This fortified palace is the oldest still in use in Europe. The Umayyad governors of Seville began to build it. Then the Abbadies and later the Almohades. Of those Islamic palaces there is little left except the wall and not much more. However, the most famous part of this amazing palace, ordered by the King Don Pedro, will not be strange to you: it comes from the hands of the best Muslim 'alarifes'. It's World Heritage site.
Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla.
(+34) 912 302 200 / (+34) 610 649 410 / www.alcazarsevilla.org
April to September: every day 09:30h - 19:00h. / October to March: 09:30h - 17:00h.
Closed on 1st and 6th January, Good Friday and 25th December.
Nocturnal visits are available only from March to October. Check on the website the calendar of visits and tour timetable.
General admission for the ground floor and gardens: €13,50 / EU seniors (+ 65 years) and Students (up to 25 years old): €6. Children (under 16 years old): Free. Admission to visit the Royal Bedroom: €5.50 / Nocturnal visit (persons aged 8 and over): € 15
Free entrance: Monday from 18:00h to 19:00h. from April to September, and from 16:00h to 17:00h from October to March.
Visiting this monument will take you at least 2 hours, although it is advisable to reserve about 3 hours to explore all in peace. If you have less time, consider that the highlight of the visit is the Mudejar Palace of Pedro I with its wonderful Patio de las Doncellas. You cannot miss the Ambassadors' Hall and the Gardens.
Buying your ticket online on the official website is highly recommended, but that probably won't prevent you from having to queue to enter (there is a limited capacity of 750 visitors). Arm yourself with patience, it's worth the wait. April, May, June and October, along with festivities and weekends, are the most crowded.
The entry to Reales Alcázares is through the Puerta del León (Lion Gate), which leads to the Patio del León, the garrison yard of the original Al-Mubarak palace, built by Al Mutamid, the poet king. Then you'll get the Sala de la Justicia (Hall of Justice), with a beautiful ceiling, and the pretty Patio del Yeso, part of the 12th c. Almohad palace.
King Pedro had a long alliance with Mohammed V, emir of Granada and responsible for much of the Alhambra decoration. So, when Pedro decided to build a new palace in the Alcázar (1364), Mohammed sent his top artisans, joined by others from Seville, Cordoba and Toledo. You will love the amazing result!
The most spectacular room in the Palace of King Pedro is the Hall of Ambassadors, originally Pedro I’s throne room. Its fabulous wooden dome of multiple star patterns, symbolizing the Universe, was the most complex design in those times. There are only four domes in the world like this one, three of them in Spain.
Strolling in the Alcázar gardens can be one of the best experiences of your visit. They are arranged in terraces, with green vegetation, many orange and palm trees, fountains and pavilions where you can breathe the freshness. They hide some surprises, like a water organ and a vegetable labyrinth which will delight children.
