Seville & Granada, Spain, October-November 2015

Seville

Saturday, 31st October 2015

Café tables in Plaza de la Alfala. Behind is Iglesia San Isidoro (St. Isidoro Church)Café tables in Plaza de la Alfala. Behind is Iglesia San Isidoro (St. Isidoro Church), at Calle Augusto Plasencia 2, 41004 Seville. This Gothic-Mudejar church belongs to the group of numerous churches built on ancient mosques after the reconquest of Seville – its origin lies in the 14th century. It’s located in the old part of Seville.

Tony and Tatiana outside the entrance to Iglesia San Isidoro.Tony and Tatiana outside the entrance to Iglesia San Isidoro.

In Plaza del Salvador looking towards El Salvador Church. This church is the second largest in Seville after the Cathedral. It was built between 1694 and 1712 in the baroque style.In Plaza del Salvador looking towards El Salvador Church. This church is the second largest in Seville after the Cathedral. It was built between 1694 and 1712 in the baroque style.

A bronze statue of Juan Martínez Montañés on a stone base in Plaza del Salvador. Martínez Montañés (1568-1649) was a renowned Spanish sculptor who was based in Seville.A bronze statue of Juan Martínez Montañés on a stone base in Plaza del Salvador. Martínez Montañés (1568-1649) was a renowned Spanish sculptor who was based in Seville.

Tatiana and Tony in front of the Juan Martínez Montañés statue.Tatiana and Tony in front of the Juan Martínez Montañés statue.

View of Seville Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) from Plaza de San Francisco. The Town Hall dates from the 16th century, although the neoclassical east façade in view is part of a 19th century extension.View of Seville Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) from Plaza de San Francisco. The Town Hall dates from the 16th century, although the neoclassical east façade in view is part of a 19th century extension.

Evening view of the Adriatic Building (Edificio La Adriática) at the north end of Avenida de la Constitución.Evening view of the Adriatic Building (Edificio La Adriática) at the north end of Avenida de la Constitución. The Adriatic Building was built between 1914 and 1922 for the La Adriatica insurance company. It is an example of eclectic architecture, combining various styles, including Islamic. The curved front façade is five storeys in height and topped with a dome.

Tony and Tatiana outside the massive Door of Baptism on the west façade of Seville Cathedral. The doorway was built in the 15th century and decorated with carving depicting the baptism of Jesus.Tony and Tatiana outside the massive Door of Baptism on the west façade of Seville Cathedral. The doorway was built in the 15th century and decorated with carving depicting the baptism of Jesus.

View along the wide Avenida de la Constitución lit up in the evening. The cathedral is visible in the distance. Avenida de la Constitución is one of the city's main streets. It is pedestrianised and runs straight in a roughly north-south direction.View along the wide Avenida de la Constitución lit up in the evening. The cathedral is visible in the distance. Avenida de la Constitución is one of the city’s main streets. It is pedestrianised and runs straight in a roughly north-south direction.

Tony and Tatiana by the large Fountain of Hispalis in Plaza Puerta de Jerez. The fountain was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition. Seville was founded as the Roman city of Hispalis.Tony and Tatiana by the large Fountain of Hispalis in Plaza Puerta de Jerez. The fountain was built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition. Seville was founded as the Roman city of Hispalis.

Another fountain lit up in the darkness. This is the Four Seasons fountain in Plaza Don Juan de Austria. Again built in 1929, it was designed by Manuel Delgado Brackembury. It includes a circular pool with a monumental central column that incorporates four sculpted figures representing the seasons.Another fountain lit up in the darkness. This is the Four Seasons fountain in Plaza Don Juan de Austria. Again built in 1929, it was designed by Manuel Delgado Brackembury. It includes a circular pool with a monumental central column that incorporates four sculpted figures representing the seasons.

Plaza de España. This large plaza in Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park) was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. A huge semi-circle of buildings face on to the plaza with a moat running around the edge.Plaza de España. This large plaza in Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park) was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. A huge semi-circle of buildings face on to the plaza with a moat running around the edge. It was designed by Aníbal González and Vicente Traver. Its purpose was to house exhibits showcasing Spain’s industry and technology. The design combines a mix of 1920s Art Deco as well as Mudéjar styles.

Tatiana by a decorative wall with balustrades in front of the moat at Plaza de España.Tatiana by a decorative wall with balustrades in front of the moat at Plaza de España.

View across Plaza de España with the central Vicente Traver Fountain in front and the exhibition buildings beyond.View across Plaza de España with the central Vicente Traver Fountain in front and the exhibition buildings beyond.

Tony, Tatiana and one of their friends visiting from America. in front of the Vicente Traver Fountain in the evening.Tony, Tatiana and one of their friends visiting from America. in front of the Vicente Traver Fountain in the evening.

Sunday, 2nd November 2015

Tatiana and Tony sitting at a table inside Traveler's Inn, the hostel where they stayed. Calle Augusto Plasencia 5, Plaza de la Alfala, Seville (Sevilla), Andalusia, Spain.Tatiana and Tony sitting at a table inside Traveler’s Inn, the hostel where they stayed. Calle Augusto Plasencia 5, Plaza de la Alfala, Seville (Sevilla), Andalusia, Spain.

Julian, the owner of Traveler’s Inn.Julian, the owner of Traveler’s Inn.

Pews inside the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, better known as Seville Cathedral.Pews inside the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, better known as Seville Cathedral. This gothic Roman Catholic cathedral was built between 1401 and 1528, and consecrated in 1507. The cathedral’s royal chapel holds the remains of the city’s conqueror, Ferdinand III of Castile, and his son and heir Alfonso the Wise. Christopher Columbus and his son Diego are also buried in the cathedral.

Looking towards the High Altar inside the cathedral. A pulpit stands immediately in front.Looking towards the High Altar inside the cathedral. A pulpit stands immediately in front.

Massive stone columns inside the cathedral.Massive stone columns inside the cathedral.

Decorative metal railings at the entrance to the cathedral's choir.Decorative metal railings at the entrance to the cathedral’s choir.

The tomb of Christopher Columbus inside Seville Cathedral. Four figures hold the tomb aloft from a stone base. The figures represent the four kingdoms of Spain during Columbus's life (Castille, Aragon, Navara, and Leon). This tomb was only erected in 1892 when Columbus's remains were moved from Havana, Cuba.The tomb of Christopher Columbus inside Seville Cathedral. Four figures hold the tomb aloft from a stone base. The figures represent the four kingdoms of Spain during Columbus’s life (Castille, Aragon, Navara, and Leon). This tomb was only erected in 1892 when Columbus’s remains were moved from Havana, Cuba.

Tony and Tatiana outside the Prince's Door (Puerta del Príncipe) on the south façade. This is one of Seville Cathedral's 15 doors.Tony and Tatiana outside the Prince’s Door (Puerta del Príncipe) on the south façade. This is one of Seville Cathedral’s 15 doors.

Granada

Monday, 3rd November 2015

Tatiana in front of a bronze statue of Queen Isabel granting Columbus permission to set off on his voyage of discovery. The statue stands on a high rectangular stone base and is surrounded on three sides by fountains. It is located in Plaza Isabel La Catolica and was built in 1892. Photo taken during the evening.Tatiana in front of a bronze statue of Queen Isabel granting Columbus permission to set off on his voyage of discovery. The statue stands on a high rectangular stone base and is surrounded on three sides by fountains. It is located in Plaza Isabel La Catolica and was built in 1892. Photo taken during the evening.

Tatiana in front of the Queen Isabel and Columbus statue. Fountains visible behind.Tatiana in front of the Queen Isabel and Columbus statue. Fountains visible behind.

Tony and Tatiana next to the statue in Plaza Isabel La Catolica.Tony and Tatiana next to the statue in Plaza Isabel La Catolica.

Carrera del Darro, a narrow historic street, running alongside the River Darro. Lit up in the evening. This narrow road is located east from Plaza Nueva and is located below the Albayzín – it eventually leads to the Paseo de los Tristes (Promenade of the Sad), a lively, picturesque plaza.Carrera del Darro, a narrow historic street, running alongside the River Darro. Lit up in the evening. This narrow road is located east from Plaza Nueva and is located below the Albayzín – it eventually leads to the Paseo de los Tristes (Promenade of the Sad), a lively, picturesque plaza.

A deserted dimly lit side street in Granada's historic Albayzín district.A deserted dimly lit side street in Granada’s historic Albayzín district.

A narrow sloping alleyway again in the old town.A narrow sloping alleyway again in the old town.

Tuesday, 4th November 2015

People queueing at the entrance to the Alhambra.People queueing at the entrance to the Alhambra.

The Alhambra palace and fortress complex was originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 on the remains of Roman fortifications. The current palace and walls were built in the mid-13th century by the Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada. It was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada.

Tree-lined path near the Alhambra's main entrance.Tree-lined path near the Alhambra’s main entrance.

A fountain in the Generalife's Lower Gardens. Jets of water straying into a central fountain. A long rectangular pool extending beyond.A fountain in the Generalife’s Lower Gardens. Jets of water straying into a central fountain. A long rectangular pool extending beyond.

Tony and Tatiana in the Generalife's gardens. These extensive lush Moorish-style gardens are on a hill overlooking the Alhambra palace and the city further below.Tony and Tatiana in the Generalife’s gardens. These extensive lush Moorish-style gardens are on a hill overlooking the Alhambra palace and the city further below.

A path lined with tall narrow cypress trees. The Generalife palace in view beyond.A path lined with tall narrow cypress trees. The Generalife palace in view beyond.

A small shaded courtyard within the Generalife palace. A group of visitors being led on a tour in front.A small shaded courtyard within the Generalife palace. A group of visitors being led on a tour in front.

Tatiana and Tony standing in a doorway at the Generalife.Tatiana and Tony standing in a doorway at the Generalife. The Generalife (literally Architect’s Garden) was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada. It was built during the reign of Muhammad III (1302–1309) and redecorated shortly after by Abu I-Walid Isma’il (1313–1324).

Tony and Tatiana at one end of the Patio de la Acequia. Located at the centre of the Generalife palace buildings, this courtyard contains a long rectangular pool with jets of water arching over the top. There are flower beds running along the sides.Tony and Tatiana at one end of the Patio de la Acequia. Located at the centre of the Generalife palace buildings, this courtyard contains a long rectangular pool with jets of water arching over the top. There are flower beds running along the sides.

A colonnade at the outer edge of the Generalife palace providing good views over the eastern edge of the city and the countryside beyond.A colonnade at the outer edge of the Generalife palace providing good views over the eastern edge of the city and the countryside beyond.

Tatiana and Tony under an archway at the side of the Patio de la Acequia.Tatiana and Tony under an archway at the side of the Patio de la Acequia.

At the opposite end of the Patio de la Acequia. Lovely view of the pool, colourful flower beds and the surrounding palace buildings.At the opposite end of the Patio de la Acequia. Lovely view of the pool, colourful flower beds and the surrounding palace buildings.

Tatiana and Tony either side of an elaborately carved stone pillar at the Generalife. The palace's architecture is Moorish Islamic in style.Tatiana and Tony either side of an elaborately carved stone pillar at the Generalife. The palace’s architecture is Moorish Islamic in style.

Intricate moulded-plaster decoration at the end of a wall and decorative ceramic tiles in an adjoining alcove within the Generalife.Intricate moulded-plaster decoration at the end of a wall and decorative ceramic tiles in an adjoining alcove within the Generalife.

Tony and Tatiana standing at the end of a long straight path shaded by trees formed into an arch.Tony and Tatiana standing at the end of a long straight path shaded by trees formed into an arch.

Roses growing next to a hedge-lined path within the Alhambra complex.Roses growing next to a hedge-lined path within the Alhambra complex.

Tony and Tatiana at a main doorway into the Renaissance style Palace of Charles V.Tony and Tatiana at a main doorway into the Renaissance style Palace of Charles V. Construction of the palace was started by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V who reigned between 1519 and 1556. He wished to establish his residence close to the Alhambra palaces. It was never completed and the roof was only added in the 1950s.

Puerta de Vino (Wine Gate). This horseshoe-shaped gateway arch is thought to be one of the oldest surviving structures at the Alhambra.Puerta de Vino (Wine Gate). This horseshoe-shaped gateway arch is thought to be one of the oldest surviving structures at the Alhambra.

Tatiana and Tony at Puerta de Vino.Tatiana and Tony at Puerta de Vino.

People sitting on stone benches with the Alhambra's red stone walls in view beyond. A crenellated tower in the centre.People sitting on stone benches with the Alhambra’s red stone walls in view beyond. A crenellated tower in the centre.

Tatiana and Tony by the walls with a good view out over the valley beyond.Tatiana and Tony by the walls with a good view out over the valley beyond.

Tony and Tatiana in the Patio of the Gilded Room within the Nasrid Palace (Palacios Nazaries). A shallow fountain in the centre. The façade of the Comares Palace on the far side.Tony and Tatiana in the Patio of the Gilded Room within the Nasrid Palace (Palacios Nazaries). A shallow fountain in the centre. The façade of the Comares Palace on the far side.

Moulded-plaster work and ceramic tiles inside the Nasrid Palace.Moulded-plaster work and ceramic tiles inside the Nasrid Palace.

Tony and Tatiana at the Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles). A courtyard with a long pool flanked on each side by a myrtle hedge (hence the name).Tony and Tatiana at the Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles). A courtyard with a long pool flanked on each side by a myrtle hedge (hence the name).

Tony and Tatiana in a room within the Nasrid Palace. Intricate moulded plaster work on the wall and alcove behind. The decoration includes complex geometric patterns and Islamic script.Tony and Tatiana in a room within the Nasrid Palace. Intricate moulded plaster work on the wall and alcove behind. The decoration includes complex geometric patterns and Islamic script.

Another view of the Patio de los Arrayanes.Another view of the Patio de los Arrayanes.

The Court of the Lions. Tony and Tatiana in front of the 12 lion statues, which are laid out in a circle supporting a 12-sided fountain pool above.The Court of the Lions. Tony and Tatiana in front of the 12 lion statues, which are laid out in a circle supporting a 12-sided fountain pool above.

The stone lions. Water spraying from their mouths into a shallow channel in the floor.The stone lions. Water spraying from their mouths into a shallow channel in the floor.

A closer view of one of the lions.A closer view of one of the lions.

Spectacular domed ceiling in the Hall of the Abencerrajes. Looking from below the dome makes the shape of an 8-pointed star. There are windows in the sides of the dome.Spectacular domed ceiling in the Hall of the Abencerrajes. Looking from below the dome makes the shape of an 8-pointed star. There are windows in the sides of the dome.

Tatiana and Tony by a balcony inside the Nasrid Palace.Tatiana and Tony by a balcony inside the Nasrid Palace.

Tatiana and Tony heading down a path towards the Palace of Charles V.Tatiana and Tony heading down a path towards the Palace of Charles V.

Tony and Tatiana outside the Palace of Charles V. They are standing at a corner of the towering 17 metre (56 feet) high outer wall. The palace is square-shaped with the sides measuring 63 metres (207 feet) in length. There is a circular courtyard in the centre of the building.Tony and Tatiana outside the Palace of Charles V. They are standing at a corner of the towering 17 metre (56 feet) high outer wall. The palace is square-shaped with the sides measuring 63 metres (207 feet) in length. There is a circular courtyard in the centre of the building.

The Alcazaba (Military quarter). Tony and Tatiana on a path between high stone walls. This fortress is one of the oldest parts of the Alhambra.The Alcazaba (Military quarter). Tony and Tatiana on a path between high stone walls. This fortress is one of the oldest parts of the Alhambra.

Tony and Tatiana on the walls of the Alcazaba with a view of the city below. Further along the walls, the Comares Tower can be seen. This tower is part of the Nasrid Palace. It is the highest of the Alhambra's towers at 45 metres in height.Tony and Tatiana on the walls of the Alcazaba with a view of the city below. Further along the walls, the Comares Tower can be seen. This tower is part of the Nasrid Palace. It is the highest of the Alhambra’s towers at 45 metres in height.

Tony and Tatiana by low walls marking the layout of former buildings that formed the Barrio Castrense (Castrense Neighbourhood), part of the Alcazaba.Tony and Tatiana by low walls marking the layout of former buildings that formed the Barrio Castrense (Castrense Neighbourhood), part of the Alcazaba.

Tatiana and Tony standing in a doorway at the Alcazaba.Tatiana and Tony standing in a doorway at the Alcazaba.

Tony by the Alcazaba's outer wall. Wooded landscape below with the Sierra Nevada mountains rising up on the horizon.Tony by the Alcazaba’s outer wall. Wooded landscape below with the Sierra Nevada mountains rising up on the horizon.

Tony in front of four flag poles. They are flying the flags of the EU, Andalusia, Spain and Granada.Tony in front of four flag poles. They are flying the flags of the EU, Andalusia, Spain and Granada.

Another good view out from the Alhambra's walls. Looking out across part of the city to another hill standing opposite. Light from the sun low in the sky.Another good view out from the Alhambra’s walls. Looking out across part of the city to another hill standing opposite. Light from the sun low in the sky.

Tony and Tatiana with the Gate of Justice behind. This is the most impressive of the Alhambra's four gates. It was built in 1348 by Yusuf I.Tony and Tatiana with the Gate of Justice behind. This is the most impressive of the Alhambra’s four gates. It was built in 1348 by Yusuf I.

Tatiana and Tony at the other side of the Gate of Justice. A horseshoe-shaped inner arch above the door.Tatiana and Tony at the other side of the Gate of Justice. A horseshoe-shaped inner arch above the door.

Fountain of Charles V. This was designed by Pedro Machuca and built in 1545 by Niccolo da Corte. It is located below the Gate of Justice.Fountain of Charles V. This was designed by Pedro Machuca and built in 1545 by Niccolo da Corte. It is located below the Gate of Justice.

Tony and Tatiana in front of the 16th century Gate of Pomegranates (Puerta de las Granadas). This gate is on the edge of the Alhambra site. It stands on Cuesta de Gomérez, a street that runs downhill from here to Plaza Nueva.Tony and Tatiana in front of the 16th century Gate of Pomegranates (Puerta de las Granadas). This gate is on the edge of the Alhambra site. It stands on Cuesta de Gomérez, a street that runs downhill from here to Plaza Nueva.

Wednesday, 5th November 2015

Tatiana, Tony in front of a statue of a man with a strange hat, Chorrojumo, who was regarded as the “king of the gypsies”. Taken in a small plaza in Sacromonte Neighbourhood.Tatiana, Tony in front of a statue of a man with a strange hat, Chorrojumo, who was regarded as the “king of the gypsies”. Taken in a small plaza in Sacromonte Neighbourhood. Sacromonte is a gypsy (Roma) district situated east of the Albazin on the eastern edge of Granada. It is noted for its many cave dwellings built within the sides of the hill poking out here and there between the scrubby bushes and cacti.

Cacti and other scrub vegetation in Sacromonte.Cacti and other scrub vegetation in Sacromonte.

Excellent view looking along a valley to the east of Sacromonte. Scrub and a few trees covering the slopes.Excellent view looking along a valley to the east of Sacromonte. Scrub and a few trees covering the slopes.

Outside Sacromonte Abbey. Founded in the seventeenth century. Local legend says that the catacombs under the church are where the city's first bishop (and today Granada's saint) Saint Caecilius (San Cecilio) underwent his martyrdom.Outside Sacromonte Abbey. Founded in the seventeenth century. Local legend says that the catacombs under the church are where the city’s first bishop (and today Granada’s saint) Saint Caecilius (San Cecilio) underwent his martyrdom.

Looking towards a doorway at Sacromonte Abbey.Looking towards a doorway at Sacromonte Abbey.

Another view of the valley east of Sacromonte. Steep rocky slope on the south (right) side. The Alhambra is located just a few hundred metres to the south of here.Another view of the valley east of Sacromonte. Steep rocky slope on the south (right) side. The Alhambra is located just a few hundred metres to the south of here.