Seville

Two days in Seville taking time to see the sights and enjoy the tapas. We are parked a short bus ride away in a marina so have a good view of the river and it means Les gets a rest from driving for a while.

The Cathedral was our first stop. A beautiful building which certainly lived up to it's claim to be the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world and has wonderful works to be admired both inside and out. It was built on the site of the former Mosque. Included in the ticket, and accessed from inside the cathedral, is the Giralda bell tower, which was the original mosque's minaret and we managed to ascend the 17 floors by way of a slope which somehow turned out to have 34 levels, all numbered ..... We thought we had reached the top only half way up! The view was great and luckily, we were there when the bells were silent.

Our reward for this exertion was lunch at the Old Tabacco Factory a short stroll away and now part of the University. It was built in 1750 and retains it's position as Spain's largest building, bar one - but now, among other things has a great canteen! Funny how we always seem to eat among students while abroad.

Yes, it's the factory!

Lunch consumed, and very nice too, we set off to the Plaza de España. What a sight.....lovely fountains and boating crescent in the sunshine and everyone having a relaxing time. Each region in Spain is depicted by tiled niches forming a semi-circle and set in pleasant but vast gardens and quite a walk back to the bus.

Next day the Alcazar was our first stop and joining the queue early turned out to be one of our better ideas. The building was in both Moorish and Christian hands but extended at one time to house a harem of 800 women!  Most of the present structure was rebuilt by Pedro the Cruel in 1350 (or Pedro the Just, depending on your fortunes!) but he retained the Mudéjar central rooms, it's completely stunning and well worth the wait. Lovely gardens and pools to wander around too. The photo's don't do it justice - you will have too see for yourselves!

Another tapas lunch (with local sherry) in a typical bar, complete with hams hanging from the ceiling, rounded off the day. ......Or so we thought, until we turned the corner upon hearing what can only be described as a very loud murmering......a small plaza packed with locals enjoying drinks and snacks at high tables and stools, or just standing about. Quite a sight.

We were so lucky with the weather, today, it's overcast and a bit damp.

Just one more of the Alcazar!