Tags
Andalucia, Andalusia, Archivo de Indias, Carlos V, Charles V, Mudéjar, Murillo Gardens, parakeet, Pedro I, Real Alcazar, Sevilla, Seville, Seville Cathedral
Real Alcazar, Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sunday 22nd October. The Moorish rulers, who had conquered Andalucia in 711, had constructed the great fortress, the walls of which you can’t help but see if you are in central Seville. At the re-conquest of Southern Spain by Christian rulers in the 13th and 14th centuries, not all the Moors were expelled. Some craftsmen were allowed to remain, and we learned a lot about the Mudéjar (‘those permitted to stay’) influences on architecture as many subsequent rulers redesigned the former palace. Pedro I ordered a complete redesign of the interior in 1364, and Carlos V (1516-56) was another significant contributor to its current appearance. Further developments continued up to the 19th century, notably to the gardens within the walls, which I had skirted the day previously as I walked through the Murillo Gardens and to the Archivo de Indias. The palace is still used by Spanish monarchs when they visit Seville.
Public entry was by a fortress gate. Here is a splendid Mudéhar interior entry.
It was not only to avoid visitors that eyes drifted upwards much of the time:
So many thousands of details to be admired.
The Ambassadors’ hall, where kings did most of their governing, was a wonder, only partly captured even on a video.
There were peaceful – and not so peaceful – courtyards.
There were several acres of gardens, including those designated as French, and English.
I left the Real Alcazar mid-afternoon, with still the Cathedral to visit before returning to my hotel. Not omitting another visit to the nougat shop.
susanpoozan said:
A wonderful tour bringing back my visit there a few years ago. Thank you for looking up so much and capturing the detail. I well remember that little organ too.
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Musiewild said:
It stood out for me, as a musical touch in an otherwise visual experience.
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tootlepedal said:
I would have liked to have been there with you.
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Musiewild said:
That would have been fun. Your fitter feet would no doubt have coped better than mine as well.
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Musiewild said:
Oh, come to think of it, you would have hated the heat.
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Josh Gross | The Jaguar said:
Absolutely incredible architecture. I’m always amazed at the care and creativity of artists and architects from centuries past.
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Musiewild said:
Yes – and the had the ultra-rich patrons to pay for their works.
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Josh Gross | The Jaguar said:
I suppose having ultra-rich patrons always helps.
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