A Glimpse of Granada

Credits: Papers by Scrapmuss Design; label and border element by Splendid Fiins; Suede Alpha by MissBhaving

Outside of (the little I know of) the Alhambra, I know close to nothing about Granada. After all, I didn’t plan to venture out this far from Seville. So expectation was kept to a minimum.

The NH Hotel at Puerta Real, the crossroad of the city’s shopping zone.

Crossing Calle Puerto Real on our way to lunch, the beautiful bourgeois architecture instantly left an impression.

Although we passed some streets that seemed desolate, we soon found ourselves in the heart of the city where the Cathedral and the Alcaiceria, the Moorish Silk market of way back, impressed once more.

cathedral

Lunch, arranged by the Noval brothers (our guide and driver), was at the Restaurante Sevilla—a stone throw away from the Cathedral, at the fringe of the Alcaiceria.

In a small, old style Spanish bar, we were served yet another excellent meal of tapas.

Quite in keeping with the cuisine’s good repute. Andalusian cuisine has yet to disappoint.

The best way to experience the city’s old yet vibrant center is to walk it.

So after that fulfilling lunch, we inched our way out of the Alcaiceria to the busy Plaza Nueva, which despite the name, is the oldest square.

Lively cafes and bars, along with Moorish and Renaissance monuments and landmarks scatter around here.

A short distance on the east, right where the Carrera de Darro begins, the Rio Darro emerges from underground.

Here too lies one of the best remaining churches of Mudejar architecture, the 16th century Iglesia de San Gil y Santa Ana.

cafes-along-carrera-del-darro

It was strolling along the Carrera de Darro that Granada called to me. “One day,” I told Anton, “we will sit and absorb the pulse of the city in one of these cafes.”

To assimilate with the carefree students and free-spirited artists that fill the streets for even just a few days would be pretty cool.

Follow the river and you will come across Paseo de los Tristes.

A picturesque street with a river running along it, the Alhambra keeping watch from atop.

Granada has an unmistakable Moorish soul, most likely because it was the last city to be reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs.

Lying at the confluence of 4 rivers—the Beiro, Darro, Genil, and the Monachit, separated by the gorge of the Rio Darro. The city is set between 2 outlying hills, the Alhambra hill on the south and the Albaicin, on the north.

Albaicin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the old Moorish quarter of Granada.

Walking through its narrow and winding cobbled streets will take you back over 1500 years. It holds a vast amount of Granada’s historic buildings and plazas.

Although a residential district on the whole, it is host to many restaurants, bars as well as guesthouses oozing with classic Andalusian charm.

Above all, this beautiful residential neighborhood delivers some incredible view of the Alhambra and much of the city.

View of the city from Albaicin

Alhambra from Albaicin

More of Granada through my lens:

A Plaza in Albaicin

Calle Calderreria Nueva–a narrow street close to Plaza Nueva, holding tourist shops, a few restaurant and a few merchants typical of the old Moorish quarter. Not quite similar but oftentimes referred to the medina found in Morocco.

The Carmen es—rows of beautiful houses—line the streets of Albaicin.

The Real Chancilleria at Plaza Nueva

Steps of the Cathedral where people hang out

Narrow streets of Albaicin

Musicians found in every corner — Alcaiceria

A glimpse of the city from the Alhambra

Useful Info:

Restaurante Seville

Calle Oficios, 12

+34 958 221 223

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Jenn 1

La Alhambra

We didn’t plan this, going to Granada that is. I was thinking Cordoba because it is closer to Seville. And of course, the beautiful Mezquita de Cordoba tickled my fancy. In Cadiz, however, our host was bewildered that we weren’t going to Granada and urged us to take a trip there. Curiosity got the better of us and the Mezquita will have to wait.

So what is there in Granada that captivated the hearts of even its own? It was the pride in their faces that convinced me to change plans. La Alhambra, the most renowned building of the Andalusian Islamic historical legacy, is in Granada, and this Moorish citadel and palace is one big reason behind the region’s appeal.

The private tour we booked included tickets to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. They say that when in Granada, you cannot miss the grand Alhambra because it is a city, a fortress and a palace all in one site.

On a hill overlooking the modern lower town, the Alhambra (consisting of three parts—the Nasrid Palace, the Alcazaba and the Generalife) snake around the Sabika hill.

It is the pinnacle of Moorish Art that captured well the Muslim Spain. One of the great architecture sights of Europe, it is an outstanding example of royal Arab residences of the medieval period.

A series of courtyards surrounded by rooms present a varied repertoire of Moorish arched columns, fountains, and light reflecting water basins.

The Partal Palace

Here’s more captures… the details, the grandeur, the lushness– a great source of pride indeed.

The tall hedges of the Generalife Garden.

Ceiling Design

The garden of the Nasrid Palace

The facade of the Alcazaba, the battlements

Useful Info

The Nasrid Palace is booked by time and date, and visitors must be mindful of the time stated on their tickets. There is always a queue so make sure not to be late or you might not get in.

La Alhambra

Calle Real de la Alhambra

+34 958 027 971

Posted on September 8, 2014September 8, 2014 by Jenn 4

The Alcazar and Barrio Santa Cruz

Credits: Template by J Sprague Photo collage; Paper by Scrapmuss Designs

After a night of soulful music and dancing, elated from the cultural assimilation, we were back on the street the next day for more. The Santa Cruz district, also known as Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarters, is just a hop away from our hostel.

Best known for its small plazas—Plaza de Santa Cruz, Plaza de los Venerables,

Plaza Alianza

Plaza Dona Elvira

Plaza Alianza, Plaza de Dona Elvira among others—hidden around the lively labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys awash with shops not only of touristy souvenirs

Sangre Espanola–burnt my MC here.

and bars indulged too by locals,

it is a natural gathering of visitors and the community alike. Picturesque lime-washed houses added to its charm.

And in this district stands 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites:

The Cathedral from Plaza del Triunfo

the Cathedral and its Giralda, the Archivo de Indias (which we failed to enter), and the Alcazar.

On the southeast side of the Plaza del Triunfo stands the Real Alcazar, supposedly the oldest European palace still in use.

The Alcazar from Plaza del Triunfo

Walking through the Alcazar is like walking through the history of Seville.

Art and architecture designs throughout the palace are marked by the diversity of cultures starting in Moorish times to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque, and the XIX century.

Before it became the royal palace of Christian Kings, it was once a Moorish fortress. Today, it is still used as a part-time residence of the Spanish royal family, although only a few rooms are closed to the public.

Built by Moorish architecture, the structure standing today still has details of a medieval fortress.

The gardens are outstanding, but I say that the picturesque Patio de las Doncellas, the Ambassador’s Hall,

with its tranquil pond that reflects the Mudejar plasterwork will transport you to another time. The intricate carvings and mosaic will leave you in awe.

The castle is huge, which took up half of our day. All the walking left us craving for tapas. And my notes tell me that Bodega Santa Cruz is the place to be when in the area.

The bar wasn’t swarming with people yet, as it was only half past 11, so we easily found a table at the corner, in plain view of our bartender who wrote our orders down in chalk.

Left to right: pringa, berenjenas con miel (fried aubergines with honey and salt), lomo chipiona

One by one, he calls out our orders, pringa, lomo chipiona, alitas de pollo, berenjenas con miel… all good that left us gratified.

And after wandering through the barrio, we were back for more tapas, al fresco this time.

We settled for Café Alianza at the plaza of the same name.

Satisfying early dinner in a lovely square, a great way to cap the day.

Useful Info:

Bodega Sta. Cruz

Calle Rodrigo Caro, 1A

+35 954 21 32 46

Café Restaurante Alianza

Calle de Rodrigo Caro, 9

+34 954 21 76 35

Royal Alcazar of Seville

Patio de Banderas

+34 954 50 23 24

Sangre Española

Calle Santa Teresa, 4

+34 954 22 72 26

Posted on August 18, 2014September 1, 2014 by Jenn 6

Our Flamenco Fling

I took a leaflet. “This is better,” the lady at the counter recommended a different one. “If you don’t mind, it’s at the outskirt of Sevilla. You will be picked up,” she added. “It’s €38 per person and comes with drinks and tapas.”

And so, there we were in front of the Plaza del Toro a quarter before eight as instructed. At exactly eight, a van stopped in front, a lady came out greeted us and off we went.

Maria introduced herself as the co-owner of Flamenco Esencia, the company on the leaflet. They promised an authentic flamenco performance in an intimate setting. Not that easy to come by today, so I heard. Most performances are produced with tourists in mind. Maria, being a flamenco dancer herself (and respected one in the industry at that), had thought to revive flamenco performances the way it was intended to be: up close, spontaneous, and unplugged.

With her influence, she has established and upcoming but promising flamenco artists on stage together resulting in performances that vary in style and temperament, depending on who are performing. We were awarded an outstanding, heartrending performance.

We had a glimpse of the Sevillian countryside on our way to the venue in Salteras, a small village 10 kilometers away from the city center.

In a narrow street, we walked into a high 19th-century bodega where we were greeted with a glass of wine.

It is a small space with a high ceiling that has seats only for a limited number of people, I estimate about 40. Aside from the eight of us, a few more people arrived; I assumed were regular enthusiasts and friends.

A flavorsome choice of tapas, which included freshly carved Jamon Iberico, cheese and mouth-watering patatas tortilla, followed after the impressive, soulful performance.

The informality and friendliness that was shown the entire evening evoked a sense of genuine hospitality that I suspect isn’t felt in a regular show in the city.

Flamenco was an expression of denial, a means of escape of the persecuted gypsies back then. It was a mockery of paradoxes, which symbolizes their way of life evident in the supercilious dancers in bright costumes, the intricate rhythm set by hand clapping and foot stomping, and the raspy wail of singers echoing the Muslim’s call to prayer. And for at least 200 years, Flamenco has existed and has become an important part of Southern Spain’s cultural heritage with Seville as the center of this performing art.

Posted on August 8, 2014August 8, 2014 by Jenn 1

Exploring Seville’s City Center

I found Anton at the front desk chatting with the guy in charge. He seemed impressed that Anton could pretty much carry a conversation in Spanish. Here’s a tip: if you can speak even just a bit of the local language, try to use it to the best of your ability not only to impress but because it is the fastest way to a local’s heart. This was actually how we found our way to Casa Jimio for some interesting tapas.

Front desk guy pointed us there; it is only a short walk from our hostel, La Casa de la Luna and a stone’s throw away from Plaza Nueva. From there, he said, we could hop from one excellent tapas bar to another. Following his lead, we got ourselves a table at La Flor de Toranzo, also known locally as Casa Trifon.

Left to right: Salmorejo; olives; Jamon Iberico “bellota”

Apparently one of the more famous bars in Seville, it offers a traditional menu with specialty tapas like foie gras, marinated turkey breast, anchovy rolls…

Anchoas con leche condensada (anchovies with condensed milk) sandwich caught our eye and suffice it to say that we were so blown away with the flavor combination, we got another order even if we were attempting to do a tapas bar crawl, a time-honored tradition that has Spaniards walking, drinking, and nibbling almost daily.

Seville. This beautiful Andalusian capital sitting on the lower reaches of the River Guadalquivir oozes with charm.

The Adriatico Building

As with most European cities, historical monuments are scattered around but what sets Seville apart is its seductive atmosphere—starting with the Seville orange trees found in every corner perfuming the air with its blossoms, its passion for flamenco

and its love for food.

One thing Seville does not have little of, is its tapas bars and restaurants. Being a city of eaters and drinkers, tapas joints abound in Seville.

A day for a true Sevillano starts with a pre-breakfast snack (around 7am), then followed by the real breakfast at 10am. A beer or a glass of vino accompanies lunch at 2pm and at 5pm, the Sevillano head to the bars to tide them over till supper at home, usually around 9pm.

With our bellies full from a very satisfying lunch (we only managed 2 bars),

we headed to Avenida de la Constitucion, taking in its vibrancy—people of all kinds (locals, tourists, students…)

fill the street, historical monuments and buildings share space with modern shopping malls,

modern trams ply the cobbled avenida, and adding to the gaiety, music filled the air from a guy playing Besame Mucho in his accordion…

madness in a good way is what this major thoroughfare is.

The Cathedral and the Giralda

The largest Gothic building in Europe sits in the heart of the city on Avenida de la Constitucion. The Seville Cathedral, its flamboyance an expression of the city’s wealth during the 15th century.

Replacing what was once a grand mosque of the Almohad Dynasty in the 12th century, it dominates the city today with its splendor and size. The astonishingly large building breaks several size records, making it the largest church in the world when measured by volume.

I was filled with awe at the massive size of the cathedral, at its sumptuous simplicity: the ceiling is about 13 stories high (42m) at the central nave and gilded in gold.

The huge interior has a large collection of artworks from Murillo, Zurbaran, and Goya among others.

Its bell tower is called the Giralda. It was the large and beautiful minaret of the mosque, built to resemble that of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech in Morocco.

Not only is it now the bell tower of the largest church in the world and the tallest landmark in Seville, it is also an excellent example of the cultural blend that molded Spain into what it is today.

It stands 343 ft. (105m) tall above sea level and instead of steps, a series of ramps were built so that the person calling the faithful to prayer (when it was still a mosque) could easily ride a horse up to the top.

Do make your way up the ramps because when you reach the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic view of Seville.

And after walking up the tower, we did as the Sevillanos always do; we found our spot and had an afternoon snack.

Useful Info:

La Casa de la Luna

Calle Mariana de Pineda (near Puerta Jerez)

+34 954-218-389

La Flor de Toranzo

Calle Jimio 1-3

+34 954-229-315

Seville Cathedral

Avenida de la Constitucion

Posted on July 28, 2014August 8, 2014 by Jenn 7

How the Andalusian Horses Dance

“We must see this” and so we did. What sealed the deal for Cadiz to be part of our itinerary besides Anton’s family were actually the horses. And if you too love horses, this you must not pass up.

Jerez de la Frontera, a municipality of Cadiz, lies in a fertile upland region on the southern edge of the Andalusian plains, between sea and mountain. This fertile land that surrounds the city produced some fine wines and sherry that has given rise to some of the most prominent families in the area. This wealth enabled them to invest on impressive stud and bull-breeding farms all around the city.

And for breeding the famous and the beautiful Andalusian Horses, Jerez became the cradle of Spanish horsemanship. Beautiful, docile, and gentle, the purebred Spanish horse impresses with its sculptured beauty of noble bearing and natural high action. Extremely elegant, naturally graceful in its rhythmic pace, and extraordinarily beautiful, the PRE (Pura Raza Española) is a horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula with 3,000 years of history. It has been known for its deftness as a warhorse and was prized by nobility.

The-Royal-Andalusian-School-of-Equestrian-Art

One of the best places to learn more about these beauties is in the Royal School of Equestrian Art or the Real Escuela Andaluz del Arte Escuetre, a riding school comparable to the world-famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

A beautiful garden surrounds the premise. A 19th-century palace, the Palacio de las Cadenas, serves as its headquarters and visitor center.

And whatever else you do, make sure to catch its equestrian ballet show entitled “How the Andalusian Horses Dance.”

To the beat of traditional Spanish music, the horses perform complex and arduous movements with effortless grace and control.

An absolute must.

Useful Info:

Real Escuela Andaluz del Arte Escuetre

Avenida Duque de Abrantes S/N,

Jerez de la Frontera

+34 956 319635

Posted on July 12, 2014July 12, 2014 by Jenn 2

Cadiz

Bounded by the sea on a narrow wedge of land is the province of Cadiz, said to be Europe’s oldest inhabited city. A typical Andalusian city with a wealth of well-preserved historic landmark in its charming old quarter.

It may not have architectures that shout “look at me!” like Barcelona’s Casa Batllo, Bilbao’s Guggenheim, or Granada’s Alhambra, but the Moorish looking old city offers a taste of the great days of the 17th century.

Walk around its cobblestone narrow, winding alleys and open squares and you will feel like nothing much has changed.

This and the easy-going, everyday vibe of Cadiz makes for a pleasant walk around the ancient city, the rain notwithstanding.

Friendly locals would always strike up a conversation, if you speak Spanish that is; otherwise a welcoming smile is always at the ready.

Founded as the Phoenician port of Gades a millennium before Christ, Cadiz has an old and interesting history.

A worthy place to learn more about it is at the Museo de Cadiz, on Plaza de Mina.

phoenician-sarcophagy

It offers a journey that goes from Phoenician and Roman culture through to the 20th century Spanish paintings.

Just across Cadiz is El Puerto de Santa Maria, our home for a few days. A lively harbor town and beach resort during the summer.

It was quiet, however, when we there in April. We’d walk around and end up at La Playa de Valdelagrana, the beach closest to where we stayed.

It is one of the Costa de la Luz beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean.

The various cafes, restaurants and pubs dotting the promenade are a telltale sign that this playa can be very busy during summers.

Never on my radar, if truth were told, but thanks to Anton for wanting to visit his roots, I am happy to have made it to Cadiz. We had the grandest of time chilling as activities get halted every afternoon for siesta. Nothing beats excellent home cooked meals coupled with fantastic stories shared till the wee hours of the morning.

Useful Info:

Museum of Cadiz (Museo de Cadiz)

Plaza de Mina s/n

11004 Cadiz, Andalusia

+34 8 56105023

+34 8 56105034

Posted on July 6, 2014July 8, 2014 by Jenn 7

Andalusia’s White Town Jaunts

Between the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz, lodged between the valleys and mountains or clustered high on the hillsides within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, lies a cornucopia of sleepy white towns and villages. Traditionally lime-washed but now painted white houses make up these towns. Known as the Pueblos Blancos, they create a striking contrast amid a backdrop of rugged limestone mountain.

Out of the 6 or 7 noteworthy villages on the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, we managed 3 on a rented Opel.

After breakfast, from Ronda we headed north via the A428 and found our way to the first village on our route, Setenil de los Bodegas.

This quaint little village has houses built into rock overhangs above the Rio Trejo, many of which have the rock as its natural roofs and walls.

Fetching in an unusual kind of way, this Setenil.

Looking for a place to have a few beers and tapas (as it was nearing lunch time), we discovered that the hilly, winding streets in some parts of town are intimidatingly narrow

especially if one’s stick shift skills are rusty and the car is rented.

On Plaza de Andalucia, we found Bar Restaurante Dominguez quietly tucked in a corner of Calle Herreria.

I don’t remember anymore what drew us there (hunger perhaps) but following the recommendation of the owner, lunch was truly satisfying.

Let me first tell you about this stunning natural park, Sierra de Grazalema. It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977 because it has an exceptional variety of flora and fauna.

Do you see the eagle perched on the craggy edge of the limestone?

A karstic region set in 51,695 hectares of land that is surrounded by a string of limestone mountain ranges known collectively as… Sierra de Grazalema. So imagine the spectacular vista of rugged limestone cliffs, and impressive gorges, magnificent forest of rare Spanish firs, and the attractive white towns dotted around the sierra.

The village of Grazalema is located right at the center of its foothills. A beautiful white town beneath the craggy peak of San Cristobal.

It has its own charm with a simple central square, the Plaza de España, and cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses with wrought ironed railing covered windows.

The town has two beautiful churches, Iglesia de la Aurora on Plaza de España and Iglesia de la Encarnacion. It is an ideal base for those who want to hike the sierra.

The last village we managed was the most picturesque among the three and a real must.

At the northern end of the Grazalema Natural Park, this pueblos blanco overlooks the turquoise water of El Embalse, a huge reservoir that dominates the view from the village perched atop a hill.

Zahara de la Sierra, once an important Moorish town has the surviving tower of the 12th century Moorish Castle looming over the valley.

Scattered below on the slopes are the red-tiled roof whitewashed houses of the village.

This couldn’t be a more outstanding finale to this excursion. Although we barely scratched the surface, like Ronda, visiting these pueblos blancos gave us a taste of the real Spain, its laid back way of life.

Amid such splendor, how can you not stop and smell the flowers? Cherish its beauty? Why would you even want to go anywhere?

Useful Info:

Bar Restaurante Dominguez

Plaza de Anadlucia, 11

Setenil de las Bodegas, Cadiz

Contact: +34 956 13 45 31

Posted on June 19, 2014July 6, 2014 by Jenn 2

Magnificent Town of Ronda

Tired from traveling the whole day, but I look out the window of our train plying Mr. Henderson’s railway en route to Ronda and all is well.

The scenery was stunning and the countryside, beautiful. It was a good decision, taking the train to Ronda as it was a gloriously scenic route.

rock-outcrop

On the plateau of a large rock outcrop stands the magnificent town of Ronda,

surrounded by rugged tracts of mountains, the Guadalquivir River running through it.

Gorgeous city steeped in history, set in and around a deep gorge known as El Tajo (the edge),

and spanned by an astounding 18th century arched bridge,

the Puente Nuevo, connecting La ciudad, the old Ronda with the new.

The old quarter charms with cobbled stone streets,

lovely churches, striking white houses

and buildings with wrought iron balconies

but not to let pass the cafes, tapas bars and restaurants that sprinkle the town.

For decades, Ronda has been favored by those with a passion for Spanish food and likes to eat well. Tapas, small portions of food, both hot and cold, are served in bars and bodegas to go with a copa de fino (dry Spanish sherry) or beer.

A pleasant and enjoyable way to take in its rich heritage is to wander around town to savor not only the sights but its cuisine as well.

We spent a whole lot of time walking the streets of Ronda, captivated by the spectacular views it offered at every turn. No wonder Welles and Hemingway spent so much time there. I wish I had taken their cue and spent more time there.

Ronda delivered beyond my expectation. It was a fantastic kick-off to an Andalusian adventure.

More of Ronda through my lens:

On the Puente Nuevo

Plaza del Toro — Ronda’s bullring known to be the world’s first purpose-built bullring. The first fight in this bullring took place in 1785 with the famous matador, Pedro Romero and Pepe Hillo.

Iglesia de Sta. Maria la Mayor

Ronda is symbolic of Andalusia’s white town

On the bridge facing the south side of the gorge, La Ciudad and the heart of Moorish Ronda.

Ronda at night.

Plaza de España— Ronda’s modern ide of the gorge.

Posted on June 12, 2014July 6, 2014 by Jenn 3

Flavors of Andalusia

Credits: Papers by Scrapmuss Designs, Page Frocks and Pri Rocha Designs; Stitch and label by Crystal Wilkerson; The Boyfriend Alpha by Carina Gardiner

Seductive, vivacious, relaxed, stunning, delectable… This is Andalusia in my eyes. It is the quintessential Spain where bullfighting, flamenco, sherry and ruined castles first originated, an autonomous region where the cuisine is all about simple pleasures in an unhurried way, a region of contrast: ancient cities and beautiful countryside, wind-swept, sandy beaches and remote mountain ranges, Christianity and Islamic as manifested in its culture and architecture…

Stay tuned for flavors of Andalusia and its way of life.

Posted on May 31, 2014July 6, 2014 by Jenn 0

travel tales, gustatory delights and beyond

Credits: Papers by Scrapmuss Design; label and border element by Splendid Fiins; Suede Alpha by MissBhaving

The NH Hotel at Puerta Real, the crossroad of the city’s shopping zone.

View of the city from Albaicin

Alhambra from Albaicin

More of Granada through my lens:

A Plaza in Albaicin

Calle Calderreria Nueva–a narrow street close to Plaza Nueva, holding tourist shops, a few restaurant and a few merchants typical of the old Moorish quarter. Not quite similar but oftentimes referred to the medina found in Morocco.

The Carmen es—rows of beautiful houses—line the streets of Albaicin.

The Real Chancilleria at Plaza Nueva

Steps of the Cathedral where people hang out

Narrow streets of Albaicin

Musicians found in every corner — Alcaiceria

A glimpse of the city from the Alhambra

Useful Info:

The Partal Palace

The tall hedges of the Generalife Garden.

Ceiling Design

The garden of the Nasrid Palace

The facade of the Alcazaba, the battlements

Useful Info

Credits: Template by J Sprague Photo collage; Paper by Scrapmuss Designs

Plaza Alianza

Plaza Dona Elvira

Sangre Espanola–burnt my MC here.

The Cathedral from Plaza del Triunfo

The Alcazar from Plaza del Triunfo

Left to right: pringa, berenjenas con miel (fried aubergines with honey and salt), lomo chipiona

Useful Info:

Left to right: Salmorejo; olives; Jamon Iberico “bellota”

The Adriatico Building

The Cathedral and the Giralda

Useful Info:

Useful Info:

Useful Info:

Do you see the eagle perched on the craggy edge of the limestone?

Useful Info:

More of Ronda through my lens:

On the Puente Nuevo

Plaza del Toro — Ronda’s bullring known to be the world’s first purpose-built bullring. The first fight in this bullring took place in 1785 with the famous matador, Pedro Romero and Pepe Hillo.

Iglesia de Sta. Maria la Mayor

Ronda is symbolic of Andalusia’s white town

On the bridge facing the south side of the gorge, La Ciudad and the heart of Moorish Ronda.

Ronda at night.

Plaza de España— Ronda’s modern ide of the gorge.

Credits: Papers by Scrapmuss Designs, Page Frocks and Pri Rocha Designs; Stitch and label by Crystal Wilkerson; The Boyfriend Alpha by Carina Gardiner