Many locations in Sevilla, Spain appear like movie sets. Here’s an example:
They come pre-lit for the camera.
Giralda Tower, Sevilla, Spain
The Giralda Tower in Sevilla, Spain can not be missed. It’s a long hike up the ramps to the belfry and the view is worth the effort. The tower stands at the corner of the cathedral, another magnificent structure that has to be seen from within to be truly appreciated.
The tower itself has been changed many times over the intervening centuries. It started out as a minaret and evolved into the present structure thanks to plenty of meddling by various authorities. Nonetheless, it turned out quite beautiful. The bells up there hang in stately testament to the efforts of the Church.
The cathedral in Sevilla (photos of which are posted earlier in this blog) is worth several hours of your time. The details are amazing. Everything from the altar pieces to the stone carvings around the doors exhibit high baroque style as only could be done in Spain. The proceedings here during Semana Santa will take you back hundreds of years as well.
Italica, Spain
Not far from Sevilla, Spain, are the ruins of the Roman city Italica. The site remains under excavation as there is plenty more to discover. It is an amazing place to visit, especially when you consider that this place was a long journey from Rome during the days of the Empire. In this first photo, you’ll see a piece of the amphitheater.
One thing I enjoyed about this site was the freedom to walk about the ruins. It is possible to get very close and thereby see the workmanship and wear of the structures. We walked along the main boulevard of the town, which like all things Roman was laid out in a grid. Villas were set back from this thoroughfare and divided into various neighborhoods. Here’s a view of some standing columns that were part of an important home featuring a central fountain.
I should also mention that this town had a properly functioning water supply and sewer system, two things that would be lost to history for centuries before being restored. Of course, the residents decorated everything, including the floors, like this:
To think that mosaic was hidden beneath the dirt for a thousand years! Amazing. But it survived, as did many more like it. I highly recommend a visit to Italica. It’s only a short distance from Sevilla. There’s plenty of parking, clean bathroom facilities, and plenty to see and learn. It would also be a good idea to do some reading on the subject to get the most out of it. The map/brochure that is given to you as you enter is in multiple languages and very well done.
Finally, there is a little gas station a few hundred yards up the road from the entrance. There ICE-COLD Coca-Cola can be had. Refreshing, delicious, satisfying.
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