An unmissable experience at the Real Alcázar of Seville

If there's one must-see during your trip to Seville, it's undoubtedly the Real Alcázar. To tell you all about it, the Seville City Guide visited it at different times of day: once in the early afternoon when the sun is blazing, and again in the evening to appreciate the sunset. Clearly, stepping through the gates of the Real Alcázar is like leaving a sweltering desert for a paradise where time slows down and the senses awaken. The wonder is instantaneous. From the very first courtyards, an unexpected coolness envelops you. This miracle is the result of ingenious architecture and centuries-old water features. The palace is a promise fulfilled: that of escape, beauty, and serenity amidst the fervor of Seville.

What you will find in this article

A story of fusions: the eternal Mudéjar

The history of the Alcázar is intertwined with that of Andalusia itself: a kaleidoscope of cultures. While the name Alcázar derives from the Arabic al-qaṣr (the castle), its foundations are, of course, Muslim. But the stylistic pinnacle we admire here was paradoxically commissioned by a Christian king, Peter I of Castile (nicknamed the Cruel), in the 14th century.

This monarch was fascinated by Moorish art, and understandably so. Rather than destroying what already existed, he brought artisans from Granada and Seville to build his new palace in the Mudéjar style. This unique choice gave birth to a work of art : a Christian style that uses Islamic refinement and geometry (polylobed arches, azulejos tiles, carved wooden ceilings) to create a dazzling symbiosis. This fusion is the key to the Alcázar's singularity.

A tour itinerary

To fully appreciate this marvel, you have to get lost in it. But a strategic wandering will ensure you don't miss any of the masterpieces. That's why the Seville City Guide has created a suggested route for you, refined through our own visits.

The Patio of the Montería

Our tour begins at the Patio del León, the historic access point, which leads to the earliest structures. We quickly discover the Patio de la Montería, an Almohad vestige whose understated charm reminds us of the site's antiquity.

The centuries-old heritage

On our right is the Casa de la Contratación, a historic site where expeditions to the New World were once organized with the Cuarto del Almirante (Admiral's Room ). It's a key point for understanding Seville's role after the discovery of the Americas. We also pass by the Casa del Asistente and its patios, often less frequented areas that allow us to grasp the extent and complexity of the royal domain.

The Upper Royal Chamber (Cuarto Real Alto)

If you opted for the full ticket, a visit to the Cuarto Real Alto is a must. This is the floor still used by the royal family. There you'll discover sumptuous rooms as well as fascinating exhibitions of Lozas and Azulejos de Triana, highlighting the richness and artistry of Seville's ceramic art.

The Palace of King Don Pedro

This is the highlight of the visit. The Palace of Peter I is the apotheosis of the Mudéjar style. We spend most of our time here: from the absolute tranquility of the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens), where the light plays with the central pool, to the boundless splendor of the Salón de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors) with its striking gilded wooden dome. It is here that one is most captivated by the royal grandeur and the craftsmanship.

The Gothic Palace

In contrast, the Palacio Gótico reminds us of the post-Reconquista Christian influence.

Finally, we take the time to go inside the Galería del Grutesco to grasp the overall perspective of the fortress and have an unobstructed view of the gardens of the Real Alcázar of Seville.

Our favorite: the Alcázar gardens

If the palaces are the glory, the gardens are the soul of the Alcázar. It is here that we forget our watch and the tour itinerary. The gardens extend over several hectares, offering a continuous sensory experience.

The walk is a blessing, as the heat is broken by the thick shade of the palm and cypress trees. We breathe in the bittersweet scents of orange blossoms and flowering myrtles. The loudest sound is the gentle splashing of the fountains, an irrigation system inherited from the Almohads, the guarantor of this lush vegetation.

Along the Galería del Grutesco, this stone wall decorated with seashells and artificial grottoes, the air is miraculously fresher. Losing oneself between the Jardín de la Danza and the water lily ponds, observing the contrast between the intense green of the perfectly trimmed hedges and the brilliance of the thousands of azulejos that adorn the walls: this is the visitor's delight. It is a hymn to nature, mastered by human art.

When cinema takes over the premises…

As you stroll through the Alcázar, you might experience a sense of déjà vu, especially in the Baths and courtyards. And for good reason! The Alcázar served as a backdrop for the famous series Game of Thrones, portraying the Water Gardens of Dorne and the residence of House Martell. Walking here is like walking through centuries of history… but also on the set of a contemporary work, blending medieval splendor with television myth.

Practical information

To ensure your visit is as enjoyable as ours, a few tips, drawn from our many visits, are crucial.

• Don't expect to buy tickets on site. The wait is often long, especially during peak season. Book your tickets online several days, or even weeks, in advance.
• Allow 2 to 3 hours for the complete visit (palace and gardens).
• Approximately €14.50 for the basic ticket (excluding Cuarto Real Alto).
• You have two options:

• Early in the morning (as soon as it opens at 9:30 am) to enjoy the calm and the coolness.
• In the late afternoon (after 5 p.m.), the crowd thins out and the low light casts magnificent golden hues on the azulejos and stuccos, but beware, closing time comes quickly.
• Part of the palace, the Royal Apartments, is still used by the Spanish royal family and is accessible for an additional fee. If you wish to visit these apartments (the Cuartos Reales Altos), be sure to select the correct ticket when making your reservation.
• Despite the fountains, bring water, as the air remains dry even inside. Alternatively, there's a terrace where you can order refreshments. Restrooms are nearby.

The Alcázar of Seville is much more than just a checkbox on a travel list. If you've ever visited the Alhambra in Granada, you know what we're talking about!

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