Rest Day for cyclists, but not for Seville as they celebrate Feria
The part of Spain where we are is currently experiencing a heatwave and the temperature is about 10-15 degrees (Celsius) warmer than normal. But we’re here and we played tourists today. Our morning started with a long walk along the river as we headed towards the Parque de Maria Louisa and the Plaza de España.
Looking across the Guadalquivir River to the blooming jacaranda trees.
kath vowlesThis is the Nao Victoria, which we visited at Easter last year (2022) in Sete on the Med in France. It is one of three Spanish boats that had turned up for the Tall ships festival and were connected reconstructions of old Spanish galleons. Nice to see it has made its way to Seville for this spring. Reply to this comment 1 year ago
Sanna PhinneyTo kath vowlesIf the sun hadn't been so hot, we couldn't spent a lot more time looking around. Special place! Reply to this comment 1 year ago
After meandering around here for over an hour, we set off for our tour of the Giralda Tower, the Cathedral of Seville, and the Real Alcazar. I have so many pictures, it’s hard to decide which ones to post!
The Giralda Tower. In order to climb up to the bells, we walked a ramp, not stairs. When it was built, the king wanted to be able to ride his horse up there.
This is the largest alter in Europe (18 x 20 meters) and very elaborate. Only 13 marriages have been performed at this alter; it’s only for the royal family or aristocracy.
Stain glass window of two sisters who became saints because they were unjustly killed by the Romans and when the severe earthquake of Lisbon struck in the 1700s, someone saw these two sisters holding onto the Giralda Tower to save it from being destroyed. The earthquake was so strong that Seville suffered serious damage. Because of this apparition the sisters were granted saintly status.
This painting is huge and done by a local artist of Seville. The portion of the painting that includes the Saint (whose name has escaped me) was cut away and stolen, and about 10 months later an art collector bought it on the black market in New York. He promptly returned it to Seville and the piece was repaired.
Christopher Columbus’ tomb. DNA has proved that at least 20% of the remains are truly his. I lost count of how many times his body was relocated, but it included several places in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and then back to Seville.
The kings’ room. Every inch of this room is covered with decorations including the ceiling. The kings’ faces and information of their reign encircled the room, including the current king.
At this point we were exhausted and went in search of an air-conditioned bar for a cold beer (or sangria) and some tapas. The refreshments were truly appreciated.
Our day ended with a tour of the Flamenco Dance Museum and a professional flamenco dance.
