Both Dave & I agree that that this city is jaw-dropping. Around every turn are architecturally beautiful buildings, churches, plazas, towers and works of art. Many shopping side streets are pedestrian only, and public transportation (which we haven’t had to use yet) abounds.
Catching some sun by the Rio Guadalquivir, with runs through the city.
AGAIN the young ladies ask Dave to take their photo. What’s up with this?
Oh, if I could only reach them.
The Golden Tower (borrowed photo), an example of Moorish architecture, was build as a defense tower in the 12th century and now houses a naval museum. We visited the museum, and were able to climbed to the roof – not the top tower – where the next photo was taken from.
The Giralda Tower and the “Cathedral”, which is the largest Gothic temple in the world and third largest Christian church in the world. We’re touring it today so will do a separate post. Pretty impressive! – Laura
The tradition of bullfighting is still carried on here. The construction of Seville’s ring started in 1761 and lasted for 120 years. We toured the compound, and it was hard to believe it can hold 12,000. It looks smaller. The fights, which run from April to October, sell out, with the seats on the shady side of the ring costing you double.
The guide, in the red jacket (of course) did a fine job of narrating in Spanish, then English. We didn’t get to go on the actual field 🙁 I recall when Dad & I toured Europe we did wander a coliseum field, and he reenacted a lion/Christian battle.
Included was a tour of the museum on site. It contained 5 rooms of history and artifacts by century, plus a room of bullfighting related art work – prints and paintings. The suit in the showcase above belonged to a prodigy fighter. He started at age 9, was ‘the best” at 14, and died in the ring at 25. The exceptional matadors are quite the heroic figures.
Apparently if the bull does an exceptional job of ‘fighting’, the judge can allow him to live. It’s happened here – twice in the last few centuries. Not good odds for the bull, who otherwise ends up in the butcher shop.
Exterior of the building.
We happened upon a Bull fighting trade show, where kids could practice in a mini-ring, capes and such were for sale, and you could buy your own bull (?). Laura
Though we’re in Sevilla, here are details of a Malaga outing:
We didn’t need to go far to explore old fortresses – Malaga has it’s own, and though it isn’t as large or as ornate as the Alhambra in Granada, it was a better experience as we could wander around and explore at will. Even with 2 cruise ships moored in Malaga harbor, not a lot of visitors there. Maybe they were all queued up at the ice cream shops.
“Alcazaba de Malaga: This impressive group of building, most dating from the 11th century, formed the palace-fortress of the Moslem rulers of the city. It is build on a spur and adapted to it’s contours. …the Alcazaba was mostly built of limestone, which crumbles easily, and has required frequent rebuilding..”
This model gives a good perspective of this sprawling, massive structure.WanderingChannels in the floor were used to carry water to the many gardens, with the source obviously at a high point.
I see feline features …
A rare (only) foggy day. Looking at the harbor. Yes, it was quite a climb to the top. This view is of the top of the wall, not our walkway to get to the fortress. – Laura
The bus ride from Ronda to Seville was not near as twisty as the one to Ronda. After a short ride out of the hills, it was mostly level through the rolling farmlands. Another blue-sky day.
Beautiful bus station. We collected a map and ventured onto the wide streets of Seville.
A no-go when we arrived 10 minutes later at our door. Phoning our Spanish-speaking-only hostess revealed she did not receive our emails (?) noting our arrival time. Luckily there was a café with outdoor seating RIGHT next door where we got to know the regulars (and the neighborhood traffic) for the next 2 hours. Actually, I took off to the tourist bureau to collect tourist literature while Dave read. Ah, Spain! 🙂 Laura
With the abundance of small mom & pop produce and grocery stores, it’s easy to find favorites and actually get to know the owners. This was ‘my’ produce guy in Fuengirola. Open 7 days a week, he has some killer deals, and had nice words for everyone. He also sold baked sweet potatoes that looked sticky sweet. – Laura
Three nights (2 full days, and a partial day) is not a lot of time to check out a town, but Ronda (pop. approx. 35,000) isn’t big and it was easy to get a feel for this delightful hill town. Today we wandered some streets, and walked outside the walled old town.
We found the best preserved Roman baths in the Iberian peninsula .
“Borrowed” photo of the New Bridge. Those are hotels perched on the edges. The town comes right to the edges.
We’ve walked over the “New Bridge” several times in the last few days. It took 42 years to build, dates to 1751, and connects the old walled city with the newer parts of Ronda, traversing the El Tajo canyon.
The sun needs to be further south (winter) to get full lighting on the bridge. I didn’t take that lower ‘edge’ walk – yikes!
Turning to the left a little for a different perspective.
Turning even more to the left reveals the valley to the west.
Rounding the corner, we almost ran into this cowboy, parked next to a bar window with a large mug of beer in hand. He waved me off when I asked to take his photo. My guess is he was on the clock…
Oh no, he wouldn’t listen to me, so I had to lock him out.
Dave named this hidden garden café the ‘pigeon garden’. We had a cup of tea here and listened to cooing pigeons nesting in the 15th century church next door. The café owner also had several song birds in cages <:-( that added to the choir.
Traffic at a standstill when school lets out.
Rustling up business for Segway-like rentals. First time I’ve seen a hands-free model – steer with knee pressure.
We are only 2 blocks from the bull ring (above) but we didn’t tour it. The ring in Seville is on our to-do list, though.
I’ve given up on the baked goods, but have not been disappointed by the handmade chocolates:-) These shoes are chocolate!
We’re off to Sevilla (seh-VEE-yah) today – 11:00 bus will get us there at 12:45. No train from here to there or we would have taken it. Location has been an important criteria in selecting lodging – every home is within walking distance of the bus or train station . So far this has worked out well, aside from the initial disorientation we seem to have when we exit a station. Thanks for following us! – Laura
Our first full day in Ronda, I found Laura on the map just east of Ronda, and a route to it via back roads and trails.
The street morphed into a trail though the country. We’ll walk right through the olive groves in the distance. Dave was glad he put on sunscreen – not a favorite task of his.
Some trees in blossom. We’re at about 2800′ elevation. Olive trees in the background.
Lighter colored blossom, but just as fragrant. They were alive with busy bees.
First iris, against a north facing wall.
Our carb reward before we turn around and head back. “Laura” turned out to be just a little cluster of homes with a gas station and this restaurant/ hotel/campground.
Within the walled town in Ronda, looking in the direction of our hike. About 4 hours round trip. Lovely countryside.
Magnolia blossoming in one of Ronda’s many city parks. Laura
My sister expressed an interest in the interior architectural features of homes here. Below are some images of the home we’re in here in Ronda. I could get used to these marble floors – though they can be cool, they just feel so good on your feet. – Laura
several interior doors like this – closing off the kitchen, entry way and hall way if needed.
Most all windows have exterior metal shaded that are lowered/raised from inside. They’re cream colored on this building. Guessing for noise, light (they sleep late!) and privacy.Nice interior doors. Maybe from the 40’s or 50’s?Inside a front door right off the street. They use such quality materials.The landing on our floor.Many churches in town.
Tickets Please! They cost about $10 each for the 1 3/4 hr ride.
The bus ride from Fuengirola to Ronda…
was a VERY windy one through some baby mountains – lots of switchbacks. Along the way we ended up behind a slow moving semi. Instead of stressing, the bus driver just pulled over at a spring, took a drink, and off we went. (He didn’t offer the break to any of the passengers!) We caught up with the truck again a little later, but were able to pass it (!) on an up-hill straight away. – Laura
Our stay here has been great – it’s kind of sad to leave. But a whirlwind of stops await us. We have 3 stays of 3 nights each lined up, followed by a longer stay of 10 days.
Today we’re off to Ronda, a 1.75 hour bus ride to the NE. A typical white village hill town, it promises some dramatic scenery.
Fuengirola: In the courtyard looking up at our inside balcony – off the living and dining rooms. We’re above the green-fabric lined rail. South facing!
Our back balcony, off the bedrooms, gives us a nice view of soccer practices and games.Sunset bounce our last night in Fuengirola.
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