Seville

Well we finally said goodbye to Pinar and all our pals and headed for Seville and the Area Autocaravana De Seville by the riverside. Mike and Diane had recommended it and were there to greet us when we arrived. We walked into town with them  to the Plaza de Espana. This was built in 1929 as part of the Ibero-American exposition.

 

 

We had a lovely Tapas meal in town and were locked out when we returned and had to call the night watchman to let us in.

The next day started early ish and we walked into town by the river side. Walking by the Guadalquivir to the Torre del Oro.

This tower was part of the defences built in 1220 and had a chain stretched over the river to a tower on the opposite bank to stop any hostile ships.

 

 

Next we walked towards the bull ring, which can hold up to 14000 spectators.

 

 

We continued our walk through the El Arenal area to the Hospital de la Caridad.  A charity hospital founded in 1674 and still in use today

 

 



 It has a wonderful Sevillian Baroque church which houses some famous paintings from the 17thC

 



 

This painting by Juan de Valdes Leal caught our eye and is called In Ictu Oculi, which means in the blink of an eye.

 

From here we carried on our tour to the Cathedral and its amazing tower, La Giralda built in 1198.  We climbed up the ramped tower to the belfry for some spectacular views of the city.

 

 

  The building was built on the site of a Almohad mosque of which the tower and a delightful courtyard of orange trees called the Patio de los Naranjos. The Retablo Mayor was under restoration at the time of our visit, so that gives us an excuse to return. 

 

 

 

With very tired feet we took a slow walk back to the camperstop.

 

Last day in Seville and back to the Santa Cruz area - first stop the Real Alcazar, the royal residence.

 

 

This place has plenty of wow factor and if you like the Alhambra in Granada you will love this.  All of the areas are amazing but the golden dome in the Ambassadors hall is a must as well

 

 

 

 

 

 

 as the Patio de las Doncellas.

 

 

 

  

  We took some time out in the extensive Alcazar gardens before heading to our next attraction.

 

 

After winding our way through the myriad of streets in the Santa Cruz area we came to our next stop.

 

 

The Hospital de los Venerables was another charity hospital and now is a cultural centre.  It has a beautiful inner patio and a wonderful fresco in the baroque church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our last visit of the day was to Casa de Pilatos a palace built by the first Marquis of Tarifa.  A beautiful mix of different styles with nearly every room tiled and with intricate plasterwork.  The palace is supposedly modelled on the home of Pontius Pilate, hence the name.  A stunning conclusion to our visit to this beautiful city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 The camperstop is a great place to stop if you want to walk or cycle into the city as the route takes you through the many parks.