Seville and Cadiz April 30

We took a long weekend in April for a road trip to Seville where we stayed in a nice hostel in the center of town and explored the cathedral, Alcazar, and attended a bullfight and La Liga soccer match. On our way back we stopped in Cadiz for a day.

First afternoon we walked a ways through the streets of Seville to the art museum.

Most of the art museum was dedicated to catholic paintings and portraits--which were very fine--but we found a few other pieces that made the trip worth it.

The folllowing afternoon we went to our first bullfight.

The boys were enthralled and wanted to stay through the slaugther of the 6th bull.

Everyone was dressed up, the place was virtually silent, and there were no tourists with cell phones out.

We learned a lot and it was fascinating.

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After visiting the Alhambra in Malaga, and the Alcazaba in Malaga, we weren't sure we'd be impressed by Sevilla's Alcazar. But we were. The history was just as rich if not even moreso, and the royalty of Spain still use the compound as part of their palace.

The Alcazar on instagram

The Alcazar in real life

One thing we really appreciated about this palace versus the others we've seen is the superior ornateness and preservation of color.

An important Game of Thrones scence was filmed in this room

The gardens were so extensive we didn't have time to see it all.

But Todd and the boys had time to get lost in the maze!

Jump up so I can see you!

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Sevilla's cathedral is the largest gothic cathedral in the world, the largest when building during the 1400's, and now the 3rd largest in the world. Perhaps the most impressive and important historical cathedral in Spain if not Europe in terms of gothic art, and the centerpiece of christian wealth and dominance over the moors at the end of the middle ages.

The tower was originally built by the muslims in 1195 as part of a mosque near the palace, but now fuctions as a bell tower for the cathedral that we ascended.

So many buttresses

The roof of the cathedral

Don't remember how many decades this altar took but the gospels are portrayed in the sculptures of the bling.

Christopher Columbus' tomb. Apparently only some of his remains.

So vast and decorated.

Drion having a moment with Jesus in one of the 80 some chapels.

Parker on a stroll with his hot chocolate in the morning

The ancient tower of gold was a prison and military fortification that controlled traffic to and from the sea and Seville, including pulling up a massive chain to block ships.

On Monday night we enjoyed a La Liga game with many international players that Parker recognized.

Unfortunately they lost but it was a fun experience.

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On our way back to Torremolinos, we toured Cadiz for a day. The oldest city in Western Europe, Cadiz has phoenician and roman ruins, a massive gold-domed cathedral, and Ocean fortifications along it's shores. We enjoyed their fun market with many foods and drinks to try, as well as the coastal views and beach. The water was cold and we didn't feel that we needed more time here.

The market was a full of fish, meats, olives and produce surrounded by cafes and restaurants to try the local cuisine.