We took a high-speed train from Cordoba and arrived in Seville last night. After a restful night’s sleep and a good breakfast in our hotel, we started sightseeing in Seville.
Plaza de Espana was around 30 minutes walk from our hotel, so we decided to take the bus to save time.
We walked towards the Plaza, and there was a lovely garden there. The purple blossoms were stunning.
Plaza de Espana is the most famous square in Seville. It has beautiful architecture and a lot of history with blue and yellow ceramic tiles. In the morning, it wasn’t busy and was really stunning.
The shape of Plaza de España is a semi-circle, surrounded by a row of buildings that today are, for the most part, used as government institutions.
The fountain in the middle was the main focus for the tourists.
There are two tall towers on the end. You can also rent boats to row in the canal.
There was a horse-drawn carriage which you could ride around the plaza.
Next we went on a Seville walking tour. We passed by the Hispalis fountain in a large open area surrounded by a beautiful building.
Torre del Oro is called Golden Tower because sunlight produces gold reflections. You can enter it for 3 euros, and it also has a small museum inside.
Torre de la Plata, also called Silver Tower, is an octagonal military tower built in the 12th century.
This tower was a part of the city walls surrounded the city.
Plaza de Toros is the largest arena for bullfighting in Spain. You can enter it for 10 Euros. It also has the museum of bullfighting.
Curro Romero Statue
Some other beautiful buildings on our walk.
Seville Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. We were mesmerized by the details of the structure.
La Giralda tower which you can climb the tower ramps to go up the top. It was the minaret of the mosque which was later converted in to bell tower of the cathedral.
Click here to get the info and book tickets.
The cathedral was so big that we walked around its perimeter to find the entrance. It was Sunday, and it was closed to visitors in the morning. Only a small area was open for mass.
Real Alcazar is the royal palace and is a must-see in Seville. It is recommended to buy online tickets in advance because of their popularity.
Click here to get more information.
We entered the Patio de leon, the main entrance to the Alcazar.
Patio de la Monteria
We walked through different rooms, courtyards, and gardens, admiring the Muslim architecture.
Patio de Doncellas, also called Patio of Maidens, is the main courtyard that features a reflecting pool and sunken garden.
The rooms were decorated with beautiful tiles everywhere on the walls, floor, and ceilings.
Patio of Maidens from another angle
The Ambassadors’ Hall features beautiful details.
Ceiling in Hall of Ambassadors
We walked out and ended in the Gardens.
There were peacocks in the garden, dancing and spreading their wings.
Garden of Carlos
Mercury fountain
Baños Doña María de Padilla loosely translates to “Baths of Lady María de Padilla”. This wonderful and photogenic bath belonged to María de Padilla, the mistress of Peter of Castile.
Beautiful flower pots just before you exit the Alcazar.
In the evening we went to the restaurant La Carboneria, which has free flamenco shows at 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm.
It was very crowded, and drinks were overpriced and watered down. Once they close the lights, it felt very claustrophobic with so many people in a small room.
We zoomed in to get some pictures but very difficult to see anything
After a long day, we went back to our hotel. Tomorrow we are going to Barcelona, the last stop on our itinerary.