Just a few block from our apartment is an incredible structure – the  Plaza de Espana.  It was built in 1928 for the Ibero- American Exposition to showcase Spain’s industry and technology exhibits. It’s a huge half-circle building that encompasses a moat with bridges that represent the four ancient kingdoms of Spain.  In the center is the Vicente Traver fountain.  It’s been used as a filming location for movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and a couple of the Star Wars flicks.  Today it contains mostly government offices.

This building is lined with unique tiled alcoves, each representing a different province or town within Spain  The girl in the blue skirt is standing in front of one of them.

Each alcove is unique and very ornate, and tells something about that community – history or otherwise.

This is one of the entry portals if you enter from the outside of the building, vs. coming from the park to the open side of the semi-circle building.  It hinted of the grandeur you were about to see.

Tile work everywhere – even rails and balisters.

As with most of the incredible buildings in Seville, my little camera cannot do them justice – I can only show you pieces-parts.

This aerial photo gives a better perspective, with the dark blue “D” shape a moat/waterway.   Above the building and a little to the right is the university building (large square) that we wandered through, and included a photo of in a previous post.  The Cathedral is just out of view in the upper right corner.  The green to the left is the huge Maria Luisa park, which goes almost to the river.

A Saturday afternoon queue to rent row boats to ply the moat.

Dad letting Jr. do the work.  Just previous to this shot he was getting a lesson in steering.  I think they’re looking at the bride & groom on the bridge.

Understandably a popular wedding venue.  We didn’t stand around and stare – just snapped a photo as we were passing.  Both of them were wiping tears away – very sweet.

We’re headed off to Faro, Portugal today via bus, but I still have a couple of more Seville posts in the works.  First time in Portugal! – Laura