Last Stop: Sevilla

After 8 days of living out of over-packed suitcases, hiking mountains, eating tapas, watching holy processions, and taking more pictures than our cameras could hold, my friends and I finally arrived at our final stop on our Semana Santa tour, Sevilla.

Home to some of the most amazing architecture and culture in Spain, Sevilla was once the most important trading post for Spain. Myths have Sevilla being built by Hercules, and it's beauty and grandeur give merit to that theory. Good Friday through Easter Sunday were spent exploring this incredible historic city.

Right off the bat, Nina and I went to see the Alcazar, the royal castle and gardens of Sevilla. I loved the Alcazar in Cordoba, and this one was equally impressive.



























Sevilla is a city along the Guadalquivir River, which is what made it such a rich trade port. Here's a picture of the river and one of me walking along it.





Another beautiful and historic site in Sevilla is the Cathedral. Said to be the 3rd biggest cathedral in the world and home to the true remains of Christopher Columbus, Sevilla's cathedral is awesome in size and beauty. Here are some pictures of the Cathedral, views from the tower, and a few of the inside.

*Note: While in the Cathedral (on Easter Sunday), we witnessed a man have a seizure and collapse on the floor in front of an altar. He was attended to by some British nurses who were touring, but it was a scary experience! Also, Cordae and I went to Easter Mass here, which was in Spanish (obviously), though I think we did a good job of following along!

















Below is Christopher Columbus' tomb. Dominican Republic also claims to have his true remains, but Sevilla is best known for being home to the explorer's tomb.







After touring the Cathedral, we saw some of Sevilla's other tourist spots, including the bull ring (bullfighting is HUGE in Sevilla)!





Plaza Espana was another of Sevilla's most famous sites. It is reminiscent of Madrid's Plaza Mayor. Many Sevillians do not enjoy this plaza because they feel it is too ornate and lavish. I thought it was very touristy but beautiful.







Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday led us to many somber and moving processions. Here are a few pictures of our last views of Semana Santa:







Sevilla was a perfect city in which to end this amazing 10-day trip with 4 of the best friends a girl could ask for. We ate, drank, danced, explored, hiked, and enjoyed all of the beauty and wonder of Andalucia. It was a vacation I will never forget!