The Alcázar of Seville

About the Alcázar

The Royal Alcázar is one of Europe's oldest royal palaces still in use. Its upper floors remain a residence of the Spanish royal family when they visit Seville, and the complex is run by the state body Patrimonio Nacional. Visitors can explore the state rooms, courtyards and gardens.

The Alcázar's story begins in the 10th century with a fortress on this site. In the 11th and 12th centuries it grew into a large palace complex, and later the Castilian kings added new palaces and gardens. The most famous is King Pedro I's palace, built in the 1360s. In 1987 the Alcázar joined the UNESCO list together with Seville Cathedral and the Archive of the Indies.

Pedro I's palace and the Mudéjar style

Pedro I's palace is Spain's finest example of the Mudéjar style, the art of craftsmen who blended Islamic patterns with Christian themes. The walls are covered in carved plaster finer than lace, the doors in wood with geometric stars, and the lower walls in bright azulejo tiles.

At its heart is the Maidens' Courtyard (Patio de las Doncellas): a long pool framed by arches on slender columns, with sunken gardens on either side. Nearby are the Hall of the Ambassadors, with a golden carved-wood dome like a starry sky, and the intimate Dolls' Courtyard, named after the tiny faces carved into its arches. Finding them is a favourite game for children and adults alike.

What to see in the Alcázar

• The Maidens' Courtyard — a pool and carved arches.
• The Hall of the Ambassadors — a golden carved-wood dome.
• The Dolls' Courtyard — tiny faces on the arches.
• The Gothic palace — halls of tapestries and tiles.
• The Baths of María de Padilla — a vaulted underground pool.
• The gardens — fountains, palms, orange trees and peacocks.

The Alcázar gardens

Behind the palaces lie the gardens, nearly half the Alcázar's grounds. There are formal parterres of clipped hedges, shady avenues of palms and orange trees, ponds and dozens of fountains. Peacocks roam the paths and carp swim in the ponds.

Don't miss the Grotto Gallery, a long arcaded wall you can walk along the top of for views over the gardens, or the Mercury fountain with its bronze statue. Deeper in, you'll find a hedge maze and the tiled pavilion of Charles V. In summer, open-air evening concerts are held here.

The baths and the Gothic palace

Beneath one courtyard lie the Baths of María de Padilla, a long underground pool under low stone vaults. The water mirrors the arches, and in the half-light it's one of the Alcázar's most photogenic spots, as well as a cool refuge from the summer heat.

The Gothic palace feels quite different: spacious high-vaulted halls, walls lined with 16th-century tiles and large tapestries. Its windows overlook the gardens, and you can step straight out to the fountains and avenues. The Alcázar is also a well-known filming location for films and TV series, so many visitors recognise its courtyards at first sight.

Tips for your visit

Go right after opening, while the palaces are quiet and cool. Summer middays in the gardens are very hot, so start with the palaces and head outside towards evening, or bring a hat and water. An audio guide or guided tour helps you tell which rooms belong to which era.

The Alcázar faces the cathedral, so the two fit neatly into one day: the cathedral and Giralda in the morning, the palace and gardens after lunch. In between, grab a bite in the bars of the Santa Cruz quarter, which begins right by the Alcázar walls.

Allow 2–3 hours for a full visit with the gardens. Photography without flash is allowed almost everywhere; leave tripods and big backpacks at the hotel.

Nearby and on the way

44

Archive of the Indies

Seville, Spain

45 min · Free · 3 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Archive of the Indies

45

Giralda

Seville, Spain

40 min · With cathedral ticket · 4 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Giralda

53

Seville Cathedral

Seville, Spain

1 h 45 min · Paid · 4 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Seville Cathedral

54

Plaza de España

Seville, Spain

1 h 15 min · Free · 16 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Plaza de España

How to do it right

• Book a timed ticket online.
• Palaces first, gardens later.
• Find the faces on the arches.
• Santa Cruz is next door.

Questions