A few more Seville shoutouts:

Our first salmorejo was at Taberna Águilas (photos 1–2).

Dinner at ConTenedor (photos 3–5) was delicious.

We visited El Librero (photo 6) after la Catedral.

El Rinconcillo (photos 7–9) is the oldest bar, 1670!

I loved the zucchini noodles at Casa Paco (photo 10).

Plate of juicy, ripe tomato chunks generously seasoned with coarse salt, dried herbs, and drizzled with olive oil, enhancing the vibrant red color and fresh texture of the tomatoes.Bowl of creamy orange salmorejo garnished with finely chopped cured ham and slices of hard-boiled egg, offering a rich, velvety texture and savory toppings.Artful plating of a sunny-side-up egg atop a bed of savory crumble, roasted peppers, pickled onions, and a zigzag of creamy sauce, showcasing a colorful and textural contrast.Dish of rigatoni pasta in a tomato-based sauce, topped with tender slices of braised pork and sprinkled with fresh scallions, emphasizing the hearty and comforting appeal.Seared duck medallion stacked over a bed of grains and creamy purée, topped with purple microgreens and finished with a glossy reduction, blending rustic and refined elements.Eclectic spread of Spanish tapas on rustic dishware, including grilled artichokes with herbs, piquillo peppers with onions in olive oil, and a potato and tomato dish, offering a colorful and inviting sampler.Street-level view of the historic El Rinconcillo restaurant with its green sign, tiled facade, and crowd of people waiting to enter, conveying the popularity and old-world charm of the establishment.Bustling bar interior of El Rinconcillo with hanging jamón, ornate tiled walls, wood details, and patrons enjoying drinks, capturing the traditional Andalusian atmosphere.Platter of steamed black mussels arranged in a circular pattern, centered around a wedge of lemon, served on a bed of greens, highlighting the fresh and briny appeal of the seafood.Bowl of spiralized zucchini noodles topped with cherry tomatoes, crushed nuts, dollops of sauce, and a whole burrata, offering a vibrant and refreshing presentation of a modern Mediterranean dish.

2025-05-24

We took an audio tour guide of the stunning Real Alcázar to learn about how the palace blends Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.

I love taking photos of ornate ceiling patterns… I’ve been trying not to post too many but I couldn’t help myself with the two photos in this collection.

The Courtyard of the Maidens, with orange trees planted in sunken garden beds and a narrow central reflecting pool. The surrounding Mudéjar arcade features scalloped arches with intricate stucco work and a second level of Gothic-style arches supported by slender columns.View of the courtyard in front of the Palacio del Rey Don Pedro, showing Islamic-style architecture with a large horseshoe arch, geometric plaster decoration, and a tile roof. Visitors stand before the building, surrounded by hedges and patterned paving.A painting inside the palace depicting a dramatic religious scene, with a kneeling figure held by monks and a bishop celebrating Mass. The composition includes richly textured garments, candlelight, and architectural backdrops rendered in a dark, Baroque style.Upper section of the Courtyard of the Maidens, showing a two-story arcade with a row of semicircular arches, finely carved capitals, and Mudéjar ornamental friezes. The arches are framed by geometric and floral stucco decoration.Close-up of a Mudéjar horseshoe arch with intricate plaster detailing, including calligraphic bands, arabesques, and deep geometric latticework. The arch frames a plain white wall beneath a richly decorated spandrel.Ceiling of the Hall of Ambassadors, featuring a gilded wooden dome in the _mocarabe_ style. The interlaced star pattern and carved woodwork are surrounded by highly decorated walls with repeating plaster motifs and projecting balconies.A polylobed arch supported by a decorated column in the Hall of Ambassadors. The surface is covered in blue-and-white ceramic inlay and dense Mudéjar stucco work with floral and geometric motifs.Artesonado ceiling with interlacing stars and floral patterns painted in red, white, and blue. The Mudéjar design uses wood and polychrome accents to create a symmetrical, geometric composition framed by carved borders.The Baths of Doña María de Padilla, a vaulted underground chamber with brick arches and a shallow reflecting pool. The space is softly lit by natural light, emphasizing its symmetry and Gothic architectural form.The Gothic Hall with high ribbed vaults painted in gold and black, large iron lanterns suspended from the ceiling, and walls clad in colorful azulejo tile. A large tapestry bearing a heraldic emblem hangs above a central doorway.The Gallery of the Grotesque and Mercury Pond, showing a Renaissance arcade with rustic stucco niches, faded frescoes, and an upper gallery framed by pointed pinnacles. At the center of the pond stands a bronze statue of Mercury on a decorative fountain base.View of the palace gardens from the Galería de Grutescos, with palm trees, flowering shrubs, and sculpted hedges arranged in formal patterns. Brick pavilions and paths wind through the lush, Mediterranean-style landscape under a clear sky.

2025-05-24