After today, Mick and I have decided that Seville is the most beautiful city we have been to in Europe…so far. We took ourselves on a walking tour through the centre of town (El Centro) towards the main cathedral.
This cathedral was built on the site of the original mosque and it is one of the largest in the world. It is located not far from the city’s centre and it stands majestically in the Plaza Del Triunfo.
We did not go into the cathedral, as the main purpose of today’s program was to see Alcázar. We paid €9.50 each to get in, and although we had read the line-up can be horrific, we were there reasonably early and were able to walk straight in.
Alcázar has been the residence of generations of kings. It was originally developed by Moorish Muslim kings. The palace is renowned as one of the most beautiful in Spain, and its gardens were spectacular. The fee we payed to enter was well worth it as the gardens were being maintained by a team of people.
This worker was sweeping one of the walkways between the gardens.
The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence which makes it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe.
We enjoyed walking around here as we recognised certain parts from Game of Thrones, as this was where segments from the land of Dorne (Oberyn Martell’s homeland) were filmed. A few cheeky poses were in order.
We decided to take the tour on our own and for some reason, there did not seem to be too many people there until we came upon one of the many fountains or ponds or terraces, and people were crowded there trying to keep cool.
It was originally built as a fortress in 913 and has been added to over the centuries.
Game of Throne viewers should recognise this courtyard.
After our fill of Alcázar, we walked out to wander through the Santa Cruz area. This place is gorgeous and very different from the area we are staying in. It is much flasher and loads more touristy, but not in a tacky way at all. It is the medieval Jewish Quarter, made up of winding little streets where we became a little disoriented. Mick got out his trusty map to help find our way out.
We have really enjoyed our stay in Seville and can recommend spending a few days here if you get the chance. We head to Ronda tomorrow morning on a bus. We’ve heard it is very beautiful and quite touristy. We are to spend a week there based in the city centre. More on that later.
Jane and Mick's Holiday Adventures 
Hi Jane and Michael,
Jude and I both loved Seville too though we were only there 3 days. We went into the cathedral and it was amazing, Jude went up to the top of the bell tower which used to be the prayer tower when a Muslim mosque and said the view was amazing. To get to the top it is a ramp as the prayer leader used to ride a horse up as he was old and had to go up 5 times a day! We we very amazed by this. The catholic alter, very ornate in lots of gold is built in the middle if what was the mosque. We loved the history and mix of cultures and religions, that all seemed to co exist mostly peacefully.
We too wandered the back streets on a few occasions and got lost a lot but really liked it. It was not as hot but we would stop when lost and have a cold drink and re read our maps so we ended up somewhere familiar, getting lost is one thing we enjoy as you meet ordinary people and they try and help which is fun.
Rhonda is very different, very busy the day we were there but interesting. Do go into the bull ring, though we got trample led by Japanese with selfie sticks!!!
Keep having a good time, really enjoy blog and bringing it all back to us.
Bel x
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Simply stunningpics. Wonderful. Such terrific commentaries too Jane. You and Mick are enjoying such an interesting and wonderful holiday in Spain.
Also, Bel – thanks for your post. I’ve never been to Seville or Ronda but my appetite has now been whet. Cheers, x