Tuesday, May 23rd 2023.
Seville – Day 1 of 2.
We woke up in our tiny casa in Seville to the sound of light rain. A perfect morning to get out to explore the city by bicycle. We found our first Via Verde parallel to the river that took us along the river towards the Seville University with a Peacock 🦚 perched high upon the front entrance to the building. A lovely mascot and a glimpse into the beauty that lie just ahead through the iron gates.
Seville’s bike routes are clearly outlined one either side of the street and you can travel safely along side the traffic with scooters and walkers. To descend to the river level, there’s roundabouts provided along the way and the cars seem to give way to pedestrians through the narrow streets of the historic district.
Statues adorn the street corners and waterways for birds to crap on as well as a replica of the Nao Victoria.
The original Nao Victoria, commanded by Juan Sebastian Elcano, left Seville in 1519 and returned to the same city in 1522, after circumnavigating the globe for the first time in History. This replica was built in Spain in 1991.
Three methods of propelling a boat in one picture.
Our 2:00 pm appointment to visit the Alcazar was the next thing on our agenda. Getting tickets online the day before is necessary since there’s a limited number of people allowed into most of Seville’s attractions per hour.
The Alcazar does not disappoint visitors and you’ll have to plan on taking several hours to take it all in.
Some of spoils of concurring foreign lands, brought back to Queen Isabel & King Ferdinand.
Christopher Columbus’ Royal coat of arms stands in the Admiral’s Room at the palace not was here that all of Spain’s naval fleet was given orders by the king and queen as to what they’re next journey would be.
Replica of either the Santa Maria, Pinta or Niña. On the wall is the most accurate portrait of Columbus on the bottom left with long blond hair.
An hour or two of wandering through the Alcazar looking at the wall tapestries of battles, maps, and florid lifestyle, along with an temporarily display of original literature and the ancients understandings of science, botany and medicine.
Of course when you’re this wealthy and live in a palace, you must have a garden with water features, 🦚 Peacocks, a maze and of course a pool under your building.
Lost in the maze!
Apparently the statue of Mercury needed to be well endowed to please the aristocracy!
After a fabulous day of touring the Alcazar we took in an incredible Flamenco performance with a guitarist, two female dancers, one male dancer and a female and male singer. It was the most incredible performance I have ever seen!!!!! Cameras were not allowed during the show which made it a delight in and of itself.