Barrio de Santa Cruz

Plaza de Santa Cruz

I think I've already mentioned this barrio, but it deserves another brief round, especially after a guided walk with one of the professors. It was originally a Muslim area. Apparently, they were quite the opposite of the Romans because these streets are nowhere near a grid pattern. It is perhaps one of the easiest places to get lost. The streets are very narrow to create cool, shaded streets. If you look through the iron gates, you will see little patios and usually a fountain. Later on, it was turned into the Jewish quarter, and now it is a bustling tourist area. You can visit the house of Murillo. One of St. Teresa of Avila's convents is just across the street. Plaza de Santa Cruz was the original site of the Iglesia de Santa Cruz, where Murillo was buried. Hospital de los Venerables is located on a plaza with a tile (they prefer these to plaques) commemorating Don Juan Tenorio. Some part of the story was set in the plaza. If you are not familiar with the character, look it up. =) It's a very well known work in Spain.

Some of the plazas have legends and stories attached to them. One tells the story of Susana, a Jewish woman who fell in love with a Christian. She warned one party of an attack by the other. I cannot remember which side at this point. She later regretted her decision and entered a convent for the remainder of her life. She wished that her head be displayed in the square as a warning and reminder for others. There's a tile with a skull in that plaza.

Pretty building.