14.4.- DID YOU KNOW...?

Seville, with its rich history and charm, holds secrets and curiosities that often go unnoticed by visitors. On this journey through its streets, we will discover some fascinating curiosities that breathe life into this city.

1. The Altered Bench in Plaza de España
Plaza de España features 48 ceramic benches representing each of the Spanish provinces. However, here, you'll find an intriguing exception: the bench corresponding to Navarre was replaced with "Pamplona." This subtle yet significant alteration disrupts the alphabetical order and is a detail that doesn't escape the keen observer.

2. The Queen's Sewing Room
Legend has it that Queen María de las Mercedes, passionate about sewing, would spend her time on the first floor of the San Telmo Pavilion. While she embroidered, she eagerly awaited the arrival of her beloved, King Alfonso XII. According to the story, after their meeting in the Pavilion, the couple would ascend to the rooftop to enjoy the spectacular views of Seville and the warm sun. Despite the romantic tale that has persisted for years, the truth is that this idyllic moment never occurred. Queen María de las Mercedes, affectionately known as "Merceditas" in Seville, never got to see this impressive building, as she passed away shortly after her marriage to King Alfonso XII, while the building was constructed in 1893, a few years after her death.

3. The April Fair: An Imported Event
Despite being one of Seville's most iconic events, the April Fair was not the idea of the Sevillians. It was organized by two councilors, one Catalan and one Basque, in 1847. Over the years, this celebration has become one of the city's most popular festivals.

4. The Influence of the Torre de Oro in Cantabria
The iconic Torre de Oro (Golden Tower) in Seville is reflected in the coats of arms of the cities of Santander and Laredo in Cantabria. This tribute is due to the participation of Cantabrian sailors in the reconquest of Seville, demonstrating how historical events can forge unexpected connections between distant regions.

5. The Mysterious Lizard Gate in the Cathedral
Inside the majestic Cathedral of Seville, there is a door known as "the Lizard Gate." Resting on its ceiling is a preserved crocodile. The origin of this curiosity? It was a gift from the Sultan of Egypt to King Alfonso X in an attempt to court the monarch's daughter. This peculiar addition is a testament to the city's history filled with surprising anecdotes.

6. The Three Hands on Aníbal González's Statue
In the magnificent Plaza de España, a commemorative statue pays tribute to the architect Aníbal González, famous for his work on the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. What few notice are the three small hands carved into the statue's base, a symbolic gesture by the sculptors and architects who created it in honor of their newborn children.

7. The Chains Surrounding the Cathedral
Seville Cathedral is surrounded by metal chains symbolizing the boundary between the city's jurisdiction and that of the Church. These chains date back to a time when the Church had significant control over the city's everyday life and serve as a historical reminder in the urban landscape.

8. The Mill Wheels: More than Decorative Elements
The mill wheels on the facades of houses and buildings in Seville were not just decorative elements. They had a practical and protective function. In the 16th century, they were used to prevent the wear and tear of facades caused by the constant rubbing of carriages in the narrow streets of the city. These wheels not only serve as a reminder of history but also as an example of urban ingenuity in times past.

9. Roman Tombstones in the Giralda
Beneath the grandeur of the Giralda, two funerary tombstones of Roman soldiers from the 2nd century are used in its construction. These ancient and well-preserved tombstones transport us to Roman times and reflect Seville's rich history.

10. Hidden Underground Passageways
Beneath the streets of Seville, several secret underground passageways exist. While most are not accessible to the public, their mere existence piques the curiosity of those interested in the city's hidden history. Among these passageways are a Roman cistern, the Abades Street passage, and the Cueva de Hércules, which is now part of a hotel complex.

11. Orange Trees: Symbols of Happiness
The over 25.000 orange trees adorning Seville's streets not only add beauty to the city but also carry special significance. The tradition of planting orange trees originated from an Eastern belief that these trees brought happiness to their owners, a legacy that endures to this day.

12. Seville: A Port without the Sea
One of Seville's most notable curiosities is that, despite its inland location, it was the most important port in Europe in the 16th century for trade with the New World. This astonishing fact is attributed to Seville's connection to the Atlantic Ocean through the Guadalquivir River, facilitating trade with Spanish colonies in America.

13. The Alley of the Kiss
This narrow and peculiar street is Calle Don Reinoso, located right in the heart of the Santa Cruz neighborhood. It owes its nickname to a curious legend. The story goes that, due to its narrowness, the balconies were so close that owners could greet each other with two kisses when leaning out. Although it's uncertain if this explanation is true, the street has been forever baptized with this name. With a mere length of 50 meters, it connects Plaza de los Venerables to Lope de Rueda Street, ending right at the doors of Hotel Murillo. Calle Reinoso reaches its maximum narrowness at the upper part of the buildings. This peculiar layout is due to ancient reasons related to defense and shade in Sevilla's Jewish quarter. The tale of the "Alley of the Kiss" is a charming testament to the city's rich history.