WHS#43

Together, according the the UNESCO Website, "the Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias as a series, form a remarkable monumental complex in the heart of Seville. They perfectly epitomize the Spanish "Golden Age", incorporating vestiges of Islamic culture, centuries of ecclesiastical power, royal sovereignty and the trading power that Spain acquired through its colonies in the New World." "Epitomize" is truly the perfect word to use here. The 3 monuments as a single ensemble are the best and most complete representation of the world power of Spain and how it came to be. It definitely helps that all 3 are right beside each other too. I visited Seville back in May 2017, arriving from Cordoba in the early afternoon in time to visit the Alcazar and the famous, though non-WHS related, Plaza de España. The next day I got to visit the El Salvador Church and of course, the Seville Cathedral before taking the bus to Tarifa. Actually, I only visited El Salvador Church to get a shared ticket for the cathedral without having to queue up with the crowds, but I highly recommend a full visit to that church as well, as it's got some very rich Baroque architecture that the cathedral doesn't have. Seville as a whole is a wonderful city with so much more to see than what I was able to in the little time I had, but without a doubt, the Cathedral and the Alcazar are its world-class monuments that every visitor lucky enough to get here must see.

Days earlier, I had failed to get a slot for a visit to the Nasrid Palace in Granada. I'd definitely say I looked forward to the Alcazar in Seville to make up for it, and in my opinion, it sure did. Sure, a few things are different. The Alcazar is mostly a European work, drawing more from the Mudejar style than actual Moorish remains, but I don't think that makes it any less valuable. It's definitely no less awe-inspiring. Mudejar architecture came about from Muslim craftsmen working for the Christian political and religious rulers of Spain, so the Islamic designs are just as intricate and authentic as in any Moorish palace. I'd even say this is probably the best representation of the influence the Moors had on European architecture. Of course, other parts of the palace shy away from the Islamic roots and were built in more traditional European styles like Gothic and Renaissance. This likely includes the 2nd floor, which I didn't get to visit. While not as iconic, I enjoyed these areas just as much, especially the room with all the tapestries and the small Gothic chamber near the garden with a pool which reflected the Gothic vaults, making for a picture-perfect scene (sorry, I've forgotten the names of the parts of the palace). The gardens, as well, were beautiful and impressive, if not as extensive as that of the Alhambra. Of course, there's also the significance the palace has for the Age of Exploration that saw Spain become a world power. Overall, I do think the Alcazar of Seville is every bit as important and impressive as the Alhambra, and a must-see when in Spain.

The Cathedral of Seville could be automatically considered WHS-worthy at a single fact: it is the largest Gothic church in the world. Some even claim it is the largest church in the world. Size aside, there may just be a million other reasons this church is so special. Out of the justifications for meeting WHS criteria, 2 out of 4 criteria are hinged on the Giralda, Seville's famously well-preserved minaret-turned-belltower. The best part of climbing it, though, was the views of the roof of the Cathedral. That got me feeling a bit better about missing out on Casa Mila in Barcelona, too. Seriously, the cathedral's roof is almost as impressive as its interior. Speaking of which, the interior holds too many treasures for you to count. There's the gigantic golden altar, made by the riches Spain received from colonizing in the New World, possibly the richest altarpiece in the world. There's the ceiling of complex Gothic vaults, a bit higher up than you'd see in most churches, the stones seemingly shining golden as well. There's the huge choir box. There's the 80 or so magnificent chapels, some in Renaissance style, homes of various royal tombs and treasures. And there's the tomb of Columbus himself. The exterior isn't to be outdone, though. The Cathedral still has the orange patio of the old mosque, as well as a preserved Islamic gate. The many portals and facades don't disappoint either. In short, Seville Cathedral, just like the Alcazar, is a world-class monument, and it's a must-see for any true traveller. While both are world-class, worthy WHS in each of their own rights, they clearly form an outstanding urban ensemble, together with the Archivo, to tell the story of Spain. Perhaps they should consider including more of the city's many treasures, though.