Chasing Summer –

Ronda

In the morning, the bus headed to Ronda, the birthplace of Spanish bullfighters. Ronda proudly holds the distinction of being home to Spain’s oldest bullring, where the rules of the sport were created.

Despite its fame in bull fighting, which I have issues with, it is even better when you leave the bulls behind and get to the bridge and dramatic gorge that separates the old town with the new,

On the two hour ride to Seville were oceans of sunflowers.

Seville

Seveille was amazing. This city was the capital of the Muslim dynasty, considered to be the guardian angel of culture in Andalusia and the birthplace of the flamenco dance, which keeps autocorrecting to flamingo dance on my accounts.

Seville is the primary setting of many operas, of which the best known is Bizet’s Carmen. As the fourth largest city in Spain, it has hosted the Universal Exposition of Seville in 1992.

First, I visited the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral, and the third-largest church in the world. It was completed in the early 16th century, and now the cathedral halls serve as the Royal Chapel, the burial place of the kings for over a century.

The tomb of Christopher Columbus, who stumbled upon the New World and didn’t know it, is also in the church. What a putz.

Now, if you look at the signs, you can buy in person for 13 or online for 12 and save an euro, but it’s a lie. Online, you are charged an euro fee for administrative cost, so it is the same price regardless. I bought online for an immediate entry and passed a long line of people waiting for their time. This might not work in high season when tickets sell out, but it worked out well for me.

The Alcázar of Seville, which used to be a Muslim palace and a Spanish Royal Palace is right beside the church, but I didn’t go in.

The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the oficial Seville residence today, which makes it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. It was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the Seville Cathedral.

The last stop was Plaza de España (Spain Square). Nor what I was expecting at all, but amazing and large enough to hold concerts and other large events. It looked like they were setting up for something there.

Part of the main square

I definitely could have spent more time in Seville exploring and even going into the Palace. A couple of days is needed to see all of the good stuff. It was hot though, already 34 C and not even summer yet, so a hat and sunscreen are essential.