Seville, Southern Spain

From 700AD to the mid 1400’s the Moors occupied the Iberian Peninsula. They came from northern Africa and bought their own culture, food and religion. Their impact can still be seen everywhere in Southern Spain.

Seville is one of Southern Spain’s premier cities. It is renowned for its architecture, food, orange trees and flamenco dancing. It is the city from which the Spanish sailed to and from the new world; Seville is a stunningly beautiful, vibrant city.

The Andalusian or Seville orange was introduced by the Moors for their scent and aesthetics. They are tart and more suitable for making marmalade than eating. Across the region they are planted everywhere that an ornamental tree could be planted.

The Alcazar is a former royal residence built in the post Islamic Christian era but the Moorish influences are undeniable. Every turn, every view, every archway, every tile, even the stone floor has a noteworthy beauty factor.

The Seville cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the world. It is an ornate Gothic stone structure and it houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The minaret turned bell tower has a Renaissance upper section and stands approximately 100m high, towering over the plaza next door. The building is stunning.

Seville is famous for its modern tapas, rice or bean dishes and hearty stews. The food is not only satisfying, but reasonably priced and available on any street.

Bizet’s Opera Carmen is set is Seville. The story begins outside the tobacco factory, which is now a city university building and ends at the Bull-ring. Many years ago Craig danced an Australian Opera's production of Carmen so it was great to see these original settings.

Plaza de Espana was constructed in 1928 for a world expo and is a 45000sqm curved building of red brick and tile. Each of the regions in Spain are expressed in tile around the forecourt.

It was under the Plaza's central portico that we watched three flamenco dancers and their musical accompaniment perform. The intensity of the performance in the late afternoon light moved us both and is a memory we will never forget.

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