The temperatures are winding up in Seville with 30 yesterday and 32 forecast for today.  Yesterday we spent orientating ourselves with the Old City which we liked very much.  Not as big and buildings don’t appear to be as massive as Madrid, the squares not so large – in the Jewish sector this was because they were only allowed so much area and as the population of Jews increased they had to narrow the roads and actually remove the Squares to fit their people in.

We like to do a City Tour as soon as possible as this gives you such insights into the history and current workings of a city, plus tips on where to spend your limited time and in this case, how to avoid some queues.

Continuing on from the City tour was one of the Alcazar which is still the residence of the Royals when they visit Seville and they inhabit the upper floor.Seville’s Alcazar is their answer to Granada’s Alhambra.  Originally founded as a fort in 913 it has been rebuilt, renovated and expanded many times over the last 11 centuries and discoveries are still being made as recently as 2004 with a sunken garden being found right in the middle in the Patio of Maidens.  It had been covered by a 16th century marble floor – as you do!

Inside is incredible and photos just don’t do it justice so I have opted for a picture of the large gardens which are leafy and green to cool inhabitants on those extremely hot days that are to come.  There are some extremely large old trees within and it is certainly a lovely garden to stroll in after the intensity of viewing the Alcazar’s exquisite interior.

For more pictures of the Alcazar click on the Facebook link below.  You don’t have to be a Facebook member to view.