Today, let’s travel back in time and wander through the royal corridors of Spanish history. By visiting Real Alcázar de Sevilla. Also known as the Royal Alcázar of Seville, this palace complex is a beautiful mix of Christian and Moorish architecture. We’d go far as to say that it’s one of Spain’s hidden gems.
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Real Alcázar of Seville: History, Architecture, and Highlights
The Historical Significance of the Alcázar of Seville
When you first step into the Alcázar Seville, you feel a wave of history washing over you. It’s not just a palace – it’s a monument to Spain’s history, changing styles, and cultural influences. Its thick walls have seen rulers come and go, each leaving their imprint in stone and mortar.
The Alcázar started life as a Moorish fort. It was transformed into a palace by the Christian King Peter of Castile, sometimes known as Peter the Cruel! To this day, it serves as a residence for the Spanish Royal family whenever they visit Seville.
Its long history reflects the changing history of Spain. From Muslim rule a thousand years ago to Christian reconquest.
Architectural Style and Features of the Alcázar
The architecture of the Alcázar is truly sublime. It’s a symphony in stone – a mix of Christian and Moorish influences. Every archway, every tile, every intricate detail carved into the stone tells a story.
The styles range from Islamic motifs to Gothic elements, along with Mudejar and Renaissance influences. The plasterwork, the tiling and the woodwork, everything about the Alcázar demands appreciation. What’s surprising is that much of the palace is built with a clear Arab influence despite the fact that it was built by Christian rulers after the Arab rulers had been banished from Seville.
Highlights of the Alcázar Seville
It’s hard to choose highlights as the Alcázar is stunning from start to finish. Every last nook and cranny has its own magic. The Alcázar is a treat for the eyes from start to finish. But we recommend you pay special attention to the Patio de la Doncellas and the Alcázar’s incredible gardens.
The Patio de las Doncellas
Patio de la Doncellas translates to ‘Courtyard of the Maidens’. The courtyard would have been the most important public space in the palace. When we’re there we like to imagine it as it would have been hundreds of years, buzzing with atmosphere and full of visitors to the royal court. Any visitor would not have been able to help but be impressed by the courtyard’s incredible beauty. They’d have known beyond doubt that they were in the home of royalty!
The exquisite detailing of Mudejar style in this courtyard is jaw-droppingly beautiful. .The sun-dappled central pool, the surrounding arches, the vividly decorated tiles – every bit of it will make you recall the grandeur of the late Middle Ages.
The name of the patio takes its name from the inaccurate story that the Moors demanded 100 virgins annually from the Christian kingdoms of Iberia.
The Gardens
The Alcázar’s gardens unfold like a dream as you wander through them. Different sections unveil themes as diverse as the flora within them. Fountains, pools, gazebos, climbing ivy – it’s nature and artistry combined with beautiful symmetry.
The gardens are filled with fruit tress that would once have provided the court with food. They were also designed as a space for tranquillity. The first function might no longer be carried out, but the second certainly is. The gardens are an oasis of calm in the heart of the busy city.
It’s hard to believe that you’re in the centre of an important European city, so calm are the gardens. You can hear the insects and the birds and the sound of water. Water is a vital element in these gardens. Really, this is definitely one of our very favourite places in the whole of Seville.
Interesting facts about the Alcázar - Game of Thrones and more
The Alcázar has starred in both series and films. Most recently, it was the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in Game of Thrones. If you’re a fan of the series, you’re sure to recognise several parts of the place and its gardens from the series!
The Alcázar also famously appeared in the Oscar-winning Lawrence of Arabia. That’s pretty cool! The Patio de las Doncellas also appeared in the Ridley Scott-directed Hollywood smash Kingdom of Heaven.
The Black Prince’s Ruby is one of the most famous jewels that belongs to the British royal family. Did you know that it made its way to London via the Alcázar? Peter the Cruel invited the Emir of Granda, still then a Muslim province, to the palace. When the Emir arrived, Peter and his men killed the Emir and his men and the ruby was found on the Emir’s body.
Later, when Peter was fighting against his own brother for control of his kingdom, he gave the jewel to the Black Prince to show his gratitude for his support. From there, it made its way back to England where it eventually became part of the British monarch’s imperial crown. Interestingly, the Black Prince’s Ruby is not actually a ruby at all, but a spinel!
Visiting the Alcázar
The Real Alcázar isn’t just about absorbing history or admiring architecture. It’s about forming memories. When you buy a ticket, you’re buying an experience that’s bound to become a highlight of your trip.
Tickets
Tickets? You can get them at the Alcázar itself but getting them online in advance saves you a lot of waiting time. Combine the Alcázar with a visit to the cathedral and our hop-on hop-off bus and you really do have the perfect Seville package.
Dress Code
There is no official dress code but wear what you’d consider appropriate for visiting a place of cultural and historical significance. No bikinis for women and shirts on for the men. Or the other way round!
Opening hours
From October 1st to March 31st: from 9:30 to 17:00
From April 1st to September 30th: from 9:30 to 19:00
Remember when you book online, you will have to choose the time that you want to visit the Alcázar.
How to get there
The Alcázar is just a short walk from stop 1 on our hop-on hop-off tour. We connect all the significant parts of the city with the Alcázar. So why wait? Hop on and take a trip into Spain’s glorious past!
The Alcázar – the jewel in Seville’s crown!
We promise you that a trip to see Seville without seeing the Alcázar is no trip to Seville at all! It’s an architectural marvel, a historical treasure, a cultural icon. Once you’ve been there, it’ll be a part of your travel memories forever.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It typically takes between 2 to 4 hours to explore the entire Alcázar complex, depending on factors such as:
- Your personal interests
- The number of breaks you take
- The pace at which you explore
To avoid large crowds, it is recommended to visit the Alcázar during the following times:
- Early morning: Shortly after opening hours
- Late afternoon: About 2-3 hours before closing hours
- Weekdays: Tuesday to Friday are typically less crowded than weekends and public holidays
Photography is generally allowed inside the Alcázar, but there are a few important guidelines to follow:
- No flash photography: Flash photography is not permitted in order to protect and preserve the artworks
- No tripods or selfie sticks: Use of tripods or selfie sticks is not allowed in order to avoid damage to the site and to ensure the safe flow of visitors
- Restricted areas: Some areas may have additional restrictions, so be sure to pay attention to signs and staff instructions