Seville’s Literary Heroes – Don Juan and Carmen
Bizet's Carmen
Seville has provided the world of fiction with two of the most passionate characters – appropriate really, from this sultry Southern city.
Like the city of Seville itself, somehow they touch a nerve with us and their stories can still be heard, seen and read worldwide today.
The legendary Don Juan started from here to conqueror legions of women across Europe. His story is thought to have been inspired by 17th century Miguel de Manara. De Manara reformed from his wild ways after he had a premonition of his own funeral one night, and he then founded the Hospita de la Caridad.
Passionate Carmen, the passionate gypsy girl who was killed by her jealous spurned lover, was inspired by the hot-blooded cigarreras who worked in Seville’s Royal Tobacco Factory.
