Viernes Santo

Today we awoke to sun and warmth - a lovely change in season after a slow start to spring thus far. We wandered into the streets near our hotel, and were struck by the light and surprising quiet of mid morning on Good Friday. Here is the Cathedral Plaza resplendent with palm trees. Chairs and barricades are set up outside In readiness for tonight’s events but little formal gathering seemed to be happening otherwise. 

Inside, an ornate stone roof.

We followed signs to the Alcazaba - the Moorish fortress built from the 11th century. Neil is standing at the Gate of Justice which leads into the complex.

The view from the walls across the city to the Mediterranean Sea. 

Channels of water define different areas in the garden, and fountains and the sound of running water fill the space. 

From the oasis within the walls, you look out to the surrounding arid hillsides. Guess where we’ll be heading next??!

The influence of Islamic art and design is seen in fabrics, tiles and pottery …

and food!! This was a tasty morsel of eggplant, goat’s cheese and honey (helpfully translated on our English menu as ‘eggplant with goat and honey!’