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Seville is the third largest city in Spain and the
capital of Andalucía. Its
Old Town contains three UNESCO World Heritage sites, as
well as a number of structures from the times when
Seville flourished during the Moorish era, the Golden Age of
Discovery, and the post-Civil war period.
(thomas weyrauch, wikimedia commons)
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The main sights are easily reached on foot from the main street,
Avenida de la Constitucion, and Plaza Nueva.
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The Torre del Oro was a military watchtower built by the Almohad
Dynasty in the 13th Century to control access on the
Gualdalqivir River. It served as a prison during the Middle
Ages.
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Paralleling the river is Paseo de Cristobal
Colon where the bullfighting ring is located. One of the most
pleasant activities is to join local Sevillanos in their evening
strolls through the streets and along the river.
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On the west bank lies the district of Triana, a unique community
originally inhabited by sailors, potters and tile makers,
artisans and construction workers. It has its own festivals and
flamenco competitions. |
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Seville's Cathedral of St. Mary with its Giralda bell tower dominates the
city. Completed in the early 16th Century, it is the third
largest church in the world. The cathedral has 15 ornate
doors and 80 chapels. |
As seen here at Plaza Alianza, an assortment of squares and fountains,
and re-purposed historic mansions, ducal
palaces, churches, chapels and hospitals can be seen along the
many streets of the Centro, Alameda and Macarena districts.
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The real centre of Seville is the densely packed pedestrianized
zone of narrow streets and public squares north of the
Cathedral. |
Seville's medieval Jewish quarter, Barrio de Santa Cruz, is
a tangle of quaint winding streets and flower-bedecked patios.
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The Royal Alcázar has been the residence of
many generations of caliphs and kings. At its heart is the
Patio of the Maidens surrounded by beautiful arches,
plaster-work and tiling.
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The Alcazar is resplendent with mudéjar
tile, plasterwork and architecture, the Islamic influence
on Gothic and Renaissance art.
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The Alcazar has a vast garden and orchard. In the 16th
Century the Muslim wall was converted into the Italianate- style
Grotto Gallery. |
The
Murillo Gardens were developed the 20th Century to reflect
classic gardens with a Moorish revival influence. In the gardens
is a large monument in commemoration of Columbus. |
Seville retains the strongest tradition of bullfighting in
Spain. We enjoyed observing the local customs associated with
bullfighting days of wearing special clothing and eating special
meals.
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The Metropol Parasol is the largest wooden structure in the
world. Constructed in 2011, its shape commemorates the vaults of
the cathedral and nearby ficus trees. The top levels are
observation decks, and below ground is the Antiquarian, a
display of Roman ruins found onsite during construction.
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Plaza de España in Maria Luisa Park
was constructed for the Ibero-American Exposition World's Fair
in 1929. Tiled fountains, ponds, pavilions and alcoves represent
the regions of Spain.
(dominik tefert, wikimedia commons) |
