campese
Seville, Spain - Plaza de España
The Plaza de España is a large, impressive square located in the 'Parque de María Luisa'. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and is a landmark example of the Renaissance Revival style in Spanish architecture. Seville, itself, is the capital of Andalucia and with a population of over 700,000 is Spain's 4th largest city. Situated on a plain of the River Guadalquivir, it has a history dating back to 200BC when legend has it that it was founded by Hercules. Originally it was known as 'Hispalis' under the Romans and 'Isbiliya' when under the control of the Moors. The high point in its history, not unsurprisingly, followed the discovery of America in 1492. It is a truly wonderful city to visit although in the summer months it gets very hot with temperatures routinely in excess of 40° C (104° F). Indeed, Seville, is generally regarded as the hottest city in Europe so avoid in July and August! There's so much to see in the city, starting as most visitors do with a first view of the city's emblematic tower, the 'Giralda', the bell tower of the cathedral, one of the largest in the world. There's the Alcázar Palace and gardens - perhaps not rivalling the Alhambra in its scale and architectural beauty - but not far off! Other treasures include the 'Casa de Pilatos', the 'Torre del Oro', the Ayuntaminto (Town Hall), the 'Archivo General de Indias' (where the historical records of the American continent are kept), the 'Museo de Bellas Artes' (Museum of Fine Arts) which is the second largest picture gallery in Spain. and, of course, many beautiful and revered parish churches, convents and numerous palaces. But for all its magnificent monuments, architecture and fascinating history, Seville is universally admired for being a joyous town; with 'Sevillanos' known for their wit, sparkle and vitality - hardly surprising given its association with Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro! 'Sevillanos' are great actors and put on an extraordinary performance at their annual 'Feria de Abril', a week-long party of drink, food and dance which takes place day and night in more than a thousand especially constructed tents. But above all it allows the men to parade on their fine horses and the women to dance in brilliantly coloured gypsy dresses. Immediately before that is Holy Week, or 'Semana Santa', a religious festival where hooded penitents march In long processions followed by huge baroque floats on which sit images of the Virgin or Christ, surrounded by cheerful crowds. Both of these events are 'must-sees' with the proviso that hotel bookings in the city should be made many months (if not years) beforehand and an acceptance that large, boisterous, always enthusiastic crowds are very much the order of the day. Wandering the tiny side streets of Seville, particularly the Jewish quarter, the 'Barrio Santa Cruz', and the vibrant (former gypsy) quarter of 'Triana', is a delight too; especially when sufficient time is set aside to sample some traditional tapas, drink some locally produced manzanilla (fino sherry) or listen to some impromptu flamenco. Seville has everything and then some! There are plenty more photos of Seville and other Spanish towns/locations if you take a look at my 'Albums' page, www.flickr.com/photos/36623892@N00/sets/ - thank you.
Seville, Spain - Plaza de España
The Plaza de España is a large, impressive square located in the 'Parque de María Luisa'. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and is a landmark example of the Renaissance Revival style in Spanish architecture. Seville, itself, is the capital of Andalucia and with a population of over 700,000 is Spain's 4th largest city. Situated on a plain of the River Guadalquivir, it has a history dating back to 200BC when legend has it that it was founded by Hercules. Originally it was known as 'Hispalis' under the Romans and 'Isbiliya' when under the control of the Moors. The high point in its history, not unsurprisingly, followed the discovery of America in 1492. It is a truly wonderful city to visit although in the summer months it gets very hot with temperatures routinely in excess of 40° C (104° F). Indeed, Seville, is generally regarded as the hottest city in Europe so avoid in July and August! There's so much to see in the city, starting as most visitors do with a first view of the city's emblematic tower, the 'Giralda', the bell tower of the cathedral, one of the largest in the world. There's the Alcázar Palace and gardens - perhaps not rivalling the Alhambra in its scale and architectural beauty - but not far off! Other treasures include the 'Casa de Pilatos', the 'Torre del Oro', the Ayuntaminto (Town Hall), the 'Archivo General de Indias' (where the historical records of the American continent are kept), the 'Museo de Bellas Artes' (Museum of Fine Arts) which is the second largest picture gallery in Spain. and, of course, many beautiful and revered parish churches, convents and numerous palaces. But for all its magnificent monuments, architecture and fascinating history, Seville is universally admired for being a joyous town; with 'Sevillanos' known for their wit, sparkle and vitality - hardly surprising given its association with Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro! 'Sevillanos' are great actors and put on an extraordinary performance at their annual 'Feria de Abril', a week-long party of drink, food and dance which takes place day and night in more than a thousand especially constructed tents. But above all it allows the men to parade on their fine horses and the women to dance in brilliantly coloured gypsy dresses. Immediately before that is Holy Week, or 'Semana Santa', a religious festival where hooded penitents march In long processions followed by huge baroque floats on which sit images of the Virgin or Christ, surrounded by cheerful crowds. Both of these events are 'must-sees' with the proviso that hotel bookings in the city should be made many months (if not years) beforehand and an acceptance that large, boisterous, always enthusiastic crowds are very much the order of the day. Wandering the tiny side streets of Seville, particularly the Jewish quarter, the 'Barrio Santa Cruz', and the vibrant (former gypsy) quarter of 'Triana', is a delight too; especially when sufficient time is set aside to sample some traditional tapas, drink some locally produced manzanilla (fino sherry) or listen to some impromptu flamenco. Seville has everything and then some! There are plenty more photos of Seville and other Spanish towns/locations if you take a look at my 'Albums' page, www.flickr.com/photos/36623892@N00/sets/ - thank you.