Together with the Cathedral, the Alcázar is fundamental to any cultural visit to the city and is not to be missed. The beauty of its architecture and extensive gardens cannot fail to impress even the most travel-worn of visitors! Occasionally the Spanish Royal Family stay here making it the oldest Royal Palace still in use in Europe. It was granted World Heritage Site status in 1988.
The main entrance to the Alcazar is the so-called "Puerta del León" on Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, opposite the Cathedral. There is also another entrance, on the corner of calle Menendez Pelayo with calle San Fernando, which is only used for special events, as concerts, etc.
Entrada Puerta del León
Entrada Puerta Alcoba
The Palace has its moorish beginnings in the 10th century, when Caliph Abd al-Rahman III built his fortress over a site dating from roman times. It was considerably expanded by later Caliphs, particularly under the Almohads. After the christian reconquest, Alfonso X and particularly Pedro I (known as the Cruel) employed moorish craftsmen to build what is now considered the best example of mudéjar architecture in Spain. Elements of the old moorish building remain, such as the Patio del Yeso and some of the walls.
Later rulers made several additions, including the addition of a second storey and the modelling of the gardens. The 16th century in particular, with gold flowing in from the Indies saw its greatest period of development.
Patio de la Montería
Sala de la Justicia
Patio del Yeso
Patio de las Muñecas
Salón de Embajadores
Patio de las Doncellas
The gardens are a green oasis of calm within the city and its three distinct areas reflect styles of gardening from three respective eras. The Hispano-Arab area is the earliest and nearest the Palace comprising small patios connected by stairs. The central area dates from the Renaissance and includes the Garden of the Prince, the Charles V pavilion and other architectural features. The area developed in the 20th century from is the largest and includes what is known as the English garden, complete with its resident peacocks.
As well as orange and lemon trees, we find exotic plants from each corner of the globe. At present there are over 170 species. The 6 hectares of gardens are punctuated throughout by fountains, pools and architectural features and are a delight to wander through at any time of the year.
Jardín Inglés
Jardín del Retiro del Marqués
Pabellón de Carlos V
Laberinto
Opening hours
Timetable from October to March: From Monday to Sunday, 09:30 to 17:00.
Timetable from April to September: From Monday to Sunday, 09:30 to 19:00.
Closed on the 1st and 6th of January, Good Friday and the 25th of December.
Entrance fees
Regular ticket: 8.50 €
Entry fee for pensioners and students between the ages of 17 and 25 (both inclusive): 2 €(on accreditation at the ticket office).
Entrance for the disabled, under 16´s and those born or residing in the city of Seville. Free of charge (on accreditation at the ticket office).
Seville | Alcázar Gardens Night Concerts 2013
Seville | The Head of King Peter
English 
