After reaching Sevilla, we had a brief orientation walk. After lunch, we toured Sevilla's Real Alcázar. This beautiful palace complex, built over several centuries, was started by the Moors, and then expanded and remodeled by Christian rulers. It is one of the best examples of medéjar architecture in Iberia. More compact than the Alhambra, the Alcázar's rooms are often smaller and interconnected to confuse intruders. Rooms have glorious tiles and often intricate ceilings, accompanied by expansive and lovely gardens. The upper levels are used by the royal family when in Seville and require separate ticketing. This is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. You may have viewed scenes shot at the Alcázar on Emerald City or Game of Thrones.
Almost everyone in our group attended a delightful flamenco performance at Casa de la Memoria, an old carriage house for a nearby palace. Our outing was arranged by Amanda for our group. It featured a skilled guitarist, a passionate male singer, and dancers. The venue only allows photos during the encore (excuse the railings--I was in the balcony).
Post-performance, William and I enjoyed some tapas at Sal Gorda (Cooking Salt?). We had a fabulous strawberry gazpacho, garlic prawns, and a "small bird" (no idea what kind). All delicious!!
Post-performance, William and I enjoyed some tapas at Sal Gorda (Cooking Salt?). We had a fabulous strawberry gazpacho, garlic prawns, and a "small bird" (no idea what kind). All delicious!!
Day 12. Pouring rain marked our last full day in Spain. We had joked with Amanda that we had not yet seen the Barber of Seville. She predicted there was one but if not, that was surely a profitable idea. Alas, we were not the first with this idea as we stumbled upon the Barber's hop. We walked to a small but fascinating museum, Centro Ceramica Triana. The Triana area of Sevilla is famous for its ceramics. This museum opened in a former ceramics factory in 2014. We learned about the processes of making ceramics there from both AV presentations and exhibits, including huge kilns and giant mortar and pestles. Some walls were covered with tiles made in Triana and showcased the range of colors used. These tiles ranged from very artistic to very utilitarian (e.g., addresses). Many were provided by the now closed Montavan ceramics factory.
Torrential rains lasted much more than the forecasted two hours, but we found the Puenta de Triana market and enjoyed a delectable mushroom fondue for lunch. Despite the rain, we visited the General Archives of the Indies, which safeguards documents regarding Spanish exploration and trade, as well as cultural artifacts (e.g., Cervantes' manuscripts). The building is gorgeous, with huge barrel ceilings in the outer document repositories. We could see a long line of folks waiting for the Cathedral. We were both glad we opted to pass.
Torrential rains lasted much more than the forecasted two hours, but we found the Puenta de Triana market and enjoyed a delectable mushroom fondue for lunch. Despite the rain, we visited the General Archives of the Indies, which safeguards documents regarding Spanish exploration and trade, as well as cultural artifacts (e.g., Cervantes' manuscripts). The building is gorgeous, with huge barrel ceilings in the outer document repositories. We could see a long line of folks waiting for the Cathedral. We were both glad we opted to pass.
For our last night, our group shared a fabulous dinner at a terrific small restaurant, compliments of the tour. We took over the entire restaurant. After taking our only full group photo (see one below), Amanda treated most of us to the top of the Parasol, the world's largest wooden structure. Built of intersecting honeycombs, it rises several stories above the streets and offers striking nighttime views of Sevilla.
Day 13. Our final morning, we savored breakfast at the hotel, then cabbed to the airport with another couple booked on the same flight to Madrid. From there, we headed to London, changed planes and headed back to chilly Chicago!
Why we need to go back: We did not get to walk around the Parque de María Luisa, tour the Cathedral and climb to the top of La Giralda, explore the Barrio Santa Cruz, or visit the Museo de Bellas Artes.
Why we need to go back: We did not get to walk around the Parque de María Luisa, tour the Cathedral and climb to the top of La Giralda, explore the Barrio Santa Cruz, or visit the Museo de Bellas Artes.
Spain is a magnificent country and we enjoyed sharing it with you. I hope we inspired you to consider it for your next travel adventure.
If you are interested, I also have Nine travel tips for Spain!