We took a guided tour of la Catedral de Sevilla.

Come with energy! You take many steps up to the rooftops, in exchange for beautiful views inside the cathedral and of the entire city.

It was interesting to learn about the mix of architectural styles that came from over a century of construction.

A wide view of the cathedral’s intricate Gothic façade with spiked pinnacles, ornate balustrades, and the towering La Giralda minaret rising in the background against a clear blue sky, partially framed by orange trees.Close-up of a pointed arch window with elaborate stone tracery set into the cathedral’s grey stone wall, topped by decorative crenellations and small Gothic finials, under a vivid blue sky.View from the cathedral’s rooftop showing a detailed Gothic pinnacle in the foreground and the rectangular, neoclassical Archivo General de Indias building below, with tree-lined cityscape and distant towers on the horizon.Two smiling visitors standing close together in front of ornate stone balustrades with sculpted Gothic motifs, enjoying the rooftop tour with a clear blue sky and panoramic city views in the background.Scenic view from the cathedral’s rooftop over a plaza with palm trees and people walking below, framed by detailed Gothic stonework and capturing the warm morning light across the historic buildings and city rooftops.Sweeping view down the central nave from an elevated position, showcasing soaring ribbed vaults, arched columns, and patterned tile flooring below, with soft golden lighting accentuating the grandeur of the space.Interior view across the cathedral’s choir loft, with rows of wooden organ pipes and scaffolding in the foreground, leading the eye toward the rose window and golden-lit arch framing the altar.Striking view of La Giralda’s ornate upper levels, featuring detailed brickwork, Moorish arches, and the bronze weather vane known as El Giraldillo silhouetted against a vibrant blue sky.Dramatic sculpture of four heraldic figures bearing the ornate tomb of Christopher Columbus, set within the cathedral’s vast interior under vaulted ceilings, with visitors gathered around the base.Richly colored stained glass window depicting a religious scene with the Virgin Mary and child surrounded by apostles, angels, and kneeling clergy, framed by pointed Gothic stonework.Interior view of the cathedral’s elaborately carved wooden choir stalls with high vaulted ceilings above, a brilliant rose window glowing in the apse, and a central lectern displaying illuminated manuscripts on a richly patterned rug.Stunning view of the cathedral’s main altar, fronted by ornate steps and flanked by floral arrangements, with a towering gilded altarpiece behind it—densely packed with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the life of Christ and other biblical figures.

2025-05-23

While in Seville, we went to some tasty spots for breakfast. We had flaky pastries from Confitería La Campana (photos 1–2), a fresh açaí bowl at Feria 83 (photo 3), cozy lattes and fruit bowls from Parcería Café (photos 4–6), and pastries from Panadería Ana (photo 7).

Close-up of a display case at Confitería La Campana showing rows of glossy, golden-brown puff pastries labeled “Canuto de Crema.” Each pastry is swirled into a horn shape and filled with rich, pale custard cream that peeks out from the open ends. The pastries look flaky and buttery, with a light sheen that suggests a sweet glaze, making them appear freshly baked and indulgent.Pastry display at Confitería La Campana featuring “Caña Chocolate,” rectangular puff pastries with a shiny golden finish, drizzled generously with dark chocolate stripes. The pastries are arranged in neat rows, emphasizing their crisp, flaky layers and gooey chocolate filling, which makes them look rich, sweet, and irresistibly satisfying.Overhead view of an açaí bowl from Feria 83, topped with artfully arranged fresh fruit. Slices of banana, kiwi, strawberries, and apple fan out over a dark purple açaí base, accented by whole blueberries and a glossy blackberry. The vibrant colors and textures—smooth banana, juicy berries, and crisp apple—make the bowl look both healthy and deliciously refreshing.Two ceramic cups of latte on a wooden tray at Parcería Café, each topped with creamy, carefully poured latte art in leaf and tulip designs. The silky foam contrasts with the golden-brown espresso, and the warm tones of the tray and bronze spoons create an inviting atmosphere that emphasizes the care and quality in each cup.A bright and colorful fruit bowl from Parcería Café filled with sliced bananas, strawberries, apple wedges, kiwi chunks, pineapple, and fresh blueberries. Topped with granola and shredded coconut, the bowl offers a mix of textures and vibrant colors that make it look nourishing, flavorful, and satisfying for a wholesome breakfast.Close-up of a dessert plate from Parcería Café featuring a waffle base loaded with sliced banana, apple, kiwi, and strawberries, topped with scoops of pistachio-green ice cream. A sprinkling of granola and shredded coconut adds crunch and contrast, making the dish look indulgent yet fresh and perfect for a sweet brunch.Wide shot of a glass display case at Panadería Ana filled with a variety of baked goods, including cookies, croissants, puff pastries, brownies, and chocolate-covered treats. The assortment is neatly labeled with handwritten price signs, and the diversity of shapes, colors, and textures—from flaky layers to glossy chocolate coatings—makes the case visually rich and inviting.

2025-05-23

In Seville we visited the gorgeous Plaza de España.

Less than a century old but with classic architecture and tiling, the interior has alcoves for each of the provinces and you can freely walk up to the second story.

Nearby we strolled through Parque de María Luisa.

Two smiling men pose for a selfie on a sunny day from an elevated viewpoint. Behind them is the Plaza de España’s grand semicircular building with arched colonnades, a central tower, tiled walkways, a canal with green water, and a central fountain surrounded by visitors.A panoramic view of the Plaza de España reveals its sweeping semicircular shape, with richly detailed brick buildings, two towering spires, and arched arcades. A wide, patterned plaza with a large fountain and a curving canal is filled with people enjoying the clear day.A passionate flamenco dancer in a red ruffled skirt and black top performs on a platform, mid-step, while a guitarist and percussionist accompany her. A diverse group of spectators watch from behind a railing under the arches of the building, many filming the show.A decorative tile plaque set in a red brick balustrade displays the word “Sevilla” and the crest of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Ornate ceramic columns frame the plaque, with architectural details of the Plaza visible through the opening.An intricately carved wooden ceiling composed of square panels, each containing a gold emblem on a white background. The central panel is painted green with a crest showing a deer surrounded by a laurel wreath, encircled by fruit, ribbon, and stylized leaves.Close-up of the main tower at one end of the Plaza de España, showcasing intricate brickwork, decorative ceramic tile accents, arched openings, columns, and a domed top. The tower rises dramatically against a deep blue sky.A bustling plaza scene with horse-drawn carriages circling a towering fountain, spraying water high into the air. Visitors stroll across the patterned square, backed by the grand central building with symmetrical towers and colonnaded galleries.Detailed view of the large circular fountain, with streams of water arching high into the air. Visitors rest along the edge, walk nearby, or take photos. The patterned stonework and lush trees around the plaza create a tranquil, vibrant scene.A lush tropical garden filled with tall palm trees, dense green foliage, and splashes of magenta flowers. The midday light filters through the canopy, highlighting the layered textures and vibrant greenery in this serene setting.A wide path shaded by towering plane trees and palms winds through a peaceful park. Visitors walk or rest on benches along the path, enjoying the cool, leafy atmosphere. Dappled sunlight creates patterns across the ground and tree trunks.

2025-05-24