averilburystedmunds: June 2026

Torre del Oro, next to the Guadalquivir River.

Just returned from a holiday week in Seville, Andalucia, and my family and I are full to overflowing after the splendid sights and experiences which even a short break can introduce. My own European experiences seem to have been French and Italian, in both of which languages I can limp along, but Spanish is totally unknown to me and perhaps this heightened for me the slight feelings of perhaps a new reality, underlining the foreign-ness of Seville. But that statement in no way undermines the sheer delight for the visitor of the sounds accompanying and accentuating the sights of this Spanish city.

Nave of the magnificent Cathedral

Plaza de Espana with a close-up peep at
the decorative blue and white tiles.

Seville's historic centre is compact in layout, with a flat terrain, perfect for exploring on foot, though in my case, in a wheelchair manned by family in a bid to aid my stamina! Small plazas pop up frequently, offering an apparently endless succession of small tapas bars with outdoor tables where visitors may sit and people-watch as they sip companionably together. I particularly
appreciated the wonderful architecture with its Islamic and Christian history visibly blended in a particular harmony. Especially enticing were the frequent decorative banks and borders featuring the most exquisite tiling.

Most major attractions sit within a 20 minute walk of each other so that eager tourists can wander from the Cathedral to the Alcazar and over to the Plaza de Espana passing such novelties [to the visiting eye] as bridges, with the parapet, the platform and other pillars ALL lined with the eponymous blue and white tiling. A continuing feast for the eyes! The Real (Royal) Alcazar of Seville, has overseen centuries of life with its intricate tile work, peaceful courtyards and lush gardens, all off which make the entire complex so special. La Giralda tower stands as Seville's most iconic landmark, rising 104 metres above the city with access to the summit eased by gently sloping ramps, originally designed to allow the guards to ride horses to the top. At the summit, there are panoramic views of the orange-tiled rooftops, winding streets and the Guadalquivir River with its surface so often, glinting and swirling in the sun. On especially clear days, the Santa Cruz area, the Plaza de Espana and even the distant mountains are visible from this vantage point. The tower itself is a unique blend of Muslim and Chrisrian architecture, harmonious and decorative at all times, but especially so in the ever-present sun.

Flamenco includes graceful and
dramatic hand movements in
time to the rhythm of the music.

The Cathedral is a remarkable architectural achievement, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Built between 1401 and 1528, it was designed to show off the city's wealth and power and contains 80 elaborate chapels while also housing the important tomb of Christopher Columbus.

As a stunning postscript to this hymn of praise to Seviglia, flamenco must be included! The city claims to be the birthplace of flamenco when this passionate art form took shape in the Triana neighbourhood centuries ago. We witnessed the glory of this ritual with its soulful guitar, powerful singing and dramatic stamping movements: an unforgettable expression of Andalucian culture which brings a shiver to the spine.