Santa Cruz, Medieval quarter in Sevilla, Spain.
Santa Cruz is a neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets forming a maze-like pattern between white buildings with decorative iron balconies and ceramic tiles. It stretches from the Cathedral of Seville to Jardines de Murillo, featuring multiple restaurants, craft shops, and historical mansions that welcome visitors.
The district served as the Jewish quarter until 1492, when the Alhambra Decree led to the expulsion of Jewish communities from Spain. Over the following centuries, it evolved into a residential neighborhood for other populations who left their own mark on its character.
The neighborhood contains traditional courtyards called patios, which residents fill with potted plants, fountains, and ornate ceramic decorations that reflect local pride. These private spaces show how people have shaped their homes with both color and care over generations.
The narrow lanes can feel crowded during peak hours, so exploring early morning or late afternoon works better. Wear comfortable shoes since the uneven cobblestone streets take effort to walk on.
Callejón del Agua was a street where water flowed to supply the Royal Alcázar from the city's aqueducts. Today this historical waterway remains largely overlooked, yet it shows how medieval engineers managed resources in the dense urban area.
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