Guadalquivir River begins life in the Sierra de Cazorla near the east coast of Spain and enters the Gulf of Cadiz through marshy lowlands some 657 kilometers later. The marshy lowlands are said to hide the hidden city of Tartessos believed to be covered in silt.
The west bank is a popular place to appreciate the cool of evening. Seafood restaurants abound and waiters carry trays laden with drinks and seafood across the riverside street to patrons on the riverbank.
A favourite haunt of fishermen beneath the bridge, and a wonderful place to avoid the sun.
This riverside walk provided a good place to jump into the river – I wished I had worn bathers.
In the centre of this photo is the Torre del Oro, a watchtower built in the first third of the Thirteenth Century to control access to Sevilla by the river. Also used as a prison in the middle ages, it’s name in English Gold Tower refers to the gold shine it reflects in the river. The mortar, lime and pressed hay used in it’s construction are thought to be the reason for the projected gold image. Within the last two centuries it survived a move to tear it down to widen the road and in 1868 it was put up for sale as scrap. The locals protested vehemently and this is another case where the Andalucian people have saved a beloved building.
We walked across and beside the river in the hope of finding cool breezes, but they were few and 42 degrees at 7.45 p.m. was stifling. Locals we spoke to said this weather was totally unexpected and it was not usually this hot for at least another six weeks. How often do you hear that when travelling?
This post forms part of Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday. Click on the link to see photos from around the world.
Head over Heel
Along the river looks like the perfect place to spend a few hours relaxing and people watching. The watchtower looks like it would be fun to explore. Is it open for tours or has it been too neglected?
The tower has been restored and is a Naval Museum, so it can be explored:)
I would love to be walking along the river and enjoying some lovely Spanish weather right about now! Your photos are lovely!
It was bloody hot when we were there too – and that was in mid November. I can certainly appreciate looking for cool breezes. We looked for shade in some of the big city parks.
Yes we did the park thing as well Leigh. Our lodings had no fan or A/C either, so I lay with my back up against the white washed wall which was thick and cool.
Beautiful pictures! This looks like such a pleasant walk and with plenty of stops along the way to keep one occupied. How interesting about Tartesso – will need to read more about it now.
Thanks Mary – wouldn’t it be fantastic if they actually found Tartesso?
Beautiful photos 🙂
Why thank you Muza-chan 🙂
It’s such a pretty river. Hope the waiters get an extra tip for taking trays across to the riverbank.
A beautiful river for sure. We had a softdrink and I cannot remember how much we tipped.
What a gorgeous walk though I’m not sure about doing it in the 42C heat! This is one thing I missed doing in Seville but it is such a beautiful city, I’m sure we’ll be back there one day!
The heat was extreme – dry though like in Perth – but still it was exhausting. I would love to go back when the weather was milder.
We laughed at the number of times we were told they were having “Indian Summers” in Italy and Slovenia this year. . .thought that was something we only had in the Western U.S.!
Jackie I really think the world’s weather is changing and rapidly.
Your photos bring back memories of my time in Sevilla last year. If you want cool, visit in February! I want to go back when it’s a little warmer.
Ha Ha, I’ll keep that in mind for next time Nancie.
That’s really hot. Perhaps it’s good you weren’t there in 6 weeks in case if it just got hotter. I really like the Torre del Oro and that it’s escaped destruction so many times.
Thank goodness these old buildings managed to survive 🙂
Thanks Lisa, I am sure you are thinking that you would love the hot weather while you are experiencing the cold of winter, but I can assure you that it was far TOO hot in Sevilla, especially to be walking:)