Last Day in Sevilla

We headed to the Triano waterfront area on other side of Sevilla's scenic river, the Guadalquivir. We strolled through an artesan market, then went to the ceramic museum about the area's tile, ceramic, and pottery production and artistry. We mostly saw colorful, intricately painted tiles, but the only photo I took was of a modern vase (not representative, but a beauty!).

Walking along the riverfront, we came upon a replica of the Nao Victoria, the first boat to circumnavigate the world. The museum describes the epic journey of Magellan and Elcano, who left this spot in Sevilla in 1519 with 5 ships. Magellan died during the voyage, but Elcano finished the journey with this ship, the smallest and only one to complete the voyage. Thus, it was Elcano who first sailed around the world, and not Magellan, who we all learned about in school. So why have we never heard of him? Poor Elcano died of scurvy on another voyage a few years later. An interesting serendipitous glimpse into history that happened here.

On to Cordoba via train tomorrow.Read more