The Ginger Globetrotter

During my study abroad in Sevilla, I spent most of my time in Sevilla and volunteering with children from Lora Tomayo school.  I took three day trips to Itálica, Córdoba, and Ronda.  Sevilla is located in the Andalusia region of Spain.  The tapas and sangria are fantastic, and we definitely had our fair share of both while we were there!

Sevilla

Sevilla is divided by the Guadalquivir river.  The river is surrounded by a stone ledge and parks, so it is a popular hang out spot.  The city has a deep history having been ruled under Muslim Moors from North Africa and Castilians and having benefited from Christopher Columbus’s explorations of the Americas.

The path and hangout area along the water way near the bridge

View of buildings along the river

Near the west of river is Triana, the gypsy quarter, where a lot of ceramic goods are produced.  Triana has a very different feel and character from the rest of Sevilla, and the people of Triana strongly identify with this culture.

Alcázar

The Alcázar of Seville is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The Alcázar is comprised of many buildings ranging from multiple time eras with architecture with Arabic, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Borque, and 19th century influences.  The site is definitely a must visit when in Sevilla.

Courtyard in the middle of the site

Ceiling in one of the buildings

Cathedral of Seville

The Cathedral of Seville is a Roman Cathedral with beautiful gothic architecture.  Along with the Alcázar of Seville, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  One of the most impressive parts of the cathedral is the view of Sevilla from the bell tower, La Giralda.

The front door of the Cathedral

Some of the gothic design inside of the Cathedral

View of Sevilla from La Giralda

Plaza de España

Once again, the Plaza de España combines various historical architectural influences such as Moorish, Renaissance, and Spanish styles.  Today, the buildings serve as government buildings.

Real Betis versus Sevilla 

While we were in Sevilla, we were able to watch the two football teams based in Sevilla play each other.  The football game was filled with emotions from the fans.  The fan seating is separated based on which team you support and there’s a large clear wall dividing the fan sections.  During the game, people were taunting and attempting to fight each other through the clear wall.  For me, the fans were equally as entertaining as the football game itself.