Built in 1929 for the Ibero-American exposition in Sevilla, the Plaza de España celebrates a multitude of Spanish architectural styles. One of the most notable is the Neo-Mudéjar which features graceful arches and ornamentation developed for centuries in Spanish Muslim (aka Moorish) buildings. The buildings of the Plaza now house a variety of government offices and museums. On this day a wonderful flamenco performance provided entertainment in the hallway of the building behind the bridge.

I just returned from a 3-week visit to Andalucia, enjoying the remarkable food, culture, history, and biodiversity of this beautiful region of southern Spain.

Tags:   Plaza de España Sevilla Seville Neo-Mudéjar architecture Baroque-revival Rennaisance-revival late afternoon light

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The belltower of the Seville Cathedral (La Capilla Real de la Catedral de Sevilla) rises above the eastern edge of the main cathedral. Both the cathedral and belltower were originally built in the 12th century by Spanish Muslims (aka the Moors), with the cathedral nearly completely replaced by a Christian cathedral in 13th and 14th centuries. The top of the belltower was damaged by an earthquake in 1356 and was eventually rebuilt in its current form in the 16th century in a Renaissance style.

On the top of the belltower is an impressive 4m/ 12’ high cast bronze sculpture of a woman carrying a flag pole with a large flat plate attached. The sculpture rotates as the wind direction changes - a wind vane known in Spanish as a giradillo, from which the name “La Giralda” Is derived. The sculpture was repaired and renovated several times, most recently in 1999-2005 during which time a full replica was put in place. That replica is now on display at the south entrance to the cathedral.

A replica of La Giralda was built in Seville’s sister city Kansas City Missouri.

Note the orange trees that line the street and the horse drawn cart, popular with tourists visiting this part of Seville.

Tags:   Seville Sevilla La Giralda Seville Cathedral La Capilla Real de la Catedral de Sevilla belltower Spain España

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The northern gate of the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede), la Puerta del Perdón (Gate of Forgiveness) shows well the mix of Moorish and Christian elements that make this building such a gem. The gate with its lovely arch was constructed from the Almohad period in the 11th century. After Seville was taken by the Spanish Christians in the 13th century modifications were made to the gate, including the installation of statues of Saints Peter and Paul (on opposite sides) and a depiction of the expulsion of merchants from the temple.

The gate opens into the Patio de las Naranjas (orange trees), originally established by the Moors.

In the background part of the cathedral is shown with its lovely building adornments, including some gnarly gargoyles, stained glass windows, and flying buttresses.

Tags:   Puerta del Perdón Gate of Forgiveness Seville Cathedral Catedral de Santa María de la Sede Moorish architecture Spain

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One of the many lovely mosaics found on the streets within the Medina (walled city) of Tangier, Morocco. The age is unknown but the kasbah and medina date back to the 14th century.

Tags:   tiled mosaic Tangier Morocco medina kasbah

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You want bulk spices- he's got bulk spices. You want to talk about the Moroccan football (soccer) team- he'll talk with you about the Moroccan football team, who qualified for their 6th world cup this year. In the market of the medina (walled old city) of Tangier, Morocco

p.s. Morocco managed an upset of Belgium in their second game of the World Cup, putting them at the top of their group

Tags:   Morocco Tangier medina spice market

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