An early start saw breakfast taken in peace again, then we set off for the Real Alcazhar. Though a similar time to Monday, the streets were busier. When we arrived at the Alcazhar it was clear that we were not the only early birds. A queue was beginning to snake back into the square.
The Real Alcazhar is spectacular. Though smaller than Alhambra, it is similarly breathtaking. The visitor is not guided through in the regimented ways of Alhambra and so we were able to wander about at will. The photos will tell much of the story of courtyards, salons and wonderful gardens.
It was the gardens that we headed for, once we had seen the palace. They were laid out in a series of small areas, many hidden from the next. As you ventured further from the palace they remained regimented and sculpted and the necessary shade on the visitor.
Dragging ourselves away from the palace, we headed into Juderia. This is the maze of streets and alleys that made up the old Jewish quarter, nestling against the walls of the palace. Here we visited the Hospital that was built to care for impoverished priests. It is now a private foundation that makes money giving organ recitals. The Gorse Fox would observe, based on today's example that they are likely to run out of money... The organ recital today was absolutely dreadful.
Tapas was the perfect lunch, sitting in the sun watching el mundo go by (did you see the effortless way in which GF slipped into the vernacular?)
We headed north and east to the Casa del Pilotos. This was not to allow the Silver Vixen to do her exercises but to see another monumental building. The exterior belied the beauty that lay within the walls. Exquisite courtyards and gardens providing colour, water, and shade to magnificent Romanesque rooms and ranges.
Leaving there we headed for Plaza Ste Martha, near our hotel, and sat and soaked up the warm afternoon sun.
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