Exploring Andalucía and the deep south...
Plaza España, Sevilla
I have lived in Spain for about 7 years, and I can't believe it took me this long to visit the south. Via high speed train from Madrid I ventured to the south to Andalucia, to Sevilla in particular. The city of flamenco and mosaic tiles awaited me...
Catedral de Sevilla y La Giralda
In the centre of the city lies the Catedral de Sevilla and without a doubt it is on your list as one of the main places to see in Sevilla. An entrance ticket costs €17 and you will need to reserve a specific time (it's how they manage the crowds). The ticket does come with an audioguide and also includes going up 34 ramped floors all the way to the top of the famous tower: La Giralda. The Giralda is a 24-bell tower; it was originally built as the minaret for the Great Mosque of Sevilla in al-Andalus, during the reign of the muslims but then had added Renaissance styles once the Catholics took over. Anyway enough history, buy your ticket online and skip the queue!
Find out more information at: Web Oficial de la Catedral de Sevilla.
La Catedral de Sevilla, La Giralda, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus
Alcazar de Sevilla
A bit more on the pricey side, you can visit the Alcazar de Sevilla for €34 a ticket, but I tell you what, it's definitely worth it. You can really get lost in the huge Alcazar complex, with so many buildings, rooms, and its vast garden! The Alcazar was formerly an Islamic palace during the Arabic Dynasty hold over southern territories in Spain. Buy your ticket now at: Real Alcázar de Sevilla - Única Web Oficial y de Venta de Entradas (alcazarsevilla.org).
Inside the Real Alcazar de Sevilla
Torre Del Oro
The Torre del Oro, or the "Tower of Gold" in Sevilla, is a 36-meter-high dodecagonal military watchtower. It was erected by the Caliphate in order to control trade access to Sevilla via the Guadalquivir river that runs through it. Now it's a museum, which only requires a donation to go up to the top, where you can enjoy the views of the river and the colourful neighbourhood of Triana on the other side. Once you're done here, head over to the Puente de Triana to go and explore.
Plaza España
For me, this is what I came for. I see so many photos on Instagram of this place: Plaza España. The Plaza de España is a plaza in the Parque de María Luisa, in Seville, Spain. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. It has a total area of 50,000 square meters, making it undoubtedly the most impressive square in all of Spain. Look at all the different banks of tiles representing all of the provinces of Spain and cross one of the many bridges that cross over the canal; you can even rent a little boat and go for a row! Once you leave Plaza España you'll enter Parque Maria Luisa, explore it in your own time; continue walking towards the south and you'll reach Plaza De America.
Other points of interest may include:
Archivo De Indias - (free to enter!)
Casa De Pilatos
Iglesia Colegial Del Salvador - (included with the cathedral ticket)
Iglesia De Santa Maria La Blanca - (unfortunately not open on weekends)
Plaza Del Cabildo
Puente De Triana - (cross here to head over to Triana)
Real Plaza De Toros
Royal Tobacco Factory
Setas De Sevilla - (€15 to go on top!)
(Left) Plaza Del Cabildo, (Centre Left) Archivo De Indias, (Centre) Setas De Sevilla, (Centre Right) Torre Del Oro, (Right) Triana)
Whilst you're in Sevilla, make sure you head over to La Carboneria and experience a Flamenco Show. It's free, just pay for a drink, sit down and enjoy!
Feels like this was the last trip of the summer, but you never know what's just round the corner! Stay tuned...
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