ANDALUCIA BY WHEELCHAIR -- part 5

ANDALUCIA BY WHEELCHAIR Christopher Columbus rests here in an ornate tomb held high by four giant figures. The beautiful Giralda Tower, not really accessible because the ramps inside were built for horses and are incredibly steep, shines bright day and night. Along the banks of the Rio Guadalquivir, one can see the simple 13th century Moorish beauty of the Torre del Oro – so named because it once was clad in golden tiles. Further up the east bank of the river lies the Corrida de Toros, Sevilla’s historic bull ring and perpetual rival to Ronda’s as the true home of Andalucia’s most famous sport. Here, the ghosts of matadors Manolete and Joselito still thrill to the cheers of the crowds. Whether you think the pastime cruel or culturally iconic, an inexpensive tour cuts a wheelchair-accessible pathway through a fascinating small museum and onto the hard packed dirt surface of the ring itself. For a stroll free of crumbling sidewalks and maniacal motorcyclists, enjoy the pedestrian mallway that is Calle Sierpes – named so because it meanders slightly like the body of a serpent. Colorful awnings help calm the sun high above and the street is lined with book stores and places to get a good cup of coffee or sweet treat.