Thursday 3^rd April – Puerto Sherry (Seville)

36:34.792N 6:15.255W

Today we were up before dawn, had a quick breakfast and, after resolving a problem with the cab not arriving, were soon on our way to the train station to catch an early train to Seville. 

On arrival we got a cab across town to the Plaza del Toros and then walked back along the river past the Tor Del Oro and then towards the centre.  Having seen the traffic we were glad we had taken the train and not driven as originally planned!

After a coffee we headed, past a small ‘carnival’ parade, to the impressive cathedral, Santa Maria de la Sede.  It holds a Guinness Book of Records record for being the cathedral with the largest area (bizarrely there was even the certificate near one of the altars).  The decor inside the cathedral was very elaborate.  It is built on the site of Seville’s former main mosque and its history is well documented and displayed for the visitor. 

We climbed the adjoining tower, La Giralda, which used to be the mosque’s minaret which was unusual in having no steps but simply a slope winding up the inside of the tower; the views from the top across Seville were well worth the climb. The viewing area at the top also houses the large cathedral bells; we were ‘fortunate’ enough to hear them ring the half hour (thankfully it was not noon).

The cathedral also has the tomb of Christopher Columbus but I have read that more recent research indicates that he was probably buried in the Caribbean and that these are the remains of his son Diego.  When we had finished looking at the cathedral, it was already 3.30pm, we couldn’t believe how long it had taken, so I guess it does deserve its Guinness record!

After the cathedral we walked back down to the river, crossed over and strolled down the other side to the next bridge that leads up to the Plaza de España.  From the bridge we could see the marina that we had considered visiting with Pyxis; the marina looked quite small from where we were standing. 

By now it was very hot in Seville, the indicators around the city were showing 35ºC – not a good time to be out walking, but we persevered.

We walked through the botanical gardens to the Plaza de España. The Plaza de España is a huge semi-circular area, with a fountain in the middle and a decorative canal (with no water in it), all arranged in front of the grand semi circular building behind it.  The building has some impressive towers and some beautiful tiling.  The building is now used as administrative offices for the City.

After the Plaza de España, we headed past the old University building back to the centre where we stopped for coffee and a good sit-down. 

Refreshed we strolled on to the old town with its charming narrow streets and busy shops.  We tested a little tapas in a local bar and then started meandering back to the station.  On one of the back streets we found what was possibly the smallest bar in Seville, and were impressed by the number of bottles of spirit and wine stacked on the shelves.  We decided to double the numbers and fill the place, so popped in for quick drink.  The olives were great and we managed the whole thing in Spanish.  Next door there was a children’s birthday party going on and the adults kept popping in for adult refreshments.

We took the last train back to Santa Maria and just as the last bus from Jerez had been a problem, so was the last train from Seville.  Again it didn’t arrive; then there was an announcement and everyone moved to the opposite platform – though no signs on the indicator boards.  We followed suit.  A train came and went on the original platform but still no sign of ours. Eventually a train arrived, we got on it and, much later, got home, very tired after a long day.

Though exhausted, having tried to do too much, we enjoyed Seville and hope to visit again.