Began our day in Seville after breakfast with a tour of the city. Elena was our tour guide to take us through her wonderful city. Saw beautiful squares and parks before arriving at the Plaza de Espana.
This beautiful structure was built for the Spanish Expo in 1929. Covered with beautiful tiles, there are “benches “ for each community and cities in Spain. While they are similar, they are very different depending on the place.
Given some time to explore this pretty
area , which abuts a park, the large courtyard was being made ready for an event. The attention to detail is evident in all the wonderful tiling that is found throughout. It’s amazing this was completed in 12 years!
Next we made our way to Maria Louisa Park and the obelisks that shows the Santa Maria and a lion as symbols of Spain. Walked past the park and noted the old city walls before stopping for a break at a cute square with shops and coffee. After that we continued through the lovely streets until we reached the square outside the cathedral.
What a beautiful sight, this cathedral is one of the largest in the world! Entered through the Orange courtyard, and into the church. There are several beautiful altars, the main one containing over a hundred statues, many of which are in gold. The two organs are found directly opposite the main altar. All just breathtaking!
This gorgeous church contains over 40 chapels, a library, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. No wonder it’s the symbol of Seville!
After the cathedral, set out to find some lunch, which is apparently difficult at 12:00 in Spain, but finally managed to eat some before heading to our next stop, Córdoba.
Rode the almost two hour trip to Córdoba through olive groves, “cereal “ fields, and rolling hills with livestock, to the old town of Córdoba.
The main attraction of Córdoba is its mosque/cathedral, and it old town. After a brief break, met our guide Isabel for a tour of the mosque/cathedral.
This building began as a church, then had an Islamic mosque built on it, and was later consecrated as a cathedral. It has morphed from Islamic architecture to Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. It is truly one of the greatest sacred places in the world.
Moved through the huge open Islamic columns( built with Roman columns) to more chapels, and finally to the gorgeous Christian altar. Amazing . Beside it is a wonderful choir seating that has been carved in mahogany. The sculptor who did this did not start his craft until he was 70!
Left this gorgeous site with Isabel for a tour of the old town. Such pretty streets. She showed us lovely courtyards, as well as cute small plazas, before arriving at the second most sacred spot. While the mosque/cathedral is aw inspiring in its grandeur, this spot is the exact opposite.
This synagogue is also done in the Moorish style, but was small and simple.
Left our lovely guide, Isabel, and off to a fun spot for drinks in a courtyard. Even got to see a Spanish bachelorette party! Fun.
On the way back to the meeting place, came upon a procession. This was made up of priest, and others in their traditional Spanish finest. Apparently they were taking one of the Mary statues out “for a walk “.
Off to the bus, and back to Seville, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner. Had tapas dishes some of which included octopus, quail, rabbit, salads, olives and pork. All vey delicious with good wine and yummy sweets for dessert!
It’s been a long day, tomorrow brings our move to Granada.