Seville: Real Alcázar & Cathedral: 9 March 2022

We cycled into the old town again to explore a couple of Seville’s most awe-inspiring sights. Seville really developed as an Islamic centre from the 11th Century, and 240 or so years later was further enriched by the trappings of Columbus ‘discovering’ the Americas. The architecture of the city is a rich mixture of history and culture.

The Real Alcazar (Royal Palace) is a magnificent mixture of Mudéjar (Islamic) and Christian architecture. The site was originally a fort in 913 and was revamped many times in the following 11 centuries.

One of many patios within the Real Alcazar palace, with ornate Arabian architecture.
The mixture of Islamic and Baroque architecture in the Patio de la Monteria where the hunters met before going on hunts with King Pedro. The current royal family also still use some of the palace.
Early air-con.; the breeze would blow through the water from the fountain and cool the air.
Ornate carved gate
One of many astonishingly beautiful tiled and decorated ceilings.
In the gardens of the Alcazar palace
Orange tree!
A peacock perching

Adjacent to the palace is the worlds largest Gothic Cathedral, built between 1434 and 1517 on the site of the remains of a large mosque.

The exterior of the cathedral
To the left of the picture is the Giralda tower which was the original minaret of the mosque, topped off by a 16th century Christian belltower. At the very top is El Giraldillo, a weather vane representing faith, and a symbol of Seville.
There are no stairs, but 35 ramps lead to the bell-level of the Giralda tower, affording magnificent views of the city in all directions. This view overlooks the Alcazar palace and gardens behind it.
One of the huge bells in the tower.
Detail of the amazing Gothic architecture
The photos don’t do the interior justice; the stained glass windows are stunning.
There are multiple chapels within the Cathedral. Some are ornate…
…and others are ORNATE!
A fine pipe organ. We would love to have been present when this was being played.
Final resting place of Christopher Columbus, having been moved many times after his death in 1506 (including to the Dominican Republic and Havana) until returned to Seville in 1898.