After three hours on the train and a short walk from the station, we arrived at our final resting place for this leg of the trip. It’s in a great location, right on the edge of the historical quarter and surprisingly quiet. We had arrived a day early to get the lay of the land and pick up supplies, as we were expecting guests for the weekend and my mother was coming to stay with us for a couple of weeks.
Rachel’s sister Ruth and her husband Terry had very kindly flown with my mother for a long weekend, making sure she got here safely. They dropped her off on the way to their hotel on Friday evening. We had agreed to all meet up the following morning, as they were understandably jaded. So after a few quick hugs with Ruth and Terry and a warm welcome for mum, we all called it a night.
After a light breakfast the next day, we set off to meet Ruth and Terry at their hotel across town. They had both slept well and were excited to explore the city. The weather was beautiful, so we decided to walk along the river towards the Plaza de España. It was really nice to catch up with everyone as we walked, enjoying the energy and sounds of the city.
The Plaza de España, finished in 1929 to reaffirm Spanish unity with its former colonies, is laid out in a vast, perfectly symmetrical semicircle. It’s surrounded by a moat, which was empty this time of year, and combines a mix of romantic architectural styles that is truly mesmerising.
After an enjoyable lunch at an excellent Arabic restaurant overlooking the cathedral, we all went back to change before meeting up again that evening at the renowned flamenco theatre. The performance was highly charged, incredibly passionate, and absolutely jaw-dropping. Brilliant.
The following day we had booked an 11am slot to visit the Royal Alcázar. It’s a fascinating blend of Mudéjar, Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque influences, and I can see why it is still in use as a royal residence. For me, it was the interiors I found most compelling, especially the intricate Islamic geometric designs that covered many of the walls and ceilings. The gardens, too, offered a peaceful, thought-provoking glimpse into the past, with their careful layout and abundant water features.
Later, we made our way to the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, which is understandably a popular attraction. We had booked ahead to make sure we could get inside. The Giralda, originally a twelfth-century minaret, was built with thirty-five ramped sections so the Arabic ruler of the time could ride his horse to the top. It was later converted into a bell tower by the Christians. There is no denying the beauty of the Gothic architecture, but I found the opulent use of precious metals inside a little excessive. What was particularly interesting to see, though, was the tomb of Christopher Columbus, held aloft by four intricately carved figures representing the ancient kingdoms of Spain.
Where we’re staying:-
Dream Chasers 