The Royal Alcazar - Seville

Known as The Royal Alcazar, Seville's Royal Palace was originally a Moorish fort built in the 10th century by the first Caliph of Andalucia. The construction of the current Royal Alcazar began in the 14th century. It is the best example of Mudejar architectural style in Spain, although Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements can be found as well.

Alcazar is a Spanish word, synonym of fortified castle. Actually, it comes from the Arabic word al qasr that means palace or fortress. Many cities in Spain still use Alcazar to name an ancient Muslim palace or royal residence from the time of the Moorish invasion.

Alcazar Seville: Origins

The site was initially a Roman settlement, later used by the Visigoths. In 712 Seville was conquered by the Arabs, who transformed the building in a palace-fortress. When Ferdinand III of Castile regained the city in 1248, the Alcazar became the Royal Palace. His son, Alfonso X, initiated the first works and ordered the construction of the Gothic Palace.

Later on, in 1364, Peter I of Castile, decided to build the Mudejar Palace, definitely the best building of this architectural style in Spain. It's characterized by being a mixture between Muslim and Christian elements, resulting in a unique design that can be found only in Spain and, to a minor extent, in Portugal.

From then on, some buildings were added and renovations had to be done, mainly because of the devastations the 1755 Lisbon earthquake caused.

The Alcazar has been used in many occasions by the Kings of Spain. Even the current King, Juan Carlos I, used it for the reception and wedding dinner of his eldest daughter, the Infanta Elena.

Alcazar Seville: Entrance and last Arab traces

The entrance is called the Lion's Gate (Puerta del Leon). Just take a look at the tiles on top of the arch and you'll understand why. Go through it and you'll cross the 12th century walls to go inside the Alcazar.

You're now at the Lion's Courtyard (Patio del Leon). On the left hand side is the Justice Room (Sala de Justicia) and in front of you, there is part of the old walls of the Arab fortress.

The Justice Room was part of the first Muslim palace and it was the place where the viziers (the Caliph's lieutenants) used to gather. Next to it is the Plaster Courtyard (Patio del Yeso), basically the only remains of the ancient Muslim palace.

Back to the Lion's Courtyard, cross the old walls to go to the Courtyard of the Hunt. Its name is derived from the scouts (monteros), who accompanied the king in his hunting parties.

On the right hand side you'll find the House of Trade (Casa de Contratacion). It was built by the Catholic Monarch Queen Isabella I of Castile in 1503 to regulate trade with the New Colonies (i.e. the American continent).

The courtroom, where the Catholic Monarchs (Isabella I of Castile and her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon) met Columbus after his second voyage, was transformed into a chapel as you can see it nowadays.

Alcazar Seville: The Gothic Palace

On the left hand side of the Lion's Courtyard, a corridor leads you to the Crossroads Courtyard (Patio del Crucero). The patio was built in the 12th century, during the Arab invasion. Then, the King Alfonso X added an upper level over the garden, the one you can see today. The original one is 4.7 m (15.4 ft) below. The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 damaged the courtyard and the lower level had to be buried.

The Gothic Palace was built by Alfonso X in 1254 and it served as his court palace. Like the patio, the palace was seriously destroyed by the earthquake. Later works were carried on to restore it, hence the Baroque details.

The palace has three main rooms: the Tapestry Room, the Chapel, and the Gothic Room (also known as the Feast Room). The Tapestry Room had to be built from scratch after the earthquake but the tapestries are Flemish, from the 16th century. The Chapel and Gothic Room have beautiful tiles that cover part of the walls.

Alcazar Seville: My favorite spots

The façade of King Pedro I Palace (the Mudejar Palace) on the southern side of the Patio de la Monteria.

At the Patio del Yeso, take a closer look at the decoration of the arches... magnificent! And don't miss the reflection of the palace on the pool. I love it!

The Crossroads Courtyard in spring.

The ceramic tiles of the Gothic Room. The colors and figures are a great example of one of Spain's oldest handcrafts: ceramics.

From the Gothic Palace, you should go back to the Patio de la Monteria and enter the most impressive building of the Alcazar, the Mudejar Palace.

The Alcazar has some beautiful gardens, where you'll see a curious blend of different gardening styles (Arab, French and Renaissance).

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