Legend has it that Sevilla was founded by Hercules on six stone columns. In Sevilla the legendary Don Juan learned the arts of seduction before going on to conquer the hearts of women across Europe; and where Prosper Merimée’s Carmen sealed her fate when she couldn’t decide between the love of Don José and the “matador” Escamillo.

Sevilla captivates its visitors with its rich architectural ancestry, and some of its most famous spots are recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites: The Alcázar, The General Archive of the Indies, and The Cathedral site of Christopher Columbus’ tomb. La Giralda — the adjacent tower and the tallest landmark in Seville — is one of the few remains of the site’s original mosque, which was torn down in 1402, and it’s one of the world’s longest-surviving minarets from the 12th century.

As the story goes, some say that Cervantes came up with the idea for Don Quixote while he was serving time in Seville’s Royal Jail, and it’s marked with a bronze bust on the “Entre Cárceles” (Between Jails) street.

Sevilla is also known to be the birthplace of flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighborhood. The “Tablaos” host flamenco regularly, but, according to the locals, to find the best flamenco performances, you have to find the “Peñas,” small private clubs where aficionados are dedicated to preserving the art.