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Monday, March 31, 2008

The Cathedral

We returned to the Cathedral. Its size and roof-line dominate the Santa Cruz area of the city and La Giralda can be seen from almost everywhere.

What can be said of the cathedral itself?

Well for a start it is dark, cool, and quiet. Also, it is nowhere near as grotesquely opulent as the Baroque monstrosity in Granada. This still has lashings of intricate carvings, gold, and silver, paintings and silks, but somehow it is less "in your face".

Stained glass, though beautiful, lacked the impact of the English Cathedrals; possible because the building was so huge, and dark that the stained glass provided little to brighten the atmosphere.

What really impressed, however, was the delicate lattice-work of the ceilings springing from the vast pillars. As the Gorse Fox walked around he kept finding new vantage points from which he could see hidden worlds of windows, arches, vaults, and walkways.

Gorse Fox was getting worried. He had determined that the ceilings were the most fascinating part of the building and was walking round with his neck strained back and the camera firmly planted against his upturned face. Somehow, he managed to complete his tour without tripping or bumping into anyone.
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