TESOL-SPAIN 28^th. NATIONAL CONVENTION

Cultures, Communities and Classrooms: Diversity in English Language Education.

11 - 13 March, 2005

Universidad de Sevilla, Facultad de Filología

More Information coming soon!

 About Seville

Originally a thriving Roman town, Seville became a base for Moorish invaders arriving from Africa in the 8^th century.  It remained in their hands until it was conquered by the Castilian King Fernando II in the mid 13^th century.

 Sevilles Golden Age followed the discovery of America in 1492 and it was known as the port and gateway to the Indies.  Ships would arrive at the coast laden with treasure and cargo.  They would move up the Guadalquivir River and discharge their goods in Seville.  Until the early 18^th Century, Seville controlled all Spanish commerce with America.

There is so much to see in Seville and for the short time you have free, you would be best to concentrate on the Cathedral and the Alcázar which are very near the convention site. 

The cathedral is the third largest in Europe after St. Peter’s in the Vatican and St. Paul’s in London. The main part dates to the early 15^th century although the tower, known as La Giralda is even older, being built in the late 12^th century as the minaret attached to the mosque.

The cathedral  is fascinating, but one of the most important things to see is the tomb said to contain the remains of Christopher Columbus (Colón in Spanish). And who seemed to have travelled more in his death than his life.

He was originally buried in a convent outside Seville.  Later his coffin was sent to Santo Domingo for a few hundred years.  When Santo Domingo gained its independence from Spain he was shipped to Cuba where he remained until Cuba, in its turn, won its freedom.  Columbus (or what remained of him) was returned to Seville where he is interred in the cathedral.  DNA testing is taking place at present to confirm this .

The Alcázar, or fortress, is a series of palaces and gardens originally built by the Moors and was a royal residence up until the abdication of Alfonso III  (the present kings grandfather)

Obviously the examples of Moorish Art are interesting to see but if you have time also look at the tapestries (not the originals) depicting the defeat of Tunisia by the Spanish King Charles I (nephew of Katherine of Aragon, the then  King of Englands  Henry VIIIs first wife and father in law of Bloody Queen Mary Tudor).  The map shows the mentality of the artist of the time with Spain at the bottom, Italy to the left and Tunisia above.

Whilst strolling around Seville you will notice orange trees everywhere.  The oranges ripen towards the end of November BUT are not for eating.  They are the famous Seville oranges exported to Britain to make marmalade.

For more information on a nice travel website, click http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/3df43/