The Alcazar of Seville is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain. Featuring several buildings from different eras, it is the crowning glory of Andalusia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The palace is a dazzling combination of Mudejar and Christian architecture. You will find numerous highlights including the Gate of Lion, which is a stunning example of inlay work.
1. The Lion’s Gate
The main entrance to the Alcazar, called the Puerta del Leon or Lion’s Gate, is a sight worth seeing. The 19th century tile mural of a crowned lion, framed by a dusty pink facade, greets you even before you enter.
One of the most Instagrammable spots in the palace is the Patio de las Doncellas, a formal reflecting pool with lacy arches. The courtyard gets its name from a tale about Moors demanding an annual ransom of 100 virgins from Christian kingdoms in Iberia.
2. The Mudejar Palace
When Christian forces took control of Seville after the Reconquista, they used a former Islamic fortress along the Guadalquivir River as their new palace. King Peter I, who had grown up in Seville surrounded by Islamic culture, hired the craftsmen who built the Alhambra in Granada to work on his palace here.
The result was a hybrid style that incorporated Moorish craftsmanship -- such as delicate polylobate arches, intricate latticework and pointed arches -- with Christian aesthetics (often symbols like castles and lions). It became known as Mudejar art.
3. The Hall of Tapestries
Founded in 913, the Alcazar of Seville is one of Spain’s most imposing monumental complexes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace showcases a fascinating combination of Islamic, Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
This is a place where history comes to life, where poetry in stone is the soundtrack to a journey through time. Whether you’re here on your own or with an expert guide, there are some essential things to do to make the most of your visit.
4. The House of Trade
The House of Trade is a beautiful room that was used by the Spanish government to oversee maritime activities between Spain and her colonies. It also features a 16th century altarpiece.
In the Alcazar you’ll find extensive gardens from Moorish times with ponds, exotic trees, shady footpaths and pavilions. They’re an amazing space to relax and soak up history.
5. The Palace of Don Pedro
One of the most iconic sights in Andalusia, the Alcazar is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. It’s a complex of regal palaces and extensive gardens.
Built in Moorish style for Pedro I of Castile, it is a unique combination of Islamic and Christian architecture. The Mudejar Palace, as it’s known, combines horseshoe arches, crenelated archways and delicate plaster latticework with bright geometric tiled designs.
6. The Courtyard of the Maidens
Located in the heart of Seville, the Real Alcazar de Sevilla is a must-visit destination for all visitors to the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an eclectic collection of palaces and gardens built over several centuries.
Among the most famous parts of the Alcazar is the Patio de las Doncellas, a gorgeous interior courtyard surrounded by important salons and reception rooms. The courtyard got its name from the story of 100 virgins demanded by the Moors as tribute every year.
7. The Gothic Palace
The Alcazar of Seville, often called the Real Alcazar, is one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. Originally a Moorish fortress, it evolved into a royal palace over time.
The Gothic Palace was erected by King Alfonso X in the 13th century. It was damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake but restored after reconstruction.
It features a regal vaulted ceiling with pretty wall tiles inlaid with a cross design. There’s also a series of Flemish tapestries in the Hall of Tapestries depicting an expedition by King Charles V to Tunis.
8. The Fountain of Mercury
The Mercury Pond (Estanque de Mercurio) is a large pool decorated with frescoes and stonework. At the center of the pond is a fountain with a statue of Mercury.
The Fountain of Mercury is a must-see at the Royal Alcazar in Seville. This fountain is made up of a series of different marble pieces. It’s based on a piece that Giambologna made for the fountain of Bologna in 1565.
9. The Gardens
The Gardens of Seville are a joy to explore in all seasons. Their design reflects Islamic, Renaissance and romantic influences and up to 20,000 specimens of plants are brought together here.
A good place to start is the Patio de las Doncellas, built in the 13th Century. The marble columns, adorned with Hercules and Caesar statues, are the surviving remnants of the ancient Roman Palace that once stood here.
