Alcazar of Seville ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Alcazar is the Royal Palace in Seville, and what an absolutely amazing place it is!

I highly recommend you book your tickets in advance because if not, this can happen:

Look at the lines at The Lion's Gate!
Good thing I am Miss OC who books everything in advance. I showed my printed confirmation
to the staff and breezed right through. TIP: Book everything online (all admission tickets,
show tickets, train tickets, etc) weeks before the trip and it will save you A LOT of time.

I spent a very enjoyable morning getting lost inside the palace grounds, taking in the incredible Moorish architecture, the rich history, the nature, the artistry.

Every corner, everywhere you look is so photogenic!

House of Trade

The Courtyard of the Maidens

The palace walls are covered in the most beautiful colors and textures I have ever seen. It is in Seville's Alcazar that I first fell in love with tiles.

This staircase leading to the Upper Palace is the most important one in the palace grounds.

It was built in the 16th century under the reign of Philip II and the tiles are exact replicas of

the originals found in Madre de Dios Convent in Seville.

I paid a little extra to see the Cuarto Alto Real or Upper Royal Apartments where the royal family resides up to this day. I suggest you do, too, and book early because tickets for this tour sell out VERY FAST.

Bags were stored in the lockers and photography was not allowed inside, so sorry, no pictures. 

Next to the Royal Apartments was an exhibition of Triana tiles and tablewares. 

I spent so much time in here drooling at all the beautifully imperfect, broken, restored pieces of art.

Each and every piece was so unique and special!  

It was already noon when I breathed fresh air again and continued exploring the palace grounds. I lost my map at this point and was just wandering around, not knowing which courtyard or grand hall I was in. Hahaha.

I stumbled upon this beautiful hallway, probably my favorite area in the Alcazar.

The Hall of Carlos V with its vaulted ceilings is decorated with tapestries and the 

happiest-looking ceramic tiles.

Like sunshine on a cloudy day!  :P

I sat at this bench for quite some time, just people-watching and admiring the gardens below

I can't tell you enough how much I love Seville - its people, its culture, its food, its colorful tiles...

… and the smell of its oranges and orange trees

I would have stayed longer if my stomach had not been grouchily reminding me that it was already lunchtime. Next time I will spend more time exploring the magnificent gardens.

I SUPER LOVE SEVILLE!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Alcazar of Seville: Patio de Banderas, s/n, Sevilla, Spain

Tel: +34 954 50 23 24

Alcazar of Seville Website

Seville Cathedral and Giralda

The Seville Cathedral or Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is one of the must-visits in Seville. The massive UNESCO World Heritage Site took over a century to build (1402-1506!!!) and is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the third largest church, next only to Saint Peter's in Vatican and Saint Paul's in London.

Seville Cathedral

Outside the cathedral were several horse-drawn carriages waiting to take visitors around the city

I couldn't resist doing the touristy bit and hopped on the very first one I saw. Hahaha!

One of the drivers offered to take my photos for souvenir and snapped away while running around

after us. What a nice gentleman! But this was the only clear shot out of 15 or so blurry ones. Lol. 

Anyway, back to the Cathedral.

While drawing up the construction plans, it was said that the members of the cathedral 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).

And succeeded, they did.

After its completion in 1506, the Seville Cathedral replaced Hagia Sophia in Istanbul as the 

largest cathedral in the world.

The central nave rises to an awe-inspiring 42 meters 

Inside the cathedral are 80 chapels, some even larger than actual churches

It is also the burial site of Christopher Columbus. The tomb of the great explorer is

carried by four men representing the kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Aragon and Navarra.

Next to the Cathedral is its bell tower, Giralda. 

The Giralda stands 343 feet tall and, YES, I climbed all the way to the top!!!

Lovers inscriptions everywhere

The bell chamber

I walked 35 inclining ramps to get up here so I needed a photo to prove it! 

Here's a dorky one with me on tiptoes because the lady who took the

picture was having a hard time fitting me and the bells in one frame.

The views from up the tower were breathtaking

The Giralda is one of the most important symbols of Seville and I urge you to get your butts up here.

I promise you it's worth it.

One last selfie before I worked my way down

At the end of the staircase was… LUNCH!  :D

Seville Cathedral: Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, Seville, Spain
Catedral de Sevilla Website