The Real Alcázar of Seville is one of the oldest palaces in the world and has witnessed the history not only of the city that houses it but of the whole of Spain. Built in the 8th century on the remains of a Roman fortress, it was enlarged under Mohammed ben Abad in the 11th century, but it was under the rule of Peter I the Cruel (14th century) that it became the splendid palace we know today.
The sovereign enlisted the finest Arab craftsmen who, in their work, preserved the decorative traditions of the Islamic period, introducing details requested by Christian patrons. The Royal Alcázar of Seville is among the finest examples of art and architecture mudéjar in Spain (an artistic expression developed during Christian rule in Spain); it can be compared to the magnificent Alhambra of Granada. Among the things to do in Seville it is undoubtedly the principal attraction, together with the Cathedral.
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Main attractions of the Alcazar
Between the massive crenellated walls opens the puerta del Léon from which you enter the Patio del Léon, the courtyard where King Peter proclaimed those condemned to death or those pardoned. In the Patio de la Montería (or “of the hunt”) the monteros, the royal hunters, would gather. The façade you will be facing is in perfect mudéjar style, observe the upper trifora embellished with a dense golden, white and blue pattern.
Salon del Almirante
On the right side of the Patio de la Montería you enter the Salon del Almirante (or casa de la Contratación de Indias), where expeditions to the New World were planned. The name “Almirante” itself recalls the epithet bestowed on Christopher Columbus. The rooms of the salon are almost all closed to the public because they serve as the private residences of the Spanish sovereigns during their stays in Seville.
Palacio Real Alto and Palacio de Pedro I
Here are the royal apartments and the chapel, embellished with Nicola Pisano’s 16th-century paintings. The Sala de Audiencias is still used by the royal family to receive visitors.
In King Peter’s apartments the rooms have ceilings of artesonados (a mudéjar decoration made up of meticulous geometric interlacings in carved wood, often gilded) clad in azulejos (the ubiquitous tiles); you are immediately struck by the small size of the rooms, much smaller than the others just visited. They are human-scale rooms but, even though smaller, still magnificently decorated.
Patio de las Doncellas
From the entrance courtyard you arrive at the Patio de las Doncellas (“of the maidens”). The name calls to mind the hundred virgins brought each year by Christians to the Arab kings. The patio is a splendid example of Arab-Andalusian art: the arches are adorned with a dense network of reliefs, the gallery gleams with azulejos and the artesonados ceilings represent Seville’s most prestigious craftsmanship. The six orange trees have been replanted to restore the patio to how it was in the time of Peter I.
Salon de Embajadores
The hall dates from the Arab period, only later decorated in Mudéjar style; it is the most beautiful room in the entire palace. The chamber is open on three sides by three Moorish arches, and above are the portraits of the sovereigns of Castile. The dome covering the room is clad with gilded stalactites and red and green recesses, and the horseshoe arches recall the palace of Medina Azahara, one of the most interesting attractions of Córdoba. In the hall there is an inscription in Arabic noting that the room is the work of craftsmen from Toledo and was completed in 1366.
Patio de las Munecas and Palacio de Carlos V
Through Philip II’s chamber you arrive at the patio de las Munecas or “of the dolls”, so called because of the tiny female heads that adorn the capitals. It is said that the columns come from the remains of the ruins of Medina Azahara in Córdoba. From here you can visit the private rooms of Isabella and her son Don Juan and the Dormitory of the Moorish Kings.
From the Patio de las Doncellas you can climb a staircase that will take you to the Palacio de Carlos V. Here the difference in style is immediately noticeable; in these rooms you move away from the mudéjar: the pink and orange walls, the Brussels tapestries that depict the conquest of Tunis and cover the walls jar slightly with the rest of the palace’s style.
The gardens
The Alcázar gardens are said to be among the most beautiful in Spain. The orange trees and palms that colour the terraces inspired the Arab court singers, who glimpsed in this setting the Muslim Paradise. On entering you will immediately find the Fountain of Mercury and to the right the Gallery of Grotesques by the Milanese Vermondo Resta. At the centre of the gardens is the pabellon de Carlos V, surrounded by a portico of azulejos and topped by an artesonada dome.
It’s easy to lose yourself among the gushing fountains and labyrinths; it really feels like the Garden of Eden — a perfect place to hide, probably just what the monarchs did when they needed to be alone. What perhaps leaves the deepest impression is the heady scent of orange blossom that perfumes every avenue and corner of the garden.
Useful information for visiting the Alcazar of Seville
One of the best ways to get to the Alcázar if you are outside the centre is by metro because it’s difficult to find parking by car. In the centre you should alight at the Porta Jerez stop, continue along the Avenida de la Constitución and make your way to Plaza del Triunfo, which adjoins the Cathedral of Seville. The entrance to the Real Alcázar is right on this square.
Opening times for visiting the Real Alcazar
- From April to September: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am – 7:00 pm;
- From October to March: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm;
- Closed on 1 and 6 January, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Contact details
If you need to telephone or send an email:
- 955 01 00 10
- alcazar@patronato-alcazarsevilla.es
How long does it take to visit Alcazar?
It usually takes between 2 and 3 hours to visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville properly. If you only want to see the main rooms and courtyards, around 1.5–2 hours may be enough. However, if you also want to explore the gardens, take photos and enjoy the atmosphere without rushing, it’s better to allow at least 3 hours.
Tickets for the Alcazar of Seville
At the link below you can purchase tickets for the Alcázar of Seville, checking availability for the dates of your trip.
Also consider this interesting combined tour, which includes the visit to the Alcazar, the Cathedral and the Giralda. For those who want to learn more about the history and architecture of these places, it’s an excellent combined option, since the three monuments are all in the same square.
Passes that include the Alcázar of Seville
Do you want to save time and money? Then be aware that there are some Seville tourist passes that allow you to visit several attractions and pay less overall for tickets. Among the passes available, I gladly recommend the Seville Pass, a very interesting card that includes skip-the-line entry to the Alcazar, skip-the-line entry to the Cathedral, the Seville hop-on hop-off bus and a 20 % discount on selected Seville activities.
If, instead, you’re doing an Andalusia road trip, travelling from city to city, you may be interested in the The Best Andalusia Card. This pass includes the most famous attraction of the three main Andalusian cities: the Alcázar of Seville, the Alhambra of Granada and the Mezquita of Córdoba. It also includes an interactive guide, with audio and images, accessible via an app on your smartphone, for exploring both Seville and Granada on foot.
Buy the Best of Andalusia card
Alcazar of Seville tours
Guided tour of the Alcazar in English
This tour is ideal for those who want a more in‑depth visit to the Royal Palace of Seville with an English‑speaking guide. Includes the skip-the-queue ticket.
Includes:
- Guided tour
- Tickets included
- Duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Luxury minibus tour
The tour includes:
- Panoramic tour of Seville in a luxury minibus equipped with every comfort
- Guided tour of the city’s most important landmarks
- Duration: approximately 4 hours
Currently unavailable
Where to stay near the Alcázar of Seville
After seeing one of the city’s most beautiful attractions you’ll very likely be completely knackered because, in fact, visiting the Alcázar is fairly demanding. So the obvious question is: where to rest your weary tourist limbs? There are many neighbourhoods to choose from where to stay in Seville.
To be close to all the main points of interest you can opt for El Centro, and to breathe the true Andalusian atmosphere and lose yourself in the typical little shops, the Barrio Santa Cruz is just right for you. Or in the neighbourhood of El Arenal, close to the river and the Plaza de Toros, or you may decide to stay in the working-class neighbourhoods. Even if you choose not to stay in the city centre, be aware that these areas are not far from the palace of the sultans: Barrio Santa Cruz and the El Arenal neighbourhood are both within a mile of the Alcázar, while the more local neighbourhoods are at most half an hour away.
Tips on best places to stay in Seville
And after the Alcázar?
After the Alcázar, what to do in Seville? Well, it’s the largest city in southern Spain and, when it comes to attractions, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. However, to get an idea of what you absolutely must not miss take a look at our Seville guide, packed with tips also on where to eat and how to hire a car, which is perhaps the best way to explore Andalusia. If you fancy seeing another palace of this kind in the city, don’t miss the wonderful Casa de Pilatos in Seville.
Curiosities
In the opulent Moorish palace the fifth and sixth seasons of Game of Thrones (the television adaptation of George Martin’s novels, A Song of Ice and Fire) were filmed. The palace became the realm of Dorne, ruled by Prince Doran Martell.
All in all, if you’re planning a trip to Seville, you simply must not miss the Real Alcázar because no description of this place so ancient and full of history is worth the actual visit: the sense of grandeur, the peace of the garden and the scent of the orange trees will send you into raptures. Lose yourself in the paradise of the Royal Palace of Seville!
