Originally built during the 12th century Almohad reign, the Alcázar of Sevilla was re-constructed for the Christian ruler Pedro I in 1364. Although all that remains today of the original 12th century palace are a section of wall and garden, the rebuilt palace was planned and executed in keeping with the traditional Islamic Palaces of the Iberian Peninsula.http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=4644

The Alcázar is comprised of extensive gardens, palaces, and open courtyards. The main palace of the Alcázar is the Palacio Mudéjar, which houses both the Patio de las Doncellas and the Patio de las Muñecas, as well as seven other rooms and halls.http://www.patronato-alcazarsevilla.es/imagenes/flash/espanol/mapa/mapa.htm The Patio de las Doncellas (Patio of the Maidens) is paved in white marble and features a central fountain. It is surrounded by an arcade decorated with carved stucco. The smaller Patio de las Muñecas (Patio of the Dolls) is also lavishly ornamented. The luxurious rooms and reception halls of the palace are decorated with carved wooden doors and cielings and ornamented with polychrome glazed tile dados. Arabic inscriptions in wood and stucco throughout the palace refer to Pedro I as Sultan.http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=4644

On the opposite side of the fortress from the Palacio Mudéjar is the Patio del Yeso, or Plaster Patio. The patio is filled with beautiful flowers and streams, and features elements of the Almohad architectural style of the 12th century.http://www.sevillaonline.es/english/seville-city-centre/alcazar-palace.htmNext to the Patio del Yeso is the vaulted Hall of Justice. A shallow fountain basin in the Hall of Justice flows along a channell into the pool of the Patio del Yeso, connecting the two rooms by water, a feature typical of the Islamic style.http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=4644

The Alcázar also features extensive manicured gardens including the Jardín de las Poetas, the Jardín Inglés, the Jardín de la Alcubilla, and the Jardín de la Vega Inclan.http://www.sevillaonline.es/english/seville-city-centre/alcazar-palace.htm

Throughout the centuries the Alcázar has been inhabited by many rulers and is now the residence of his Royal Highness Juan Carlos when he visits Sevilla.http://www.sevillaonline.es/english/seville-city-centre/alcazar-palace.htm

The Alcázar is located at the heart of the old city of Sevilla near the Catherdral of Sevilla and the Archivo de Indias.

It is ideal to visit the Alcázar on a pleasant day to best enjoy the extensive outdoor gardens and open-air courtyards. Visitors should set aside at least a few hours to take in the many rooms of the palace and the intricate details of the Islamic decoration. There is a café located inside the Alcázar, or simply pack a picnic lunch to enjoy outside in the gardens.

Hours

• October through March: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• April through September: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.
• Closed the 1st and 6th of January, Good Friday, and the 25th of December.

Admission

• General: 7.50€
• Free for students, seniors, with proper documentation.

Group tours lasting an hour and a half can be arranged ahead of time. Informative guides available, also guides in Braille and guides adapted for the developmentally impaired. Please be advised that due to its status as a Royal residence the Alcázar may close suddenly without prior notice.http://www.patronato-alcazarsevilla.es/index.php