Sevilla: Return to Al Andalus

Arriving in Sevilla, I was immediately captivated by how different it was from Madrid. The city seemed much older, exotic, and mysterious due to its Oriental and Occidental architecture, Moorish and Spanish heritage, and it's diverse foods. The city is deep within Andalucia and was important during the Moorish rule in Spain.

En route to Sevilla via the Renfe speed train:

Sevilla Santa Justa Train Station:

First, I visited the Torre del Orro. This was a former Almohad watchtower built in the Moorish style. Overlooking the Guadalquivir River, it was a strategic post controlling incoming ships and supplies into the city. Oddly, it is now houses a naval museum which does not mention anything about it's original use and history. It is unfortunate since this was a major part of the rich Moorish history which existed for over 700 years. 

Torre del Orro:

The shape of the building is octagonal with a lookout tower at the center. Within the tower, the original Islamic geometric tiles cover the interior walls. Outside the lookout tower, curved arches decorate each of it's 8 sides.

View of the Old city from the top of the lookout tower:

Next, visited the Plaza de Los Toros (Bullfighting arena). Was interesting to tour around the site to learn more about one of Spain's national sports.

Plaza del Toros:

Made my way to the center of the old town to marvel at the dominating Sevilla Cathedral. Surprisngly, there were endless droves of crowds so it was impossible to visit the main part of the cathedral. Built on the former site of a Moorish mosque, it is intricately designed to incorporate Moorish and Gothic architecture. The Giralda, which was the former minaret tower was converted to a Christian belltower.

Sevilla Cathedral:

Nearby was El Alcazar (Royal Palace). This palace was built by Charles IV on the site of the old Moorisb palace. It is aesthetically mezmorizing due to it's Moorish style courtyards, geometric elaborate designs, and mixture of Eastern and Western walls. 

Finished the day of with a Flamenco show. Sevilla is known as the birthplace of Flamenco so you must see one if you are in town. Many bars and restaurants offer a show and dinner combo so you can scout around which one is best. There are also flamenco performances at small or large venues tbroughout the city. The one I went to was in a small alley in a small hotel. It is a must-see in Sevilla!