Royal Alcázar of Seville
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Royal Alcázar of Seville - by Tom Podmore on Unsplash
Description
The Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace built by Castilian Christians on the site of the (Abbadid) Muslim residential fortress (known as an alcazar) destroyed during the conquest of the city in 1248. It was developed in stages between the 13th and 18th centuries and thus added several styles over time: Romanesque, Gothic, Islamic, Renaissance and even Baroque after the renovation required post-1755 Lisbon earthquake. The tile decoration using arista and majolica techniques are a defining feature of the interior. Other highlights include the main entrance "Puerta del León", the beautifully carved Patio de la Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens), the Salon de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors); and the garden-orchards with their various architectural features Trivia: the etymology of "alcazar" is linked to the Arabic "al-qaṣr" and Latin "castrum" that both mean "castle".
Access & Transport
The complex is next to the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, at the southern end of the city centre, north of the Parque de Maria Luisa. It is only 250m south of the cathedral. The metro and tram lines L1 and T1 stop at "Puerta Jerez", just to the West of the Alcazar.
Instructions & Recommendations
Minors must be accompanied by an adult. We suggest combining this activity with an exploration of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, including the Seville Cathedral
Environmental & Social
No environmental data available - considered marginally negative (electricity consumption) Helps preserve the city's historical, artistic and architectural heritages
Conclusion
The Alcazar is a central monument of Seville in every respect and, unless you have no care for history, architecture or delightful ornamentation, you should make a point of visiting and taking your time in doing so.
Key positive
Gorgeous architecture and deco
Very centrally located with other top touristic sights nearby
Long and interesting history
Key negative
Often has long waiting line
Suitability
Only partially accessible for wheelchair users as there are many stairs throughout the palace
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 19:00
TUESDAY09:30 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 19:00
THURSDAY09:30 - 19:00
FRIDAY09:30 - 19:00
SATURDAY09:30 - 19:00
SUNDAY09:30 - 19:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 17:00
TUESDAY09:30 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 17:00
THURSDAY09:30 - 17:00
FRIDAY09:30 - 17:00
SATURDAY09:30 - 17:00
SUNDAY09:30 - 17:00