City enjoys a starring role
TV and film crews often use Seville as a backdrop. It’s easy to see why,
Having taken six attempts to pass my driving test, letting me loose on a Segway near main roads in a European city is perhaps ill- advised. But speeding around on two wheels proves to be a novel way to see the sights in the Andalusian capital Seville, in the south of Spain.
Our tour starts in the lush Maria Luisa Park, and after getting to grips with balance, thanks to some patient teaching from the instructors, our group is zipping around the Plaza de Espana on the futuristic devices.
The landmark is no stranger to space- age visitors, having featured in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, in a scene when Anakin and Padme arrive on the planet Naboo.
In fact, many of the city’s historic landmarks pop up in films, with the five- star Alfonso XIII Hotel appearing in 1962 epic Lawrence Of Arabia, and hit Netflix series The Crown.
Elsewhere, the orange groves, peaceful pools and idyllic gardens of the Real Alcazar double up as the Kingdom of Dorne in Game Of Thrones. Home to the Royal family since the 10th century, this World Heritage Site was partially built by a Christian king at a time of harmony amongst Christian, Jewish and
Muslim people; quotations from the Koran mix with Christian symbols in the beautiful mosaics.
As we head across the Guadalquivir River to Triana – proudly known to some residents as the Independent Republic of Triana – I hit the heady Segway heights of 18 kmph.
Originally a working- class neighbourhood packed with ceramic factories, it has become fashionable in recent years, but has a dark past as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition.
Our tour ends near the Plaza Nueva, a palm- shaded square filled with the scent of jasmine. It’s almost in sight of Seville Cathedral, the third largest church in the world and home to a tomb of Christopher Columbus, containing just 150g of his body.
Even more bizarre is a wooden crocodile hanging outside the cathedral; it’s a replica of the live animal sent by an Egyptian sultan in a bid to woo a princess in the 13th century. After failing to win her heart, it was strung up after living out its days in the palace.
We finish our journey at the city hall, where a meeting with the mayor reveals that Javier Bardem is making a film in town. I don’t spot him, sadly, but I’ve seen enough A- list sights to fill more than just one blockbuster.