Isla Mágica

The trip to Sevilla started early in the morning, in the front of the hotel at 6. 30 in Marbella. The guide of the Romanian tourists eager to see the capital of the historical, cultural, artistic and financial standing of Andalusia, Seville. The road started in the dark and with a mild early autumn rain. It was about 180 km to Sevilla with a stop for about 15 minutes in order to solve the various problems of the tourists, we did until about 3 hours.

Situated on the bank of the Guadalquivir, Seville has a total population, with the suburbs of metropolitan area, of about 1500 000 inhabitants known as the "sevillanos" and "sevillanas" for women.

The central area where I wandered consists of a network of ancient streets, narrow and winding, connected by small squares. I have found that breathtaking, it is such a strange mix of styles, elegance, pride but also intimacy and generosity.

The bus parked in Plaza de España, Santiago Park. It was built in the vicinity of the park for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929, prepared by the architect Anibal Gonzalez. The Spanish market has semicircular shape, a diameter of over 200 m, approximately 50 000 m² built. The 48 seats represent each province of Spain. Above each of them there is a bust, so all of 48 busts are Spanish personalities. It is an outstanding example of architecture of various styles with rich ornaments of glazed pottery, wrought iron and wood. In the center of the square stands an impressive fountain. The market is impressive through dimensions and is integrated harmoniously in Santiago Park.

The construction of the Cathedral began in 1402, 150 years after Ferdinand III freed the city under the dominion of Abdallah al-Adil. The construction lasted more than a century. Their efforts were not in vain because this Cathedral is the largest and highest place of worship in Spain, the largest Gothic building in the world and third in Europe church in size after St. Peter and St. Paul. Of course, it was built on a former Moorish mosque, keeping the old tower called The Giralda. Originally it was the mosque to which Christians added the Bell Tower and the weather vane. The tower was built by the Moors between 1184 and 1197 and reaches a height of 104. 1 m.

Then we visited the Alcazar fortress that exists since 913. It is famous for being the place where it was celebrated the marriage of the rulers Charles V with Queen Komal of Portugal. From the alley to Patio Monteria you can see the front of the fortress with many Moorish-style ornaments.

I think that everything there is still magic. There is the impressive pool, where you have to pay to get in. Not all the attractions were available, even though it was the high season. It was rather disappointing because the stands with food and drinks were closed as well. If you pay for a full day ticket, you will get bored, because all you can do there is done in 2 hours, so there is no need in buying extra time. The best attractions are Jaguar and Anaconda, but the rest of them are boring. This park needs to be improved or close. It is expensive and it is not very interesting nor funny.

Isla Mágica is divided into seven areas. I will try to describe 3 or 4 of them.

Firstly Ciklón, which no one tried it. It's kind of a big wheel, with seats arranged in a circle, which elevates and spins you. We refused to try it.

Galeón is another boat that can be visited without any emotions (I mean adrenaline). We admired it from the shore.

Sapo Saltón, or frog Saltareata were some cars for children.

Iguazú Falls was slightly smaller than the Anaconda and with only one glitch (Anaconda has three). It's a little bit bigger boat, providing space for more people and you don't get laws with no belt.

El Vuelo del Halcón or flight of the Eagle is the name of the swings with hanging chairs, which I used to call when I was little. And now I'd never climb whenever I remember how we spin the boys in them...

There are around twenty restaurants and terraces on the Isla Mágica. As I have said, we have not resorted to their services due to the fact that we brought our own food. No, I didn't check, but I suppose it's like everywhere in amusement parks, mostly fast food. There are stores too. I bought a picture that costed 9 euros (or 7?, what a good memory I have... ).

I liked more other parks, like Warner, Terra Mítica or of course - Disney. I am referring to the atmosphere. Maybe because they were new to me and now I do not care so much. I'd have been a great fan ever. Anyway, if you go to Seville with children, you do not have to go to the Isla Mágica.