brings radical changes to the Iberian Peninsula. The South, where the rule lasts the longest, is particularly affected. Isbilia (Arabian name of Seville) with its Arabian-Andalusian culture is a blooming city under Islamic rule. Jews, Christians and various Arabian peoples live here. The Mozarabs do settle there in the end, too. Isbilia is an important city and revolts against Córdoba, which is close by and the capital of Al-Andalus, more than once. Al-Mutamid's rule (11th century) is decisive in this era of Seville's history and the city becomes the most important enclave of the West. At that time the Almoravids invasion takes place and the Berber army is slashed so that even Al-Mutamid has to flee. During the 12th century the city gets back under Almohade rule and regains its lost status.
Christians, Catholics and Jews
In 1248 Fernando, the III. El Santo (the Saint) drives away the Moslems and recaptures Isbilia. The city is renamed Seville. During this time Castilians, Jews and Hebrews immigrate to found the important Jewish quarter. The Alcázar becomes residence of the Christian kings and Seville goes through another blooming period, especially under the reign of Alfonso the X. "El Sabio" (the Wise), son of Fernando the III. and Pedro the I. "El Cruel" (the Cruel). The Arabian culture left its marks on public and religious building during century long rule. You can still see these influences on the Reales Alcázares, in the Casa de Pilatos and on the churches like the Santa Marina, San Marcos and on the tower of the church Santa Catalina.
