Seville
Arriving through chaotic traffic to a pleasant 27C and sunshine we decided to walk to the apartment we were renting in the Triana area of Sevilla. Walking along the river there was a lovely feel to this city and we looked forward to exploring it. Crossing the bridge and finding the street, Calle Castilla, we got the feeling we were in an ecclectic area with traditional buildings including the famous ceramic work of the area in their facades.
We set off for lunch and stopped at the famous Casa Cuesta, with it’s stunning wooden carved bar and buffed brass beer pumps, which is at the other end of Castilla from the apartment. Eating to satisfaction we then headed for a supermarket to get supplies for the apartment with no idea where we would find one! Finding a rather average supermarket we got some food then dragged ourselves back in the heat. The kiwi decided to do some further investigation after siesta, getting slightly lost on the way (as happens without any map!) and returning a good hour and a half later!
Cathedral
Crossing the bridge in the evening in the direction of the Cathedral, we past a lovely looking tapas bar full of locals and decided to try it out, with satisfying results! We ate from a board full of freshly cut meats and cheeses at Jamon Real then continued our walk to the Cathedral, passing bustling bars with more people outside than in, socialising. On turning a corner we were faced with the enormous Cathedral. “Let us create such a building that future generations will take us for lunatics” the church authorities agreed, and that they did! It’s one of the largest in the world, completed in 1507 in Gothic and Renaissance styles with the original mosque’s minaret standing on the eastern side. We made our way home partially winding through the Barrio Santa Cruz.
Alcazar, Sevilla
The Alcazar Real took me by surprise with its size, the place is huge! We spent a couple of hours looking
Alcazar Real, Sevilla
around enjoying the beautiful complex before stopping for a late lunch and respite before continuing our investigations of the facinating palaces and buildings. The Alcazar was founded as a fort in 913 and over 11 centuries has been expanded and rebuilt. Pedro 1 had his Muslim ally Mohammed V of Granada send along his talented artisans to help build the Palacio de Don Pedro to create the exquisite plasterwork and tiling. Water is used to provide refreshment from the heat with water channels, fountains, pools. So peaceful and beautiful.
Ceiling and archway, Alcazar
