Adelaide's Travel Notes - Spain

Spain
Seville

	The 12th-century Moorish tower La Giralda is maybe the most famous landmark of Seville. You can ascend by a ramp to its top, from where you have great views of the city. In October 1992, Seville was all decorated to celebrate the 500 years of Columbus' discovery of the New World.
The Gothic cathedral of Seville, the third-largest in the world, was begun in the 14th century, built on the site of a former mosque, from which La Giralda was a minaret.
	The cathedral's interior has many treasures, both architectural and artistic, and lots of gold brought from America.
Also in the cathedral there is this beautiful tomb supported by four bronze statues, presumed to contain the remains of Christopher Columbus. But the Dominican Republic also claims to have his remains there.
The Renaissance style is finely represented in this building at Plaza de España. A ceremony was held there on October 12 with the presence of King Juan Carlos. With the royal family staying at the Alcázar, I was not allowed to visit this 14th-century palace and its well-kept gardens. It was there that the Catholic Monarchs Isabel of Castile and Fernando of Aragon welcomed Columbus when he returned from America.
	On the left, Torre del Oro (Gold Tower), next to Guadalquivir River. Some say this 13th-century structure has this name for the golden tiles that once covered it. Another explanation was that it was used to house gold brought by Spanish ships.
The Barrio de Santa Cruz was once the Jewish quarter of Seville. It is delightful to walk through this labyrinth of narrow streets of whitewashed houses with balconies. Many houses have gates leading to patios with flowers and fountains.

I was in Seville during the Expo'92. The place offered many attractions, day and night. Not surprisingly, the pavilion dedicated to the Age of Discoveries was one of the most interesting.

Links
Andalucia.Com
Seville, Charm and Joy, by All About Spain
Sevilla, by Rick Steves