So, today was the day that we had thought about going to Cadiz. But the thought of the  nearly 3 and half hour return train trip decided that a leisurely day around here was called for.

A walk along the riverside – well along the road along the river side. A coffee and a bit of breakfast on the way to the Parque de Maria Luisa. They were the grounds of the Palacae of San Telmo which was built back in the 17th century as a naval training college and kept this role until 1847 despite Spain’s decreasing role as a sea power. It was acquired by the Dukes of Montpellier in 1849. When the Duchess (a daughter of the king of Spain – Maria Luisa) died in 1897  the palace was given to the Archbishop of Seville and the gardens to the city of Seville. The gardens were the the site of the Ibero – American Exhibition of 1929. Most of the pavilions built at that time are still in place.

The gardens cover 100 acres. This time of the year is obviously the time of renovation and renewal – judging by the number of workers beavering away.

At one end of the gardens is the Archaeological museum. Well worth the 1.5 euro each to get in. Lots of beautifully displayed Roman artefacts. Many from the town of Italica which is just outside Seville. Apparently it was also the source of a lot building materials during the Moorish and Medieval periods in Seville.

 

From there a wander back towards the hotel. Stopped at the Plaza de Espana. It was built for the 1929 Exhibition. It’s massive! Currently houses government departments. A lot of use of ceramics – even the water spouts from the roof (no apparent downpipes here!). You can row on the “canal” in front of it.

Then it was time for lunch near the hotel.  On the was we walked past the former royal cigarette factory. Cue some Bizet:

Tapas and a jug of Sangria. Reinforced the need for a siesta…….