A day in Seville

Seville, Spain

Golden Hour - arched pavilion

Low sun warms the stone arches, and the smell of orange trees hangs in the courtyard. I stay by the arches and watch the light move across the plasterwork. This royal palace grew through centuries of royal occupation, and its pools sit among the gardens.

Golden Hour - plaza waterfront

Soft river sound carries along the eastern bank while warm light sits on the stone. I turn once in my ruffled dress and the skirt flares out. Torre del Oro is a thirteenth-century watchtower whose dodecagonal base once controlled access to the harbour.

Golden Hour - village house

Wide light spreads over the tiled roofs of the historic centre. I lift both arms and snap my fingers toward the horizon. Setas de Sevilla, a timber structure over Plaza de la Encarnación, has top walkways and Roman ruins underground from the construction.

Golden Hour - plaza walkway

The silk of my shawl feels cool between my fingers by the curved tiled alcoves. I hold the edge of the mantón de Manila as I move. Plaza de España was designed for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, and the alcoves depict Spain's historic provinces.

Golden Hour - plaza fountain

Water sounds in the sunken fountain, and warm stone meets my hand on the arcade. I follow the fountain's edge at an easy pace. Hospital de los Venerables, in Santa Cruz, was built in the seventeenth century as a refuge for elderly priests.

Golden Hour - plaza square

Warm light and red cloth circle as I spin on the marble courtyard of Plaza de España. Polka dots on my traje de flamenca flash once with each turn. Ornate bridges cross the shallow canal around this semi-circular plaza from the 1929 exposition.

Golden Hour - plaza waterfront

Behind me the Guadalquivir keeps a low sound under the gold light. I look back over my shoulder and smile in the red dress. Carrillada de cerdo is the dish I want in Triana: pork cheeks braised in red wine until soft.