For any visitor with cultural interests, whether Spanish or international, one of Andalusia’s great attractions is its blend of traditions and civilisations. In particular, the coexistence that once existed among the Religions of the Book (Christianity, Islam and Judaism). It lasted until five centuries ago and, despite coming to an abrupt end from the reign of the Catholic Monarchs onwards, its legacy remains alive. That is precisely what can be discovered at the Tres Cultures Foundation in Seville, one of the most surprising places in the Andalusian capital and perhaps one of the least well known. In the following lines we tell you what it is, what takes place there and why it is worth visiting.
What is the Tres Cultures Foundation of Seville?
The Tres Cultures Foundation of Seville is a cultural institution that promotes “dialogue, peace and tolerance among peoples and cultures of the Mediterranean”, in the words of its director, José Manuel Cervera Gragera.
It organises numerous activities, open to everyone, and most take place at its headquarters: a spectacular cultural centre we tell you more about below. To understand its scale and prestige, it is enough to say that WOCMES 2018 was held here, the world’s largest congress on the Middle East and North Africa, inaugurated by King Felipe VI in these very premises.
Why visit? Two reasons that will convince you
The Tres Cultures Foundation of Seville does not always appear in tourist guides to this Andalusian city. However, there are undoubtedly two reasons that will encourage you to include it in your travel programme.
- For the activities it organises
The programme of activities of the Tres Cultures Foundation of Seville is one of the richest and most dynamic on the city’s cultural scene. Conferences, exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, book launches and children’s workshops are organised in its facilities. All of this is approached with respect for diversity and for the religious sentiment of those who profess the Christian, Muslim or Jewish faith.
- For its spectacular facilities
The Tres Cultures Foundation of Seville is located in one of Seville’s most spectacular constructions: the Hassan II Pavilion (C/ Max Planck, no. 2, Isla de la Cartuja). It is true that it is not a historic building, as it was built as the Morocco Pavilion for Seville’s Expo ’92. However, its beauty and refinement are unquestionable and not entirely foreign to this city’s own tradition, where you will also find other monuments steeped in exoticism, such as the Giralda or the Royal Alcázar.
This building is a successful blend of modern volumes and traditionally inspired spaces, combining materials as varied as glass, ceramic and wood. Its central courtyard, with an eight-pointed star floor plan and coffered dome, is one of its most iconic features. So is its basement level, where marble and plasterwork are masterfully combined. To discover all of this, guided tours are organised, with places reserved either individually or for groups.
Andalucía Exclusiva can help you discover the Tres Cultures Foundation of Seville. We can also show you other corners of the city and the region focused on the Jewish, Christian and Islamic religions, either together or each one separately.