Sevilla 2 post 17

This trip to Sevilla was organized by our study abroad Group ISA. This post is mostly about history and architecture.

Itinerary

We spent two nights in Sevilla (the first of which was my birthday). The first day was dedicated to the major historical sites in the city: Sevillan Cathedral and the Alcazar. The second day was spent in Paque Maria Louisa, where the famous plaza de españa is. My camera died during the first day, so I dont have any photos of the second.

History of Sevilla

The fact that large amounts of money has historically flown through Sevilla is pretty evident. The town is full of expensive and elaborate architecture, and is real tidy. Sevillanos are pretty proud to be from Sevilla.

Colonial

Soon after the discovery of the new world by Christopher Columbus in 1492, Spain´s power strengthened from the influx of Colonial assets from the Americas. During this time of colonial expansion, it seems that Sevilla was the most important city in Spain because of it´s geographic location. The Guadlquivir river runs through Sevilla, and was large enough to accomodate the large vessels that floated between the colonies and Spain. Sevilla was the most inland port, and therefore, the most important center of trade influx. Sevilla was the city in Europe during Spain´s colonial heyday. Interestingly, the Architecture of Sevilla is very distict during this time because it seems to be influenced by the New World. More pics of this later. Below a famous Painting of Mary and the New World interests.The frase PLUS-ULTRA is pretty common in the Colonial Architecture around the city. Our tourguide told us that it means there is more in latin. This refers to the newfound land the Spanish (Christopher Columbus) found. I thought this pretty profound.

Pre Colonial
If one is interested in architecture, the Alcazar is the place to go in Sevilla. The Alcazar is the Palace that housed whomever was in rule. The palace is a history lesson in Architecture, containing Moorish, Gothic, and 16th century building. Sevilla, like most other cities in southern spain has changed hands between the Romans, Moors, and Christians. So all of these elements are seen in the architecture. Below examples from the Alcazar. First the Gothic with the rib vaults and pointed arches. Next the moorish false arches and plaster facades. In the moorish section of the palace, between the capitals and arches was placed a layer of lead to prevent earthquakes from damaging the palace. Lastly the Renniasance architecture at the enterance.

Cathedral
Is absolutely massive. It is very interesting because it was previously a Mosque. I am unsure when the Cathedral was completed, but I would guess that it was during the Colonial Craze when the cities coffers were bieng pumped full. The work done here is mindblowing. But Im not a huge fan of the interior because the space is used very inefficiently. Christopher Columbus is buried here. The tourguide dispelled the myth that Christopher Columbus died a pauper. The truth is that he died in fame as one of the richest men in Spain. The Cathedral is chalk full of gold leaf, expensive marble, and New World silver. Very awe inpiring, but I get a nasty aftertaste from the materialism I saw in the Cathedral. A part of Arabic mosque architecture is the Minaret ( a large tower). Of course the old minaret was also converted to the appropriate style (see below).
The second photo below is of the Cathedral itself and it´s supportive buttresses.


Pretty interesting time in Sevilla. However the night of my birthday, we were walking to another bar when I stepped into a tree planter of mud, and I sunk in about a foot. But it was pretty funny so I decided to keep the new fad for the rest of the night. This guitarist was really quite good, and I bought his CD.