La Alameda, Seville
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
La Alameda de Hercules and its vicinity constitute a neighborhood in the historical center of Seville, Spain. It is bound by the Guadalquivir to the west, the neighborhood of La Macarena to the east, and the Campana-Encarnacion commercial district to the south. Its centerpiece is a long promenade marked by a pair of medieval pillars on either end.
In 1574, the Count of Barajas replaced this swampy area of the city with a promenade that two centuries later would became a social center for the city's upper classes. In 1578 four columns were placed to mark off the promenade and two of them were crowned with Roman statues, one of Hercules and one of Julius Caesar, that had been found in the remains of a Roman temple in that part of the city.
In the 20th century, La Alameda lost its genteel appeal and sunk progressively into disrepute, often cited as an area troubled by prostitution and drug use. The latter part of the century once again saw a change and the neighborhood is now known to be clean and desirable. In 2006 the traditionally dirt-covered promenade was torn up and only in the summer of 2007 had the complete renovation been finalized.
The neighborhood is known today as a center for alternative, "hippy", and bohemian culture. Many of its venues host independent music performers and its many bars and cafes cater to those identifying with these sectors or who simply enjoy the aesthetic. It is one of the key nightlife centers of Seville, and particularly of the historical center.
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