Monday 26th February 2018
Seville is the capital of southern Spains Andalusia region. It was approximately 80 kms from our campsite at El Rocío, about an hours’ drive. Famous for flamenco, stunning architecture, palaces, gardens and an old quarter with narrow alleyways, to name but a few. It was definitely a must to visit.
Our plan was to drive to the outskirts of Seville and then make our way into the centre via public transport, as there were no local railway stations close to us, which would have been our first choice.
We researched routes into the city and found that west of the city was a metro link, which would serve our needs. East of the line was Ciudad Expo, where we would begin our journey. It is in the Aljarafe, suburbs on the hill beyond Triana.
There are plans for a further 3 metro lines to serve and link the outskirts of the city but they are not yet completed.
There is underground parking close to the station entrance but a free parking area was available adjacent to the local police station. What could be safer 😉
A short walk took us directly to the station and the ticket machine was simple to use. We purchased a one day travel card for €4.80 each, although there were other options.
The metro was clean, efficient and on time, with frequent services. 7 stops brought us to Puerta Jerez, closest to Plaza de España.
Many of the popular points of interest concentrate around this area so we knew we would be able to walk to most of them. Maybe not all in one day but we could always revisit.
On leaving the metro station we paused to admire the Palacio de San Telmo.
We already had a good feeling about the city, although maybe the sun shining and jackets off had something to do with that 😉
We found ourselves surrounded by beautiful architecture. The Hotel Alfonso XIII a luxury hotel opened in 1929, hidden behind tall walls and the University of Seville, constructed in 1472.
The Calle Palos de la Frontera brought us to a large roundabout off which is one of the entrances into the Maria Luisa Park and the Plaza de España.
This historical landmark, along with other buildings was built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929.
It was designed by Anibal González to showcase Spain’s industry and technology exhibits.
Two tall towers dominate either end of a semicircular row of buildings.
A moat surrounds a central plaza, with the Vicente Traver fountain and bridges cross the moat in several places.
The plaza is the finishing point for the popular tourist attraction of horse and carriage rides.
Around the inside of the semicircular arcade are tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain.
From here we made our way towards the Real Alcázar, the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe.
Our route took us back towards the university along the Av de Maria Luisa, Av del Cid and across the road into the Jardines de Murillo.
Here we followed the old outer walls of the palace gardens, pausing to look at Christopher Columbus monument.
We left the park through the Balcon de Rosina along the Royal palaces’ high walls, passing into the Jewish quarter (Barrio) of the city towards the palace.
This area is beautiful, with a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, linking plazas and squares and is certainly worth exploring in its own.
Eventually we found the entrance to the Real Alcázar, the Puerta del León in the Plaza del Triunfo.
Luckily for us the queue was short as we hadn’t purchased tickets in advance. Visita general was €23 for us both, which also included entrance to the Antiquarium and the Museum of ceramics.
The palace is regarded as one of the most outstanding examples of Mudéjar architecture to be found on the Iberian Peninsula. It was originally built as a Moorish fortress and is divided into sections dating from a succession of eras: Moorish, Gothic, Mudéjar and Renaissance. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.
The purchase of an audio guide for €5 supported our visit, along with a general map. As well as the palace rooms, the palace gardens are extensive, so be sure to leave plenty of time to explore and enjoy.
Our journey began with the oldest part – the Patio del Yeso.
Straight ahead is the Palace of King Don Pedro. Inside is the Patio de las Doncellas, with sunken gardens, arches and a long pool.
Lavish reception rooms are located on the sides of the patio.
At the opposite end is the Ambassadors’ Hall, with a gold dome which represents the heavens. Most richly decorated room within the entire palace. Charles V and Isabella of Portugal celebrated their marriage in this room.
The upper Palace contains the private apartments and is where the King of Spain resides when he visits Seville. If you wish to visit these areas, information and tickets can be found at the Patio de la Monteria and are from 10.00 – 13.30h only.
Los Baños de Doña Maria de Padilla.
Rain water tanks beneath the Patio del Crucero.
The gardens – fruit trees, fragrant flowers and water in the form of irrigation channels, jets, ponds and pools, as well as a maze. Something to interest everyone.
Grotto Gallery or Galeria de Grutesco, the backdrop to the Mercury Pond.
Unfortunately the weather had turned and the rain had arrived. Time to head for the metro and make our way home.