Under the Moors it was mostly governed from Córdoba, though it became a taifa, minor kingdom, in its own right in the 11th century. It was the Catholic Monarchs and the discovery of the Americas that made it a great city, though, as much of the plundered wealth of the Indies passed through its port in the 16th century. For although Seville is nearly a hundred kilometres inland, its altitude is only 6 m, and the Guadlquivir was navigable until it silted up at the beginning of the 18th century, initiating an economic decline which continued until the late 20th century.

For all its important monuments and fascinating history, Sevilla is universally famous for being a joyous town. While the Sevillians are known for their wit and sparkle, the city itself is striking for its vitality.