Strolling in Alcázar

24 songs, 1h57m. Featuring Kokoroko, Dhafer Youssef, Bill Laurence, and more.

If you are ever in Seville, the must visit place is the Royal Alcázar. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. We did and trust me, you don’t want to be distracted as you walk around and soak up all the beautiful details.

Real Alcázar de Sevilla on a February morning.

The Alcázar is originally a citadel from the Islamic era. Its construction began in the 10th century, to be expanded in subsequent centuries. Its primary function was and still is to a small extent, to host the royal family. Today it is a major attraction for enthusiasts of Azulejos and the Mudéjar style.

I made this playlist immediately after visiting. I wanted to capture the vibe while it was still fresh in my memory. February in Southern Spain is gentle: the sun is tame hidden by the occasional cloud, the air is pleasantly cool. The songs on this playlist are similar: no energetic outbursts in the horn section. Instead there are flamenco style guitars gently playing oriental scales (Zamzama, Herbie’s Dance, Sefarad, Sant Esteve, La Marinada, El Vito, Dreams in Transition), testament to the influence of the Islamic period on Andalusian culture. Other tracks capture the feeling when I first entered the gardens and paused to take it all in: orange and lemon trees, tall palm trees, enormous monstera leaves and peacocks going about their business (Beyond the Sunrays, Orange Moon, Guardians of Eden).

The gardens

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