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Published: November 17th 2011
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La Giralda
Bell Tower of the Cathedral 10 NOVEMBER - THURSDAY
Left Granada and headed for Sevilla. oops! A little wrong turn, and we were headed for Motril on the coast. So, we decided to stay on the current course and follow the coast alongside lovely resort towns, turning north at Malaga. We were into a drier area as we climbed in elevation. Got to our original route and turned west. Hotel Al Andalus was lovely. We were out of the busy part of the city, but we had a bus station 1 minute away that took us into town. Thanks to some helpful folks on the bus, we were directed to a tram that we rode to the central area. We stopped right in front of the cathedral, and a great area where folks strolled the streets. We found a nice little restaurant behind the cathedral for dinner, and were serenaded through an open window by a group of students in an upstairs apartment. The street performers are quite entertaining, too!
11 NOVEMBER - FRIDAY
Headed back into town as we were going to see the cathedral. Another WOW!!! We ended up spending 6 hours there. The artwork was unbelievable. We rented an audio guide which
La Giralda
View from the top highlighted artwork or architectural details we may have missed. The treasury was full of gold altar pieces and beautifully embroidered vestments. Built on a mosque the Spaniards tore down in the "reconquista", this is the third largest cathedral in Europe, started in the 13th century. The main altarpiece is fantastic, covered in gold and tells the story of the Bible in niches (over 80) with carved statues. Mike and I climbed the Giralda and got a great view of the city. This was the minaret for the mosque converted to a bell tower. Remember, though, that if you are up in the tower at the right time, the bells do work. Found a little place for a drink, then headed back to the neighborhood behind the cathedral for a place for dinner. Strolled down the avenue in front of the cathedral and enjoyed the people watching and street performers.
12 NOVEMBER - SATURDAY
We had a recommendation from a young lady at the tourist office to go and see the Alcazar. So we spent another 5 hours (willingly) touring a fabulous palace that was as beautiful outside as inside. This was built by the Moors, also, but was claimed
Cathedral in Sevilla
Altarpiece behind the main altar by the Spaniards and used by The Catholic Reyes (kings) in the 15th century. So, there is quite an architectural influence still seen today from the Moors. You have to pay an extra fee to tour the area of the palace that the Royal Family uses when they are in Sevilla, but it is definitely worth it. It's a 20-minute tour, the rooms rival the royal palace in Madrid, just fewer of them. There was an interesting exhibit of the tiles and ceramics used in the palace inside and out. The Moors and Spanish created beautiful motifs all over walls, arches, even floors. Some of the tiles were reused when additions or restoration was done on parts of the palace.
The gardens have been recreated as much as possible with some additions over the centuries. Many topical trees and plants here, so it must not get very cold in winter.
And as with other palaces and gardens, lots of water features inside and out.
13 NOVEMBER - SUNDAY
Went back into town for some breakfast and mass at the cathedral. Spent time just walking around the neighborhood. Many shops are closed on Sunday, even El Corte Ingles and the
The Treasury
One of the displays supermarkets. We were hoping to see the inside of the archbishop's palace, but it is not open to the public.
We were having lunch when we struck up a conversation with some Brits at the next table. Ended up running into them again at the Plaza de Espana. This is a huge semi-circular plaza to one side of one of Sevilla's many parks. We were gawking at all the tile and ceramic used in the outside construction of this place. No public access, as the building is used for government offices. Lots of families come here and to the park adjacent to enjoy a boat ride, carriage ride or an ice cream. There were a few vendors selling fans and castanets on the stairs. Trying to decide what fans to choose from which vendor, all of a sudden there was quite a commotion. One of the girls from a group farther down came running by yelling something and all the vendors scooped up their wares and disappeared! Then a policeman strolled by with a bag picking up the dropped merchandise. Mike asked him if we could have some, so we got a few fans for free. Walked back to one
Alcazar
Part of one of the buildings facing one of the courtyards showing Moorish and 15th century architecture of the bus stops on our route and went back to the hotel. We will miss Sevilla and all her beauty.
Weather has been great, cool in the mornings, but comfortable in the afternoon. Temps drop when the sun does.
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