Day 23-27:

Our last city of the trip is Sevilla! I cannot believe it is coming to an end. Some of the sites that I would like to point out are Palacio de Las Duenas, Royal Alcazar, Casa de Pilatos, Centro Cermica Trinana, Metropol Parasol, and Hotel Las Cáscaras de La Juderia. The Palacio de La Duenas was my favorite Spanish palace of the trip because the vibrancy of the bougainvillea bushes brought life to the entry of the palace. The central courtyard had an Islamic Charbagh layout that was symmetrical on four sides and pointed directly to the water fountain. Afterward, we went to the Royal Alcazar, which is still used by the Prime Minister of Spain and the official headquarters of the Spanish government. This place was filled with so many courtyards with Islamic influence, colorful tiles, and pockets of water. It reminded me a lot of the Alhambra because of the ornate ceilings, landscape architecture layout, and runnels with reflecting pools.

The next day, we went to Casa de Pilatos, where I saw that this was a palace. I noticed the detail in the tile work and the central courtyard with the Renaissance fountain.  There was a fusion of the Renaissance and medieval Spanish. The interior design and decor were mostly pastels with works of art. It was a palace for the former duchesses of Seville. I believe the current duchess had an immense fondness for pigs, and this fondness was showcased in the drawing room. What stood out to me was a small sculpture of Leda and the Swan, and we went to Centro Ceramica Triana to see the other historical paintings. I loved learning how people used the four elements of earth, water, air, and fire to make the final product. I loved enjoying seeing the detail-oriented design, colors, and how there are different components of material to create a specific color. There were three different techniques of painting tiles: relief, scoring, and the sgraffito technique.

To conclude our trip, the last two sites we visited were the Metropol Parasol and Hotel Las Casas de La Juderia, the most contemporary piece of architecture that clashes with the history of Seville. Despite how contemporary Parasol is, the purpose and intent is to reignite the palazzo space to draw people to gather and enjoy it. They successfully revitalized the culture of Sevilla, which has made a lasting impact on the city and the community. Then, we walked our way to our last site, Hotel Las Casas de La Juderia, which is so unique about this hotel that every threshold and corridor we traveled was a different courtyard. Each courtyard with various styles had different stories and histories that wanted to be conveyed, but it still incorporated the principles of a Spanish courtyard. It makes it an adventure for guests who stay at their hotel.

Overall, to wrap up our last day of the trip, we had our farewell dinner, with conversations full of laughs, smiles, and memories. After, a group of us went up to the rooftop of the Parasol to enjoy our last moment in Sevilla; it was such a wholesome moment. I’ve noticed that many cities and buildings within Spain showcase their unique personality and artistry in the design and volume of the building! Also, most Spanish homes had their form of a piazza, a courtyard that provided natural ventilation but a communal space for privacy. My heart is full of gratitude and appreciation for the team who helped plan, design, craft, and construct these magnificent buildings so that people would be in awe. Some people who were forced to work in conditions centuries ago showcased their talents, hard work, and creativity in paintings, ceramics, architecture, and the urban planning of their city. I thank Jesus, my family, and the CBU Architecture program for allowing me to learn, explore, and be in Europe! What a true blessing, I am forever grateful for this unforgettable experience : )