Back to Sevilla

Trip Start May 15, 2008
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Trip End Jul 24, 2008


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Flag of Spain and Canary Islands  , Andalusia,
Sunday, May 18, 2008

When we returned from Huelva Province, there was a renaissance/medieval fair going on in the plaza/park area across from the Universidad.  So, we headed on over and got to try traditional Spanish pastries, sweets, and other foods, as well as browse a modern assortment of jewelry and trinkets, as well as some medieval crafts like woodworking.  It was interesting to see something that I've been to in America transplanted in Europe.  It was more-or-less of the same, but was free.  The crafts and jewelry were much of the same, as were the huge turkey drumsticks and jousting competitions.
The following Monday, May 19, classes began, but mine was cancelled.  I hung around the shopping areas and took a very long siesta.  Somehow I wasted the day, which I regret, but there are plenty more to come. It will be nice to get into somewhat of a normal routine.
On Tuesday, after class, a large group of us went to visit Sevilla's famous Cathedral and Giralda Sevilla - Cathedral
Sevilla - Cathedral
 .  It was truly impressive, even in comparison with famous cathedrals such as St. Peter's (Rome), Notre Dame (Paris), and St. Mark's (Venice).  It is the largest Gothic structure in the entire world, the third largest church after St. Peter's in the Vatican and St. Paul's in Rome.  Its floorplan was based on the mosque that was there before it, so it is shaped like a square with a cross formed from elevated parts of the ceiling (you can see it from an aerial view), which is really unusual for a Gothic style church.  If you're in Sevilla, you really must go.  Inside, the cathedral holds the largest altarpiece on earth (wood with gold plating), a massive organ, various impressive chapels, and the (or at least part of the) remains of Christopher Columbus.
Climbing the Giralda was also surprisingly easy compared to other church towers I've climbed; there is a ramp that goes along the sides of the square structure rather than endless flights of stairs.  On the way up, there are great views, and then at the top, the view of Sevilla is magnificent.  Even better than the view of the city, are the views of the rest of the Cathedral itself (you can see the aerial cross formed by the ceiling as well as the courtyard full of orange trees) and the nearby Alcazar.
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