Summer in Sevilla

Tiling in the Alcázar of Sevilla

From Córdoba, we headed to Sevilla. A real highlight of the Andalucían trip, Sevilla has everything! We stayed in the old town, full of winding narrow streets. Sevilla is not a city to head out without a decent map, there is no kind of grid system here! The Sevillianos are a fun loving people - there always seemed to be something happening, and it is one of the homes of flamenco, tapas, bullfighting, and captures the spirit of the Andalucían people. During our time here, we visited the Reales Alcázar, the former palace, which is full of beautiful tiling, plasterwork and gardens in the Islamic style, and also the cathedral.

The gardens of the Alcázar


Left: Relaxing in the Alcázar, Right: Elaborate courtyards in the Islamic style of the Alcázar

When building the cathedral, they said "Let's build such a cathedral that for hundreds of years they will be taking us for lunatics!" and it certainly is big. Thankfully, they maintained the beautiful Giralda, formerly the minaret of the mosque which once stood here, the Giralda is now the cathedral's belltower. We climbed up here for the spectacular views over Sevilla. As one must do when in Sevilla, we attended a flamenco performance. This performance was three people, the guitarist, the singer and the dancer. It was a really enjoyable night - fantastic music. We were sorry to leave Sevilla, but ended our visit in style, with an appointment at the Arab Hammam - the Arab baths for some pampering! Fantastic!

Left: the Giralda, and right: the view from the top of the Giralda, toward Plaza del Toros - the Bullfighting Ring

Islamic style courtyard and fountain amongst the maze that is Sevilla, and a flamenco dancer