Toreros And Alcázar
Despite the scorching heat outside, we decided we should leave our air-conditional hotel haven and see some more sights in Sevilla. We started off the day with a guided tour of Plaza De Toros, which is the largest bull fighting arena in Sevilla.
The bad news is that the bullfighting season is over so there was no chance of seeing a tauromachia. The good news is that the bullfighting season is over, so we didn’t have to witness an animal get killed.
Our tour was given in both Spanish and English and started out in the middle of the arena with front row seats…
… of the bullring.
After learning about the different entrances to the ring (including the infirmary) the tour guide led us down below, to the museum that housed lots of old promo posters…
…matador costumes, stuffed bull heads (of course)…
…and other various artifacts related to bulls and the “sport” of killing these bulls.
After the tour ended at the horse stalls…
…it was time for a little fun while I tried on a magenta and gold capote…
…before running for my life from the horned creatures mounted on the wall.
Trust me, they are scarier than they look. Haven’t you ever read Jumanji?
Anyways, after a short siesta (aka work break) at a restaurant across the river.
We walked back towards the cathedral to check out The Alcázar of Seville. This once Moorish fort was now a royal palace of Sevilla.
The entire palace covers a lot of land and surrounded on all sides with walls about 3 stories high. Inside the walls are some large rooms…
…with large tapestries…
…and some cool wooden chandeliers…
Past the Patio de las Doncellas…
…are the large gardens of the palace.
Complete with it’s own maze made of bushes! I’ve always wanted to try and get lost in one of these.
It was just too easy however. Or maybe I’m just that good. Either way, now I can at least say I’ve done it.
And of course what would a park in Spain be without some fountains?
The fountains are used as swimming pools by the local kids!
— D Molina
November 12, 2012 6:01 pm.