March 17, 2018: In the Alcazar, Seville

The Alcazar of Seville—part fort and part palace, part Moorish and part Christian—never runs out of surprises. There are, of course, the magnificent large spaces where rulers of both faiths received ambassadors and officials, and private rooms and interior courtyards of great beauty.

But there are also interior spaces such as the cistern above and hall below that are beautiful despite, or perhaps in part because of their simple shapes and spaces.

And there are the outdoor spaces: extensive gardens, and lovely water features...

And, of course, for some, the Alcazar is a warm and comfy home.