Top of our list of things to do in Seville is to visit the Real Alcazár Sevilla. It is a huge royal palace whichmincludes architecture from the Arabic period, late Middle Ages Mudéjar, Renaissance, Baroque, the 19th century. A portion of the upper floors is still the residence for the Spanish royal family when they are in Seville. We spend two and one-half hours exploring this treasure. We walk from one section of the palace to the next finding delightful rooms and courtyards around every turn. The gardens are expansive and very well maintained, but we choose to only visit perhaps 20%.
Afterward we have a lunch of fresh, tasty tapas in a restaurant in Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish Quarter near the Alcazár. The Barrio has intriguing narrow winding streets, but we prioritize and walk to the Catedral, our second major destination of the day.
Catedral de Santa María de la Sede (Cathedral of St. Mary of the See) is the Cathedral of Seville. it was completed in the early 16th Century and is arguably considered the largest cathedral in the world. Oral tradition has it that the builders said "Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will take us for mad". We walk through the Cathedral enjoying it's architecture and alters. We also take note of Christopher Columbus' tomb. There is much to see.
Catedral de Santa María de la Sede (Cathedral of St. Mary of the See) is the Cathedral of Seville. it was completed in the early 16th Century and is arguably considered the largest cathedral in the world. Oral tradition has it that the builders said "Let us build a church so beautiful and so grand that those who see it finished will take us for mad". We walk through the Cathedral enjoying it's architecture and alters. We also take note of Christopher Columbus' tomb. There is much to see.
Included in our entrance fee is admission to the Giralda, the bell tower. It is the former minaret of the mosque that stood at this site under Muslim rule, though the top section dates from the Renaissance. It is 105 m (343 ft) tall. As much as the idea of seeing the Cathedral and the city of Seville from the top appeals to us, the idea of climbing up there holds us back. Oh well, maybe next time.
In the evening we use Puente de Triana to cross the wide canal which runs into the Guadalquivir river. We find Mercado de Tirana, where we will have a cooking class tomorrow. Then we stop at one of the many cafe's for a beverage followed by a slice of pizza as we walk along Calle San Jacinto. We take a few minutes to look at Inglesia San Jacinto which is lit up for the evening.
In the evening we use Puente de Triana to cross the wide canal which runs into the Guadalquivir river. We find Mercado de Tirana, where we will have a cooking class tomorrow. Then we stop at one of the many cafe's for a beverage followed by a slice of pizza as we walk along Calle San Jacinto. We take a few minutes to look at Inglesia San Jacinto which is lit up for the evening.
We return by walking along the waterfront to Puente del Cristo de la Expiración which takes us near Torre Sevilla, the 40 story office building that stands above all the other buildings in the area. The bridge has tarps incorporated in it's design to provide shade - and a distinctive look.
When we get back to our apartment I check the walking app on my Samsung phone - we have a little over 16,700 steps for the day.
When we get back to our apartment I check the walking app on my Samsung phone - we have a little over 16,700 steps for the day.
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