Day 1 in Seville: Torre del Oro, Cathedral, Bullring & Sunset at Plaza de España
🌅 A Warm Start by the River
Our first day in Seville, Spain began with a peaceful walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, under blue skies and a comfortable 20°C — perfect for sightseeing. Our first stop was the iconic Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold), a 13th-century defensive tower that now houses a small maritime museum. While the displays inside were modest, the real reward was climbing to the top for a panoramic view of the river and the city beyond.
⛪ Inside the Cathedral & Up the Giralda
From there, we made our way to the breathtaking Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. We joined a guided tour that took us into two rarely accessible areas — the intricately carved choir stalls and the magnificent main altar — both rich in history and detail.
The highlight was ascending the Giralda, Seville’s former minaret turned bell tower. Instead of stairs, the tower features a long, square-spiral ramp that winds all the way to the top. Historically, this allowed the imam to ride a donkey up for the call to prayer. Reaching the summit rewarded us with stunning views over the old city.
🐂 Into the Heart of the Bullring
In the afternoon, we explored the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, Seville’s historic bullring. The museum provided insight into Spain’s complex bullfighting tradition, but the true thrill came from walking into the centre of the arena itself — standing on the sand, surrounded by history.
Also worth noting: I finally offloaded a dodgy €10 note. Another win for the day!
🌇 Sunset Magic at Plaza de España
As golden hour approached, we made our way to the spectacular Plaza de España. This vast, semi-circular architectural marvel features bridges, tiled benches representing each Spanish province, and a canal perfect for rowing. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the whole plaza seemed to glow — it’s easily one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
📺 Evening Wind-Down
Back at our accommodation, we wrapped up the day with some well-earned rest and an episode of Cloncave (on USB, of course). A perfect end to a day filled with history, sunshine, and stunning views.
