Royal Alcázar of Seville

Background

The Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla) stands in the old town of Seville, Andalusia, Spain, next to Seville Cathedral. The two stand side by side and are both on the World Heritage List, but they are not the same building: the Alcázar is a royal palace, while the cathedral is a Gothic cathedral. The Mudéjar palace built by Peter I is the core, with a Latin inscription on its facade dated 1364 and an Arabic inscription in the Hall of Ambassadors dated 1366. The Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) centers on a long rectangular reflecting pool running the length of the courtyard, flanked by sunken gardens. The Hall of Ambassadors is crowned by a dome rebuilt in 1427; the Puerta del León (Lion Gate) is the present main entrance; and the gardens hold the Mercury Pond, the Gallery of the Grotesques and many fountains. Only parts of the Gothic palace of Alfonso X survive. The upper floors are still used by the Spanish royal family when visiting Seville. The site was originally an Islamic-era fortress, begun in the Umayyad period in the 10th century and extended successively under the Abbadid and Almohad dynasties. After the Castilian conquest of Seville in 1248 it was gradually rebuilt, with Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance styles layered upon one another. In 1987 it was inscribed on the World Heritage List together with the neighboring Seville Cathedral and the Archivo General de Indias, and it is administered by Patrimonio Nacional.

Local customs

Enter through the Lion Gate, first seeing the Patio de la Montería and the facade of Peter's palace, then walk in turn through the Patio de las Doncellas, the Hall of Ambassadors and the gardens. While strolling the gardens, note the Mercury Pond and the walkway above the Gallery of the Grotesques. Film and TV fans may like to know that part of the fifth season of Game of Thrones was filmed at the Alcázar.

Travel tips

• This popular sight is best booked in advance through the official website for timed tickets. The palace and gardens deserve a leisurely half day. Seville is hot in summer, so bring water and sun protection. Ticket types and opening hours differ between the winter and summer seasons
• check the official website. The Alcázar is in the center of Seville's old town, within walking distance of the cathedral area
• city buses and trams run to nearby stops, from which you walk into the old town.
• Spring and autumn are best, with gardens in flower and mild weather. Summer is scorching, so visit the gardens in the morning or evening. Winter is mild, with relatively fewer visitors.