Spanish history is an interesting country in many ways, and has so much to offer the traveler. There's the Moorish influence, particularly strong here in the south, this blend of East and West, so evident in the architecture. The Seville Cathedral is such an example. It is the third largest in the world, after St Peter's in Rome, and St Paul's in London. It is built on the site of a mosque, which becomes apparent when you enter, as there are more pillars than you would normally expect. The ornate Gothic ceiling, however is unmistakably Christian, and towers above the worshipper, creating an impressive atmosphere.
Arriving late in the day, about half an hour before close, the stain glass windows seemed to shine as if stars (pictured top of page) in the night sky, whilst the interior of the Cathedral was bathed in an intriguing light.
Actually, we arrived late in the day because we were really just having a walk to see where everything was, and didn't expect to go straight in, because we had heard there are normally long lines. Though I often find if you go really early or late that you can get into alot of tourist attractions without the queues. The Louvre is a classic example of the 'early bird catches the worm', you should arrive early in the day, before the hordes of tourists.
In Seville everything is an easy stroll away, and most hotels are in Santa Cruz, close to the main sites anyway. If it gets too much, just jump in a taxi, because they are relatively inexpensive and readily available.
Certainly challenging light for the humble photographer, particularly with no flash allowed, however Seville Cathedral is probably best experienced for yourself. However, I think the video camera may have captured it better, so I'll upload the footage when I return to Australia.
Spanish churches are ornate, and you can see that in the Seville Cathedral. Notice the detail in the Gothic ceiling, and wood work behind the altar (pictured above).
The wealth of the Spanish empire, and the Christian Reconquesta was used to beautify, and build these magnificent cathedrals, which makes the strong statement that the Roman Catholic church is here to stay, and will remain an important part in Spain.
Construction began in 1401 and finished in 1506 - that was fast for a Cathedral in those days.
Here in Spain's largest cathedral the church is stamping it's authority on the freshly conquered land, and building on this site, a truly beautiful, impressive Christian cathedral.
However, the Islamic architecture, and culture remains behind, as the original mosque tower was considered too important to demolish, and the addition was added (above). Likewise the Muslim courtyard, with its orange trees were retained (pictured below).
Seville Cathedral is the number one attraction in Seville, and even though, you may have visited many churches and cathedrals in Spain or Europe, you should see this one.
Unfortunately, we were unable to climb the tower with its amazing views over Seville due to restoration work. If you don't have much time, or wish to avoid the long queues in the hot sun, I would advise either buying your tickets in advance or arriving about half an hour to an hour before closing time, where you should be able to go straight into the Cathedral.
We've been having some fantastic meals in Southern Spain. I'm going to do a seperate blog post about eating in Spain, and where you can find some great restaurants. Eating out here is cheap, and it's all part of the fun in Spain.
FACTS SHEET:
Must see:
Seville Cathedral
Av de la Constitución, s/n, 41080 Seville, Sevilla, Spain
Google maps ref: Google Maps Seville Cathedral
Opening hours: Winter (September to June): Mondays to Saturdays - 11am to 5.30pm (ticket office until 5pm)
Sundays - 2.30pm to 6.30pm (ticket office until 6pm)
Summer (July & August):
Mondays to Saturdays - 9.30am to 4.30pm (ticket office until 4pm)
Sundays - 2.30pm to 6.30pm (ticket office until 6pm)
Prices: Adult admission is €8 each website: http://www.catedraldesevilla.es/
Where to eat:
Eslava - (excellent restaurant, very busy, so make a reservation unless you don't mind standing like we did at the bar eating the delicious Tapas. 2nd best restaurant we have eaten at in Spain after Cafe Jose, Barcelona.)
3 Carrier Eslava
Seville
*
Travel tips: *
- At this time of year, June, and into July, August, it's hot. It was 36 degrees Celsius today, so it's important to where sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially if you insist on walking at the hottest time of the day during Siesta.
- If you arrive late in the afternoon, with half an hour before close (like we did), there is no queue, and you will be able to go straight into to see Seville Cathedral. Otherwise it's best to buy tickets in advance online.
- the Alcazar is next door, so you might like to see both on the same day.
- Entry is free to Cathedral if you bought the Sevilla card - http://www.seville-traveller.com/city-pass.html
- Taxi's are relatively cheap, and readily available in Seville.
