Discovering Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Madrid, and More in Southern Spain

The Decorative Arts Trust hosted the Andalucía: Discovering Southern Spain Study Trip Abroad from March 4 through 13, 2022. This trip examined southern Spain’s fascinating blend of Mediterranean cultures through the powerful legacy of centuries of Moorish rule in Al-Andalus.

The trip began on March 4 at Seville’s Hotel Alfonso XIII with an introductory talk on Spanish decorative arts by Dr. Maria Fernandez-Shaw. An afternoon visit to the collections and gardens of the Real Alcázar lead to an evening reception. March 5 ushered in explorations of the Archivo de Indias in the Casa Lonja de Mercaderes, the Catedral de Sevilla, the Barrio Santa Cruz, the Focus Foundation, and the Casa de Pilatos. Members capped off the evening with a flamenco performance at the Cristina Hoyos Foundation Flamenco Museum. On March 6, members visited the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla, the private palace of the Marquis de la Motilla, the Exvotos workshop, the Iglesia de San Luis de los Franceses, and the Palacio de los Duenas. On Monday, March 7, members experienced the Jerez de la Frontera, with a private visit and sherry tasting at the Bodega Tradición. After a lovely exploration of Cádiz’s Old Town, members made their way to Seville via Arcos de la Frontera and the Castle of Arcos.

Trust members visited the Hospital de la Caridad in Seville on Tuesday, March 8 before moving on to Palma del Rio and the Palacio Portocarrero. The afternoon brought us to Córdoba and the Palace of the Marquis de Viana, as well as an evening visit to the Mezquita. Wednesday, March 9 began with a walk through the Jewish Quarter and a second visit to the Mezquita. Trust members then traveled to the Monasterio de San Jerónimo and the Museo Madinat al-Zahra.

On Thursday, March 10, members journeyed to Úbeda to walk through the Old Town and visit the Iglesia de El Salvador. We continued to Baeza’s Old Quarter and then onto our final destination city of Granada. Friday morning in Granada included the Alhambra, the Palacio Charles V, the Generalife gardens, the Albaicín Quarter, the Catedral, and the Capilla Real. We capped off Friday with an evening viewing of the Alhambra. On Saturday, members traveled to Toledo and the Palacio de Galiana before continuing for a concluding dinner in Madrid.

An intimate group remained in Madrid for the Extension, which started on Sunday, March 13, with an optional guided visit to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Members spent the afternoon at the Palacio Real and the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida. On Monday, we visited the Real Fábrica de Tapices, the Museo e Instituto Valencia de Don Juan, and the Museo Nacional del Prado. Tuesday was the final day of the Extension, and featured the Museo Nacional de Artes, the Museo Lázaro Galdiano, the Museo Sorolla, and the Palacio de Liria. Participants celebrated a successful tour together at a farewell dinner at a private palace.

The Decorative Arts Trust thanks all of the hosts and members who made our exploration of Southern Spain so delightful. The Trust is excited for our upcoming Study Trips Abroad and other events and encourages all members to consider traveling with us!