Beautiful medieval Islamic palace showcasing a unique fusion of Spanish Christian and Moorish architecture.

This majestic Cathedral dates back to the 15th century and claims to be the third largest building of its kind in the world.

The Barrio Santa Cruz used to be the Jewish quarter. The streets are narrow and form a labyrinth. It’s easy to get lost among the jasmine-scented streets… only to discover a convent or a palace or a hotel. Many of the palaces have wrought iron gates suitable for peeping into their beautiful patios. There are many small stores and some artisan shops, as well as good art galleries.

Beyond the Iberian peninsula most people are rather uncomfortable about bullfighting, which makes a visit to this venerable bullring with attached museums all the more fascinating – not least for those who would never consider attending a bullfight. An inspection of the ring, and the backstage facilities that sustain it (the Plaza, of necessity, has its own ER) is a good counterpoint to a browse around a museum which is full of artwork and costumes celebrating the skill of the matador together with the mounted heads of their animal nemeses. Go with an open mind and you’ll leave with a much better understanding of bullfighting’s place in the life and culture of Andalucía.

For a more authentic and decidedly less well-scrubbed experience, it’s worth crossing the river to explore this scruffy but vibrant old quarter, historically the centre of azulejo, or glazed-tile production. There are plenty of tapas bars for sustenance to sustain your ceramic shopping, and it’s fun to seek out the surviving corrales. These tiny buildings with flower-smothered courtyards once housed extended the gypsy families from which emerged Spain’s greatest flamenco dynasties.

Construction of this palace began in 1492. Today, part of the palace is a museum and is open to the public. There is a separate wing where the present Duchess of Medinaceli lives with her descendants and family. The palace has many gardens, patios, fountains, and salons. The patios contain many Roman statues. Everywhere on the first floor one will find Roman mosaic floors. The walls are covered with beautiful ceramic tile in many different Mudejar styles.