Seville Spain – Travel with Ken MacAdams
Ken shares his travel photography and stories here on Successful-Photographer as he has in the past. Ken’s camera of choice is Panasonic’s flagship stills camera the Lumix G9 with the Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT Professional Lens, 12-60MM, F2.8-4.0
Seville shines as one of Spain’s magnificent stars. Activities include attending a bullfight, standing in awe at the immensity of the world’s largest Gothic church, or going shoulder to shoulder with the crowds in the Reales Alcazar, a beautiful Moorish style palace. In the 16th century, Seville was the gateway to the New World. Explorers Vespucci and Magellan sailed from its great river harbor, discovering new trade routes and abundant sources of gold, silver, cocoa, and tobacco. In the 17th century, it was Spain’s largest and wealthiest city.
Protected by a Renaissance wrought-iron grill, it was impossible to stand on-center of the High Altar to photograph this 65 foot tall altar. All Photos in this post © Ken MacAdams
The tomb of Christopher Columbus is carried by four kings.
Seville’s Cathedral is the third largest church in Europe. It rises from the site of a mosque that was torn down in 1401 to make way for the cathedral, one that the Reconquista Christians said would be the largest in the world. Past the immense pipes of the church’s pipe organ is the High Altar, protected by a wrought-iron Renaissance grille. Standing 65 feet tall, there are 44 scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary, all carved from walnut and chestnut – blanketed by a staggering amount of gold leaf.
In this image you can see the immense floor to ceiling scale of the church. Set on AWB, the Lumix G9 was able to correctly register the different color tones of the interior lighting.
The work, finished in 1564, took three generations to complete. Opposite from the Altar de Plata, is the Tomb of Columbus. Located in front of the cathedral’s entrance for pilgrims are four kings who bear the remains of Christopher Columbus upon their shoulders. Identified by their team shirts, the pallbearers represent the regions of Castile, Aragon, Leon, and Navarre. A walk through the Treasury reveals gold and silver reliquaries, and Spain’s most valuable crown, the jeweled Corona de la Virgen de los Reyes. Attached to the church is the Giralda Bell Tower, a former minaret. If you have the time – or energy – you can climb the 330 feet up to its top for a grand city view.
The pool within the courtyard served a dual purpose – besides beauty, it helped cool the surrounding rooms of the palace during the hot summer days.
Look for more on Seveille, Spain and the Royal Alcazar from Ken next Friday!
weariness came from lugging around his big heavy DSLR. That’s when he started looking at alternatives – and ended up selecting Panasonic Lumix Micro Four Thirds gear.
