Alcázar and La Catedral

I have spent ample time raving about Seville and the beauty of the city, but I am yet to really define why the city is so appealing.  Thus, I wanted to talk about two of the most famous structures in Seville, both of which I have only recently toured.  Two weeks ago, I stumbled out of bed at 9 a.m. on a cold, misty Saturday morning, with low expectations.  My study abroad schedule listed an optional tour of Alcázar as the sole activity of the day.  After cross-examining all of my Sevillano friends the night before and reading the forewarning on the schedule, "BRING YOUR CAMERA!" I decided I would forgo the extra couple hours of sleep and see what all the hubbub was about.  I sauntered lethargically over to the group meeting spot, the Universidad de Sevilla, and encountered about 15 others (out of more than 40) who were willing to make the trip as well.  As we ambled over to Alcázar, which is right in El Centro of Seville, we gained new life as our tour guide, Lola, chattered on about the architectural wonder that lay ahead.

Alcázar, like many of the structures in Seville, is a breathtaking relic of the past.  Alcázar is a royal palace in the heart of Seville, surrounded by high-rising brick walls and towers.  The inner workings of the palace are a testament to mudéjar architecture, the unique designs of the Moorish Andalusians who remained Muslims after the Christian Reconquista (Reconquest) of Spanish territory.  This distinct form of construction features intricate ceramic finishing on the walls, patterned tiles and marble pillars, as well as decorations that pay homage to the Moorish heritage.  For example, there are symmetrical motifs that resemble the tall palm trees of the Middle Eastern deserts.  Yet, the palace also benefits from the influence of the Catholic reconquistadors, who used the palace as a residence for monarchs as well.  There are insignias of lions and coats of arms engraved on the walls, creating an interesting dichotomy and splicing of different cultures.

The entrance to Alcázar.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the palace, however, is its emphasis on fauna and nature.  The palace opens up to many courtyards with flowing water fountains and plant life.  Furthermore, Alcázar opens to a series of large gardens, with a labyrinth of hedges and a colony of ducks and peacocks (called pavos reales in Spanish, which translates directly to "royal turkeys!") who roam freely.  The signature Sevillano orange trees are arranged in rows, encircled by flowers and shrubs.  Obviously, Alcázar is a can't miss site and one of Seville's many cultural, architectural and historical treasures.

Another wing of Alcázar.

With my thirst for cultural exploration not nearly quenched, I embarked yesterday with several friends to explore La Catedral de Santa María de la Sede.  La Catedral is Seville's most identifiable landmark, with La Giralda, an enchanting bell tower standing over 340 feet tall, piercing the Sevillano skyline from any vantage point in the city.  Interestingly, like most of the religious structures in Seville, La Catedral is built on the site of a former Muslim mosque that has been converted into a Christian place of worship.  In fact, the famed Giralda is actually a minaret, a high, focal point used by Muslim clergyman to call their congregants to prayer five times each day.  Thus, La Catedral also has a dichotomous history. 

La Giralda.

Inside, La Catedral has breathtaking stained glass windows and glamorous, gilded altars with intense detail of religious figures.  Yet, the most exciting part of La Catedral is Christopher Columbus' tomb.  Upon the backs of four stalwart, statue warriors lies the tomb of Christopher Columbus, the explorer and national hero.  Standing in front of this memorial to Columbus and think about the impact one man had on the world today was absolutely mind-bending and awe-inspiring. 

Columbus' tomb.

After I regained consciousness, I ventured with my friends to the top of the Giralda, climbing 40 steeply inclined levels in the process.  Once at the peak of the Giralda, we were able to look at all of Seville from every angle.  We peered at the two towers of the Plaza de España, we gawked at the size of the Plaza de Toros (Bullring) and we were mesmerized by all the other former minarets and mosques-turned-churches that we saw.  It was a perfect ending to the day and an exciting omen of the adventures to come.

The view from the top, with the shadow of La Giralda looming over Seville.

 

Be sure to check out the Flickr link to the right to see the new pictures I have posted!