La Catedral de Sevilla

Legend has it that in 1401 the reconquistadores wanted to demonstrate their religious fervor by constructing a church so great, they said, “those who come after us will take us for madmen.” With 44 individual chapels, the cathedral of Sevilla is the 3rd largest in the world, after St. Peter’s Basilica in Roma and St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Not surprisingly it took more than a century to build. In 1401 a 12th century mosque was destroyed to clear space for the massive cathedral. All that remains is the Patio de los Naranjos, where the faithful washed before prayer, and the famed La Giralda minaret, built in 1198. The tower and its twins in Marrakesh and Rabat are the oldest and longest-surviving Almohad minarets in the world. The 35 ramps inside leading to the tower’s top allowing a disabled muezzin to climb up on his horse for the call to prayer.

The Altar of the Cathedral of Sevilla

As incredible as this picture is, you must see this altar in person to really do it justice. It is amazing!

'A twentieth century tiled location in Seville not to be missed is the Plaza de España dominated by a monumental brick building designed by Anibal Gonzales for the Ibero-America Exhibition of 1929. It was constructed in a semi-circle around a large square. Set against the lower half of the building are 50 tiled benches symbolizing Spain's 50 provinces. Every bench has a central pictorial panel depicting a significant historical event from each province.' You may recognize the Plaza de España from the "Star War" films. If you check out the second "Star Wars" episode (Attack of the Clones), you can watch the young Anakin and Padmeyou walking over the bridge and along the corridors of Plaza de España buildings

Torre de Oro

It was the Moors that built the 12 sided, "Torre del Oro". At the start of the 1200's AD, the Almohades needed to protect the city from the river side of town and keep Christian invaders from moving up the river. So this tower was built, with a twin on the opposite bank of the river and a long chain was drawn between them. Undoubtedly, the tower was the site of many a battle during the Re-Conquest.

Exactly how the tower received its name is a little unclear. Some reports indicate, in Moorish times the tower was gilded in gold (or at least the tiles used to decorate it were). Others believe the tower's name was derived from its use during the time of Christian Monarchs, when gold from the Americas was transported off the ships and stored in the Tower.

Andalucia

Andalucia is, without a doubt, Spain at its best. This is where all Spain’s stereotypes meet. Bullfighters, beaches, flamenco, white villages, cave houses, gaudy fiestas, religious processions, tapas, and sherry are all here in abundance. But each is part of a larger whole, which includes great art and architecture, nature preserves, and an easy-going way of life. Once we leave Madrid the rest of our trip will be spent in southern Spain. We will be visiting the cities of Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, and the Costa del Sol.

Sevilla

Sevilla is probably the most charming and romantic of Spain’s great cities. Narrow tangled streets unfold from the center, leading to an awe-inspiring cathedral, the 3rd largest in the world. Once the site of a Roman acropolis founded by Julius Caesar, Sevilla later became the capital of the Moorish empire and a focal point of the Spanish Renaissance. The city is now the guardian of traditional Andalusian culture: flamenco, tapas, and bullfighting. The festivals during Semana Santa (Holy Week) are among the most lavish in Europe. Our guided sight-seeing includes: María Luisa Park, Plaza de España, Torre de Oro, the Santa Cruz quarter, the Cathedral and La Giralda.

Maria Luisa Park