Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Viaje por España: Moorish tiles






We were really impressed by the Moorish tiles in Seville. The most elaborate patterns we saw were at the Alcázar palace, which was originally a Moorish fort. The palace is said to be one of the best remaining examples of mudéjar architecture. The tile patterns ranged from simple geometric Moorish patterns of stars to styles with saints and royal coats of arms, during the Renaissance and Christian period.

It was the most beautiful building I've ever seen, with room after room of intricately carved patterns and tiles. I kept trying to imagine how many different artisans and craftsman must have worked on this building over the course of it's construction and additions under new rulers.

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SHOPPING FOR TILES

Head to Triana, the old Gypsy enclave on the left side of the Guadalquivir river. Its streets are lined with ceramics shops, often with their wares displayed flamboyantly on the facade.

• Cerámica Santa Ana (San Jorge 31, 34-95-433-39-90)

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