Best Seville Souvenirs: What to Buy and Where to Find Them

1. Hand-Painted Ceramics

Seville is famous for its ceramic tiles and pottery, known as azulejos, which have been produced in the city for centuries. These hand-painted ceramics come in a variety of forms, from decorative tiles to plates and vases, all showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors. The Triana district, historically known for its ceramic production, is the best place to find authentic and beautifully crafted pieces.

What to Buy:

• Azulejos: Small hand-painted tiles that make for perfect souvenirs.
• Ceramic Plates and Vases: These are beautifully decorated with traditional Andalusian patterns.

Where to Find Them:

• Cerámica Santa Ana in Triana: One of the oldest and most renowned ceramics shops in Seville.
• Cerámica Ruiz: Another excellent shop in the Triana district, offering a wide range of handmade ceramics.

Tips:

• Look for pieces that are marked as handmade and locally produced to ensure you’re buying authentic Seville ceramics.
• If you’re looking for a smaller and easier-to-carry souvenir, azulejos are a great option.

2. Flamenco Accessories

Seville is the heart of flamenco, and no trip to the city is complete without immersing yourself in this passionate art form. For those who want to take a piece of flamenco home, you’ll find a wide range of flamenco accessories that make perfect souvenirs. From mantones de Manila (embroidered shawls) to castanets, these items capture the spirit of this traditional Andalusian dance.

What to Buy:

• Castanets: Traditional percussion instruments used in flamenco performances.
• Flamenco Fans: Beautifully decorated fans are both practical and a stylish reminder of Seville’s flamenco heritage.
• Mantones de Manila: Embroidered silk shawls that are often worn in flamenco performances.

Where to Find Them:

• Filigrana Flamenca: A shop specializing in flamenco accessories, including castanets, fans, and flamenco shoes.
• El Rocío: Known for its high-quality mantones de Manila and flamenco clothing.

Tips:

• If you want to buy a fan or castanets, ask the shopkeeper for a brief demonstration on how to use them properly.
• Mantones can be expensive due to the intricate hand-embroidery, but they make for a unique and beautiful souvenir.

3. Traditional Sevillian Fans

Fans, known as abanicos in Spanish, are an essential accessory in Seville, especially during the hot summer months. These fans come in a variety of designs, from simple and practical to ornate and decorative. They are often hand-painted with floral patterns, making them not only a useful item but also a beautiful piece of art.

What to Buy:

• Hand-Painted Fans: Look for fans made from wood or fabric that feature intricate hand-painted designs.
• Silk Fans: For a more luxurious souvenir, opt for a fan made from silk with embroidered details.

Where to Find Them:

• Abanicos Carbonell: One of the oldest fan shops in Seville, offering a wide range of handmade abanicos.
• Casa de Diego: A traditional shop known for its high-quality fans, located near Plaza Nueva.

Tips:

• If you’re buying a fan as a gift, some shops offer the option to personalize the fan with the recipient’s name or a special message.
• Fans make great souvenirs as they are lightweight and easy to pack.

4. Olive Oil

Andalusia is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world, and Seville is no exception. High-quality extra virgin olive oil is an excellent gift or souvenir for food lovers, and it’s a great way to bring home a taste of Seville. Many shops in the city offer small, beautifully packaged bottles of olive oil, perfect for gifts or personal use.

What to Buy:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Look for small, elegantly packaged bottles of organic or artisan-produced olive oil.
• Flavored Olive Oils: Some shops offer olive oil infused with herbs, garlic, or lemon for a unique twist.

Where to Find Them:

• La Oleoteca: A shop dedicated entirely to olive oil, offering a wide range of oils from local producers.
• Zaitum: Specializing in organic olive oils, this shop also offers olive oil tastings.

Tips:

• Ask for a tasting session at shops like La Oleoteca to find the flavor that suits you best.
• Choose smaller bottles that are easier to transport and comply with airline regulations.

5. Sweets from Convent Bakeries

Seville is famous for its delicious convent-made sweets, known as dulces de convento, which are traditionally made by nuns in the city’s convents. These sweets include polvorones, almond cakes, and yemas de San Leandro (a sweet made from egg yolk and sugar). These treats are perfect souvenirs for anyone with a sweet tooth and offer a taste of Seville’s culinary history.

What to Buy:

• Yemas de San Leandro: These famous sweets are made by nuns at the Convento de San Leandro.
• Polvorones: Traditional Spanish shortbread cookies often eaten during the holidays.

Where to Find Them:

• Convento de San Leandro: You can buy yemas directly from the nuns at the convent.
• Santo Tomás Convent: Another convent known for its selection of homemade sweets, including almond pastries.

Tips:

• These sweets are often sold through a revolving hatch at the convents, preserving the nuns’ anonymity. Simply ring the bell and place your order!
• Yemas and polvorones make great gifts as they are unique to Seville and represent a long-standing tradition.

Conclusion

Seville offers a rich variety of unique and meaningful souvenirs that reflect its culture, history, and traditions. From beautifully crafted ceramics and flamenco accessories to delicious olive oil and convent sweets, these items make perfect mementos of your time in this magical city. Be sure to explore the local markets, shops, and convents to find the best Sevillian treasures to take home with you.