Visit to Alcazar in Seville

Well, it is our  last full day.  Tomorrow night we start the treck back to Washington.  But today is Seville's  Alkazar.   ( remember that there are alkazar's all over Spain and Portugal, and it means stong hold or fortress)   They are also generally the home of the king for at least part of his time in the city.   Seville's Alkazar has beautiful grounds.   When Franco took over Spain, he seized the Alkazar's.   Seville made a deal with the kings that the grounds of this Alkazar would remain public parks.  We saw families having picnics, and they were allowed to avoid the line and go right into the grounds.

Fred and I were able to get in with only a twenty minute wait.  There were so many people.  Just when you think you are close, there is a group of 30 who walk in before you.   Oh well.     I didnt get many pictures due to the number of people, and the ones I did take were with the camera.   It was very nice and about 60 acres of plantings around the building. A full producing orange grove.

We probably hit 30,000 steps today, I am sure it is an all time high.  Dinner tonight was a bottle of water (no gas) which is what you ask for when you want plan water, and a bag of Lay's potato chips.     Both fred and i thought it was great.  We didn't feel like any mystery Tapas, one more slice of dried ham/pork or a big meal.    I think we are ready for food from home and our own beds.   It has all been great, and we have learned so much

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An alcázar  is a type of Moorish castle or palace in Spain and Portugal built during Muslim rule, although some were founded by Christians. Most of the alcázars were built between the 8th and 15th centuries. Many cities in Spain have an alcázar. Palaces built in the Moorish style after the expulsion of the Moors from Spain are often referred to as alcazars as well.
The Alcázar of Seville  is a royal palace in Seville, Spain, originally developed by Moorish Muslim kings. The palace is renowned as one of the most beautiful in Spain. The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence. It is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, and was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the Seville Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies.^[2]