Metropol Parasol

The world's largest wooden structure is right here in Sevilla! This amazing piece of architecture was recently completed earlier this year.

The parasol is located in one of the oldest plazas in the city. This is the original floor of the plaza. The construction of this structure has caused some controversy with residents of Sevilla because it is a huge modern structure in a historic site and each resident was taxed a significant amount for the construction.

Beautiful view of the cathedral and tower.



Site of the World Expo '92.

Corrida del Toro

One Sunday, we went to a bullfight in the Plaza de Toros. I was a little skeptical about seeing 6 bulls being killed, but the strong traditional background drew me in. The bullfight or corrida del toro was really an art form and Sevilla is famous for this antique form of entertainment.

Julia and I at the Plaza de Toros.
Mounted toreros that help the matador. The horse and the toreros have armor on to protect them from the bull.
Toro waiting for action. Also, I should mention that this was a novice bullfight, so the toros are only 1 or 2 years old and the matadors are not experts yet.
Matador.

I love the extravagant outfits (called trajes de luz or "suits of lights").
A toro trying to fight the horse. Luckily, the armor protects the horse and torero and the horse is blinded so it isn't spooked.

Running away.
A very successful matador who received a standing ovation.

Cordoba

On Friday, our group took a trip to Cordoba, which has a large Jewish and Muslim background.



We visited the Cathedral of Cordoba which was originally the Great Mosque, it's referred to as the Mosque-Cathedral. The arches were beautiful and every inch of the cathedral is covered in exquisite detail.

Calle de los flores.
Cordoba is a candidate to be the cultural capital of Europe.
In the gardens of the Royal Alcazar, once home to Ferdinand and Isabel.

Columbus talking to Ferdinand and Isabel.