Vacationing in Andalucia, Spain

We took our first Spanish vacation in Andalusia. It is the southern most area of Spain and boarders the Mediterranean Sea on the south and the Atlantic on the west.  The the Mediterranean beach area is called Costa del sol.  The territory has eight provinces that also match the names of the cities in the provinces.  Of those we visited Seville, the capital of Andalusia, Cordoba, Granada, and Malaga.  We also visited Gibraltar, a small peninsula in Andalusia on the Mediterranean Sea that is part of the United Kingdom.  And I took a day trip to Tangier Morocco.  See other posts in this blog for more about those locations.

Andalusia’s history, culture and language has been heavily influenced by the Iberians, Visigoths, Romans, Greeks, Jews, Muslim Moors and Christians.  The name is derived from the Arabic  word Al-Andalus.

Our “base camp” was a condominium in Calahonda, a small town southwest of Malaga. We lived in a neighborhood that was interspersed with a few hotels. You could see the influence from the Muslim Moors in many of the buildings.  We found this a very relaxing environment.  It was quiet, peaceful, with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. On a Sunday afternoon we found a large flee market that was fun to visit

Calahonda

Mediterranpan Villa

Calahonda Flee Market

Local Road to Condo

The Luna Beach and all the beaches in Calahonda were within close walking distance. The  beaches consisted of sand and very tiny and medium sized stones. Larger rocks were near the beach in the water, which was a beautiful blue. Many people were sun bathing, fishing, or walking along the beach. There were few swimmers as the water was on the cool side.

Luna Beach

Playa del Luma

Calahonda Beach

We had an opportunity to eat at a new restaurant called Max which was part of a beach club on Max Beach. The views were great, service and food were excellent.

Max Beach Club

We took a local bus to Marbella and Fuengirola on two separate days.  They both have yacht harbors, nice beaches and lots of good restaurants and shopping.  We explored the towns on foot for a few hours, but much more time can be devoted to both towns.  In Marbella we found a local church that looked very old.  It is quite a contrast between it and the large cathedrals throughout Spain, but this is the type of place where most people worship.  Both towns are old with narrow streets that have lots of flowers and courtyards.

Marbella Local Church

Inside Marbella Local Church

Marbella City Street

Marbella City Street

Marbella Local Street

Marbella Side Street

Most of our time in Fuengirola was directed to a huge market that was held each Tuesday from about 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. There were some tourists there, but mostly local people. It was great fun. The merchandise was good and the prices fair.

Fuengirola Market

Fuengirola Market

Cruising the Guadalquivir River

The Guadalquivir River is the fifth longest river in Spain and the only navigable river in the country.  At one time ships could travel all the way to Cordoba, but silt has filled in many places.  Today river craft are limited from the Gulf of Cádiz to Seville.

Our river cruise started at the Torrre del Oro, golden tower.  It is referred to as the golden tower because its dome is painted gold and the color of its outer materials reflects yellow/goald in the river.  It is a dodecagonal watchtower built to protect Seville.   The initial construction began in the 13th century.  It was a prison in the Middle Ages and anchored a large chain that was strong across the river to prevent ships from sailing further up the river.  Today it is a maritime museum.  Interestingly it was restored and opened as a museum in 1944 during WWII.

Torre del Oro (Golden Tower)

Torre del Oro Door

Saville is made up of many neighborhoods. The river separates the Triana neighborhood from the centre of Seville. People in Triana consider themselves Trianeros before they consider themselves Sevillanos.

Triana Neighborhood Apartments along the Guadalquvivir River

Triana Neighborhood

Another neighborhood is Prado-Parque de María Luisa. It is opposite the Triana neighborhood and lies near the Alcazar Gardens.

Prado-Parque de María Luisa Neighborhood

Jardines de Catalina de Ribera

Not far from the Saville Cathedral are part of the gardens of the Alcázar.  In 1920 these gardens were created in two parts, one called the Jardines de Catalina de Ribera, named after its benefactress.  It has a statue and fountain to commemorate Christopher Columbus.

The Alcázar (Palace) of Seville remains in this part of the city and is still used by the King of Spain when he visits. The Alcázar is situated near the Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. The Alcázar was initially occupied in the 8th century BC. A series of other buildings were built on the same spot including the College of Orlearians, a Visigothic Christian Basilica, and a Caliph residence.  Ultimately it became the palace for the royal family of Spain in the 13th century.

Statue and Fountain to Commorate Columbus

Alcázar of Saville

A gate to the Alcázar of Seville

Outer wall of the Alcázar of Seville

Behind the Alcázar is the Barrio de Santa Cruz.  It is a historical jewish section of the city.  It consists of hotels, local residences, shopping, and beautiful courtyards.

Street Map of Santa Cruz

Alcázar Outer Wall

Former Jewish House, now a hotel

Former Jewish House

Santa Cruz Street

Santa Cruz Courtyard

Santa Cruz Courtyard Orange Trees

Many Spanish homes reflect the architectural design of the romans where the house surrounds an inner courtyard. We caught a glimpse of some private courtyards that serve as a quiet oasis from the noise of the city.

Spanish Courtyard, Santa Cruz

Spanish Courtyard, Santa Cruz

Saville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede)

The Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, Saville Cathedral, originally started out as a mosque built in 830 AD. This was later supplanted by a larger mosque completed in 1198.  The Christianization of the mosque began with the conquest of Saville by King Ferdinand III in the 13th century.  Building and remolding continued on and off for nearly 300 years.  There are over 40 chapels within the cathedral. The Saville Cathedral is considered the third largest cathedral in the world and was designated a UNSCO World Heritage site.  It has the longest nave of any Spanish cathedral.  The current building reflects many types of architecture.  The court yard built with the original mosque and enlarged by the later mosque is retained as part of the cathedral.

Door of the Assumption

Saville Cathedral

Mosque Wall

Mosque Door Sealed by Cathedral

Cathedral Courtyard

Cathedral Baptismal Font

Cathedral Nave

A Cathedral Alter

Cathedral Silver Alter

Cathedral Relics

 

The most famous person buried in the Saville Cathedral is Christopher Columbus.  His tomb is not easily missed.

Christopher’s Columbus Tomb

Under the Columbus Tomb

Columbus Tomb

The Giralda, bell tower, was originally built at the minaret for the mosque.  It stands at 343 feet high with the bells placed on top.

La Giralda (Bell Tower)

Gibraltar in 2019

Gibraltar, is a unique geographical outpost of the United Kingdom.  Located on the tip of Spain, it is close to North Africa.  The “Rock” has provided a military strategic advantage for centuries dating back to the Moors and the latest during WWII.  Visitors will find remnants from the fortifications built on Gibraltar over time.

Moroccan Fortress

Gibraltar Exterior Wall (Moroccan)

Gibraltar Fortification (British)

WWII Gun

Gibraltar is made of of very narrow, steep roads, many man made tunnels, and caves.  The roads are usually bounded by rocks, steep cliffs, or both.  It can be a little scary when navigating them in a bus, even a small one.

Gibraltar Tunnel

Gibraltar Road

Saint Michael’s Cave, named after a cave in Apulia Italy, is located in the “Upper Rock” of Gibraltar. It is made of of limestone. The areas open to the public are well lit and have stairs with railings. There is a large natural amphitheater with seating. The natural acoustics enhance the sound from concerts played here.

St. Michael’s Cave

St. Michael’s Columns

View from the bottom of St. Michael’s Cave

Cross Section of a stalactite/stalagmite

Natural View

Accentuated with Color

Cool Green

Around St. Michael’s Cave you’re likely to find Barbary “Apes,” actually monkeys that were brought over from Morocco. At one time the British Army cared for the apes, designating one part of the hospital for their care. Today their care is outsourced to a company. They are very tame, often posing for pictures.  There are steep fines for feeding the “Apes.”

Barbary “Ape” at the mouth of St. Michael’s Cave

Barbary “Ape” in woods near the St. Michael’s Cave

At the tip of Gibraltar is the Straits of Gibraltar where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. The views are beautiful and on a clear day you can see the coast of Morocco.  Gibraltar is a very crowded peninsula.  The engineers have started to reclaim land to build more housing.

Straits of Gibraltar

Gibraltar Light House at Europa Point

Reclaimed Land for Living Space on Gibraltar

 

Finally, what would an excursion be with out shopping. Main Street in Gibraltar has become devoted to shopping and eating as well some interesting architecture.