the pictures that precede are of cordoba.  the mesquite-mosque-dates back to the umayyads of first millenium, late, and was an array of shapes, colors, and we are told a combination of nature, water and architecture that figures prominently into the buildings.   the outside and interior were both spectular.  then there was the ruins at madinat al-zahra.  the caliph had his palace above the city.  the site has only barely been excavated, but it is impressive.  you will also see the gardens of the catholic monarchs in the one picture.  they were spectacular, as all was in bloom.
we are wrapping up our visit to seville and there is more to follow with that journey.  tomorrow we are off the portugal to get ready for the camino
hasta pronto
rick and monique