Europe – mypanoplies

Seville or Sevilla

— is the capital and largest city of Andalusia – a province of Spain.

Aside from having a very accommodating and considerate tour guide here in Seville, we also had an amazing trip from its historical cathedral, parks and architectures to its traditional and entertaining dance known as “flamenco”.

I begin with the largest gothic cathedral in the world the – “Catedral de Sevilla” or “Seville Cathedral”. Its grandeur is undeniable and endowed with Seville’s remarkable history.

All throughout our trip, I typically start by snatching free pamphlets or fact sheets of the place where I’m in. And my multi-tasking is at its peak when I’m travelling as I listen to our guide, I’d write down notes and take some artistic snapshots of every corner, view and angle, and be mindful of my steps and the road 😉

Historical facts about the cathedral;

1184 – 1198 Construction of the main mosque of Seville and its minaret. (Spain was under the Muslims) Parts are conserved in the Orange Tree Courtyard and lower sections of Giralda tower, that I will post separately.
1248 After the “reconquest” of Spain by Ferdinand II, the mosque was consecrated as a Cathedral.
1434 – 1517 The construction of the Gothic Cathedral.
1528 – 1621 Construction of some parts continued including the completion of the bell tower – Giralda tower.
1618 – 1758 The Baroque phase of the Cathedral (my favorite period)
1987 Seville Cathedral was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

The cathedral’s construction lasted for more than a century. Our tour guide told us that when they were planning to build this, church elders declared, “Hagamos una iglesia tan hermosa y tan grandiosa que los que la vieren labrada nos tengan por locos.” (Let us build a church so beautiful and so magnificent that those who see it finished will think we are mad). Well, maybe 🙂 but this church is really wonderful!

hiking the Giralda tower and took selfies of course 😉

Giralda tower is the bell tower of this cathedral, said to be the symbol of Seville. This minaret is 76 meters in height and was originally constructed by by the Moors in 1184.

one of the main attractions in the cathedral is the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Added in 1892, it has four bearers representing the four kingdoms of Castille, Leon, Aragon and Navarra.

The tomb of Christopher Columbus with its gigantic bearers

Beautiful Cathedral windows like this one with written date 1683, the year when it was added

Another beautiful stained glass window with 1777 as its date

to be continued,

❤️mp

We hired a private bus as we traversed by land visiting different parts/countries of Europe. The view was spectacular, passing through Pyrenees mountain range, a natural border between France and Spain. And I just couldn’t take my eyes off during that 8 hour drive. Ofcourse we have to make a few stops along the road. It’s like watching scenes from Lord of the Rings with larger than life majestic landscapes.

Our private bus is spacious. We were about 23 (all family-yes!) and the bus has more than 40 seater capacity. Plus our tour guide was very nice. He’s a French married to a Filipina and they own a travel agency which is based in Manila. End result – one noisy and happy bus!

In every roadtrip the memories we make may last momentarily. But because of some technological advancements I can now carry either iphone or smartphone with me (or even better – both). I find it difficult though to photograph roadside attractions during sudden turns and stops. so apologies for my blurry images 🙂 still a rookie.

For me a great road trip is about the journey, and as important as the destination. So having a big pile of photos and editing them afterwards helps me a lot in telling my roadtrip story. A story – consist of laughters, endless chatting, occasional napping, humming with fave music, and fathomless munching on snacks and chocolates. I hope you had fun reading this post, till next time 🙂 – mitch more photos…