What a fantastic day we’ve had today! We left the ship at 8am and headed by coach to Seville. As we passed cotton fields, olive groves and vineyards our guide Herman entertained us with stories, history and information about Spain. Herman visited Spain from Germany 30 years ago for a holiday and has never left.
Soon we arrived in Seville and what a beautiful city it was! It magically intertwines the old with the new in such a delightful way that around every corner is another adventure. We traversed our way through century old passage ways into quaint courtyards, surrounded by whitewashed walls, tiled patios and wrought iron windows. Surrounding the courtyards were little shops that sold beautiful handmade ceramic gifts. I’m totally amazed that only yesterday we were Tetouan where the culture and economic conditions were so different. Tangier is only 16kms away so it begs the question - how is it possible that one culture became so advanced while the other has stayed unchanged for centuries?
Our first major stop was at the palace of Peter the Cruel. This 14th century palace is an amazing mix of Arabic, Roman and Gothic architecture and while it is wonderful it does not compare to the Alhambra. Next it was onto the Cathedral of Seville, the third largest in the world and wow, I was totally blown away by it. I’ve seen the Vatican and Westminster Abbey but this is something else! The ceilings were so high and the gold and woodwork were nothing less than masterpieces. Every nook had something to marvel at, but for me the most impressive items were the burial monument of Christopher Columbus and the high alter which was the most ornate, intricate thing I’ve ever seen. It towered almost to the ceiling (I’d guess a 100ft) and was solid gold – I could only photograph just a small portion of it.
A late and leisurely lunch was had at the San Marci restaurant and then it was onto the Maria Luisa Park for a quick look before heading back to the ship. The day was delightfully finished with a unhurried walk around the township near the ship and Tapas and coffee at a local café which was heralded over by another ancient cathedral.
Soon we arrived in Seville and what a beautiful city it was! It magically intertwines the old with the new in such a delightful way that around every corner is another adventure. We traversed our way through century old passage ways into quaint courtyards, surrounded by whitewashed walls, tiled patios and wrought iron windows. Surrounding the courtyards were little shops that sold beautiful handmade ceramic gifts. I’m totally amazed that only yesterday we were Tetouan where the culture and economic conditions were so different. Tangier is only 16kms away so it begs the question - how is it possible that one culture became so advanced while the other has stayed unchanged for centuries?
Our first major stop was at the palace of Peter the Cruel. This 14th century palace is an amazing mix of Arabic, Roman and Gothic architecture and while it is wonderful it does not compare to the Alhambra. Next it was onto the Cathedral of Seville, the third largest in the world and wow, I was totally blown away by it. I’ve seen the Vatican and Westminster Abbey but this is something else! The ceilings were so high and the gold and woodwork were nothing less than masterpieces. Every nook had something to marvel at, but for me the most impressive items were the burial monument of Christopher Columbus and the high alter which was the most ornate, intricate thing I’ve ever seen. It towered almost to the ceiling (I’d guess a 100ft) and was solid gold – I could only photograph just a small portion of it.
A late and leisurely lunch was had at the San Marci restaurant and then it was onto the Maria Luisa Park for a quick look before heading back to the ship. The day was delightfully finished with a unhurried walk around the township near the ship and Tapas and coffee at a local café which was heralded over by another ancient cathedral.
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