Jo’s Monday walk : Seville, second helpings

I was in Seville for not much more than 24 hours.  Just enough to complete my mission in meeting Sue, with a little time to spare.  On my second day I planned to see as much of the city as I could, intending to join a free walking tour.  That way I wouldn’t get lost in the maze of streets, and would make it back to the bus station in Plaza de Armas for my return coach home.

Of course, I had to get to the meeting point first.  The day dawned bright and clear and I set off across the city towards Plaza de Espana.  Cafés were coming to life in the sparkling sun as I headed through the leafy greenery of the Murillo gardens, and skirted the beautiful Real Alcazar.

Sometimes things go to plan.  Sometimes they don’t.  I arrived at Plaza de Espana to find barricades and a squad of security guards.  Apparently Green Day were playing a concert in these fabulous surrounds the following day, so access was forbidden.  The Plaza is the undisputed jewel of the Maria Luisa Park, built for the Ibero-American Expo of 1929.  I am lucky enough to have seen it in all its glory on a previous occasion, and was looking forward to a return visit.  Our guide explained a little of the history to the tour group, and then set off in the direction from which I had come.  We were to cross the city and end at the Metropol Parasol, a route I had already traversed that day.  I made a snap decision and excused myself.  Time was too precious to waste and I knew that I was close to the river.  It was the perfect day for a cruise.

And across the road beckoned another historic monument that I had hoped to see, the Torre del Oro.  The 36 metre high tower was constructed in 1220, part of the wall defending the Alcazar and formerly linked to the Torre de la Plata.  Unfortunately the tower was closed as it was All Saint’s Day, a public holiday, but I was more than happy to hop on board a boat.

Nor was I alone.  The water was busy with all manner of craft, young and old enjoying the holiday.  Cruceros Torre del Oro provide an hour long, panoramic cruise on Río Guadalquivir, Sevilla flaunting her charms on all sides.  Comely, traditional Triana gives way to the futuristic Expo ’92 site and, in the distance, the fairground rides of Isla Magica.  As the boat gently turned midstream, I gazed deep into the heart of the city, towards the cathedral, guarded by her exquisite tower.  All too soon I was stepping ashore.

Denied access to the tower, I set off along the quay, the serenity of the river forgotten as traffic whizzed past me, from one set of traffic lights to the next.  Impatient for a green light, I crossed over to admire the Plaza de Toros.  Although I would never set foot inside to witness the tormenting of a bull, the building itself does command respect.

On the far shore, the flutter of umbrellas at a pavement café danced an invitation.  Crossing Puente de Triana, I admired the sweep of the river.  Would a table here be affordable, I wondered?  I cast my eyes over a menu or two.  Not too bad, and the view would be worth it.

I squeezed into a space, facing the river, with an hour just to contemplate the beautiful city before me, and all I’d seen and done.

I ate Flamenquins- ham and gooey, melted cheese in crispy breadcrumbs- no room for dessert.  Trailing a backward glance or two, I recrossed the river and followed it along the shore, towards my waiting coach.  It had been a delightful re-acquaintance with Seville.

If you missed my previous walk in Sunny Seville, you missed a treat.  No, not just the cakes, though they were good.  I met lovely Sue!

walking logo

Many thanks to all my wonderful contributors.  Walking is so much better with your company.  Join me any time, here on Jo’s Monday walk.  Newcomers and old friends, I always try to make you welcome.

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101 comments

  1. Pingback: Monday walk…in memoriam | This, that and the other thing

  4. This was my first view of Seville and I must say it is a really pretty city. As others have said, the blue skies are balm for this soul since we are deep into the grey of November. You do pack a lot into a short period of time. Good decision to abandon the walk and take a boat tour instead!

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  5. What a perfect day you had for strolling and cruising. Too bad the Plaza de Espana was blocked off, but luckily you’d seen it before. I only had one day in Seville, so I didn’t see half the things you did. What a beautiful city. I missed when you met Sue, so I’ll have to go back to read it. I’m sure you had a great meeting.

    Thanks too for the link. I think I must have linked mine to your walk from the week before, since I was in Charleston last week. 🙂

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    1. We had a lovely time, me and Sue, and I made the most of the rest of my time, Cathy. Looks like you had a good time in Charleston. That’s a city I’ve always wanted to visit. 🙂 🙂

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  9. You do pack a lot in on a short visit, you rival Cathy! I’d be exhausted accompanying the two of you. Seville does seem to have a lot to offer and the blue sky is to die for. We have one here today, but much paler. Still I’ll take it after all the rain we’ve seen. Might even pop over to the coast 😉

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  13. Seville just looks better and better Jo, what a gorgeous city. Looks like so much to see and the weather makes me just a little jealous at the moment when we’re freezing our butts off here. Lovely photos as always.

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    1. It was a fabulous day that day, Jonno. It’s been a little mixed since then, but it is Autumn, after all 🙂 🙂 Brilliant blue here again today but rain is on the way. I don’t mind for me- we need it- but our next door neighbour arrives tomorrow for just a week. With a brolly, I hope!

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      1. You can have some of our rain as it’s been the worst few weeks i can remember for years recently. Could do with a dry week, we don’t mind the cold just fed up with rain. Perhaps I need a few days in Seville.

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  15. Pingback: A very short walk with a superstar – Travel with Intent

  16. Jo, what a sumptuous and beautiful city … yet another place to visit! The tower looks fascinating and it’s always special to go on a river cruise – wise decision to ditch the walking tour and make your own! 😀😀

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  18. A great speedy tour of Seville, Jo. You packed in plenty for such a short visit.
    I liked the Triana area, for views and to get away from the crowds. But there was a lot of desolation and ongoing work near the Isla Magica.

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