Tuesday 19th Our last full day in Seville and we walked to Plaza Espana. A magnificent expanse of pavement, fountains and a moat surrouonded by a huge three-story ornate semi-circular bulding, the whole area built for the 1992 Expo. There were many buskers, stalls and flamenco dancers. All very touristy. We then walked to the river and took an hour cruise which gave a different perspective of Seville. A quiet afternoon with a bit of shopping.
Wednesday 20th After we packed we spent the morning walking parts of the Jewish quarter we hadn’t seen. There were many beautiful courtyards and alleys away from the tourist areas. The train left Santa Justa station at 1.30 for the 11/4 hour trip to Cordoba with speeds reaching 160kms. Our hotel is again on the edge of the Jewish quarter and the same chain as our hotel in Seville – The Casa de la Juderia. Its an old building that has been renovated/modernised but without the intricate passage ways of Seville. We received a room upgrade which gives us a larger room with a couple of expansive windows. Once unpacked we took to the streets to orientate ourselves. We walked along the river front, past Mesquita Cathedral to the shopping area. Dinner was tapas in a small plaza. With narrow streets running in all directions we had to keep referring to our map to find our way back to the hotel.
Thursday 21st We found a great cafe for breakfast after which we walked down to Mezquita Cathedral which was built as a Mosque in 784AD. The Romans took it over in 12 36 but didn’t destroy the magnificent architecture of marble columns and arches. The children and grandchildren of the original builder extended the mosque keeping it in the same style so that it eventually housed 15,000 people at prayer time. The Catholics took it over in 1700′s, fortunately retaining most of the features of the Mosque, notably the elaborate tiling and stonework. They put their shrines around the outer walls and built an altar and choir area in the centre. A fascinating juxtaposition of cu;tures and religions. The audio gave us great detail of the Islamic history of this truly magnificent piece of world heritage. The afternoon was spent at Museo of the local painter Julio Romero de Torres who died in 1931. His beautiful portraits are housed in a restored 18th century house. Next door, Museo Bellas Artes designed and directed by his father, contained landscapes by his father, religious art and more modern pieces. At 8pm we went to an equestrian show at the Royal Stables of Cordoba with Andalusian horses.The show was fabulous. We returned to the hotel via the Roman Bridge with a walk through the Roman Arch.
Friday 22nd We booked a time to go up the bell tower at Mezquita – 12.30pm Walked to Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos an ancient fortress which became the residence of the Catholic monarchs for 8 years. It was once the primary residence of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. In later years it was converted into a prison. Originally built in 1328, it has been restored and the beautiful, formal gardens have been recreated. It was declared a Cultural interest Heritage site in 1931 and also forms part of the Cordoba Old city UNESCO World Heritage site declared in 1994. The climb up the Bell Tower was taxing but worthwhile for the views right across Cordoba. After a light lunch we sided with the locals and took a siesta – most things close between 2 and 5pm – then a walk to check the shops before dinner.
The weather has been hot 33 deg + most days and no rain.
Saturday 23rd Our last day in Cordoba we walked the Roman Bridge and visited Calaharra Tower which sits at the end of the bridge. It was the fortified gate of Roman times and is now a museum. Train to Madrid at 12.30pm – about 2 hours.
Flight home Sunday 24th
