Isla de La Cartuja

Isla de La Cartuja Review

Named after its 14th-century Carthusian monastery, this island in the Guadalquivir River across from northern Seville was the site of the decennial Universal Exposition (Expo) in 1992. The island has the Teatro Central, used for concerts and plays; Parque del Alamillo, Seville's largest least-known park; and the Estadio Olímpico, a 60,000-seat covered stadium. The best way to get to La Cartuja is by walking across one or both (one each way) of the superb Santiago Calatrava bridges spanning the river. The Puente de la Barqueta crosses to La Cartuja, and downstream the Puente del Alamillo connects La Isla Mágica with Seville. Buses C1 and C2 also serve La Cartuja.

Isla Mágica. The eastern shore of Isla de la Cartuja holds this theme park with 14 attractions, including the hair-raising Jaguar roller coaster. Seville. 902/161716. www.islamagica.es. June-mid-Sept. €25; Apr.-May and mid-Sept.-Nov. €21. Mar.-Apr., weekends 11-10; May-June weekdays 11-7, weekends 11-10; July-mid-Sept. Sun.-Fri. 11-11, Sat. 11 am-midnight; mid-Sept.-Nov., weekends 11-9.

Monasterio de Santa María de las Cuevas. The 14th-century monastery was regularly visited by Christopher Columbus, who was also buried here for a few years. Part of the building houses the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo, which has an absorbing collection of contemporary art. Av. Américo Vespucio, La Cartuja, 41092. €3; free on Sat. and Tues.-Fri. 7-9. Tues.-Sat. 11-9; Sun. 11-3.