Our Spanish Hibernation 3:0

It is a good few years since last visiting Sevilla (Seville to the Brits!), the capital of Andalucía, so it was great to be back for a full Saturday and an overnight stay.

Our host was Paul’s charming Spanish teacher, Álvaro who had given us the use of his brand new apartment in an upcoming neighbourhood a few miles out of the city centre. His flat is so new, he hadn’t even slept in it himself!

As it turned out, we spent hardly any time there at all. Heading back into the city, it was relief that the rain had been replaced by a blue sky and sunshine. On our way to lunch, we stopped off at Setas de Sevilla – an extraordinary structure which stretches across the road close to the old town. Built in 2011, this huge wooden masterpiece proved a bit too much for some when it opened as it was so glaringly modern in a city full of so much stunning architecture. However, its uniqueness does add a great contrast and is quite beautiful in its own way. In the cellar below Setas, some unearthed Roman ruins were discovered and have been carefully restored. Up above, a roof terrace offers panoramic views which unfortunately we did not have time to visit. That’s definitely on the list for next time.

Having a Spaniard with us for lunch meant we went off the tourist trail to a large bar full of locals. He helped us choose a delicious table of tapas which included some stunning tuna in a light pepper salsa, sliced pork in whisky sauce served with chips and a revuelto de bacalao – shredded potato and cod scrambled with eggs! Looked amazing and was delicious.

In the early evening, we headed to Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizuan to see some LaLiga action as Sevilla FC battled with Espanyol (a team from Barcelona). As I described in a previous blog, the Spanish are passionate about their football and it was great once again to be amongst all that cheering, singing and clapping.

Throughout the day we added places to visit properly next time. Entry tickets for the Cathedral (which looks stunning from the outside) and to climb its Giralda tower sell out well in advance, so no chance for this weekend. And we will certainly be back to spend time in Plaza de España. On the way back from the match, we stopped in for a late night peek as the groundsmen were closing the gates. Built for an Expo in 1929, this has to be top of the must see list when we return.