Members and friends of the Algarve Archaeological Association (AAA) have recently enjoyed an Autumn lunch to celebrate the start of the new season of talks. A very successful lunch was enjoyed at Gunther's Restaurant near Olhão, with delicious food in a convivial atmosphere followed by a lighthearted general knowledge quiz.
A group of 24 AAA members enjoyed a 5-day trip to Seville, an area that has much to offer in terms on interesting sites and monuments. We spent the first two nights in Seville where, on the first day, we visited the Alcazar with its stunning gardens. It was built as a fort by the Almohads in the 12th century and was rebuilt in the 14th century; later additions were made in the Renaissance period and up to the 19th century.
The following day we visited the Palacio de la Contessa, a stately home built around a courtyard with beautiful mosaics, some of which are from the nearby Roman city of Italica. We also visited the Palacio de las Duenas, a 15th century palace set in lovely gardens which is still the home of the House of Alba. The Metropol Parasol in the Plaza de la Encarnacion was a surprise: originally planned as a market with a carpark on the lower level, it is a large wooden structure completed in 2011 that is covered by a swathe of honeycombe roofs and is hence known as 'The Mushrooms'.
As the site was being excavated, Roman and Islamic remains were found, it was therefore developed as a museum under the modern open market. On the third day we travelled to nearby Osuna where we stayed for a further two nights in a delightful hotel, the Casona de Calderon, an historic building with a beautiful courtyard. We took some time out to walk around the surrounding streets which are lined with magnificent baroque houses. We visited El Coto Las Canteras, a Roman sandstone quarry, which was also used to build many of Osuna's magnificent baroque buildings in the 16th century. The quarry has been further excavated to form a vast hall now used for concerts, wedding receptions and other events. The site at Las Canteras also contains a Roman amphitheatre and necropolis. Meeting the local archaeologist in Osuna was interesting as he explained the way in which they are excavating the city walls that were constructed in different periods.
On the last day of the trip we visited Carmona to see the famous and extensive Roman necropolis. Our guide showed us the deep holes where families buried their dead; in the past they would come and bring offerings and party to keep their deceased family content. After lunch in a local restaurant we returned to the Algarve after a very interesting few days.
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