The Royal Alcázar of Seville is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive and finest palaces of the Spanish Crown. Its origins date back to the 10th century when most of Spain was under the rule of the Moors. The palace has been expanded and modified many times since King Pedro I ordered the construction of a royal palace on the site of an Arab fort.
During the Reconquest, the palace was used as the royal main residence. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel moved their court here as they prepared to conquer Granada which was the last Moor kingdom in Spain.
We spent a couple of hours in the palace and only saw a very small section of this amazing building. It is a magnificent palace with amazing architecture and gorgeous gardens.
Puerta del León (Lion Gate) is the main entrance to the palace. León was one of the Spanish kingdoms. The walls are from the old Almohad fort dating from the 12th century.
Patio del León (Lion Patio).
Patio de la Montería, where the court gathered before leaving on a hunting expedition.
Patio de las Doncellas (Patio of the Maidens), located at the heart of the palace. The sunken gardens on each side of the pond were discovered four years ago. They were hidden since the 16th century beneath a marble covering.
Fountain with a water channel in the Sala de la Justicia (Hall of Justice).
Gorgeous plaster work in the Patio of Plaster, from the 12th century Arab fort.
Sala de los Embajadores (Ambassador's Hall), served as the throne room under the reign of Pedro I.
Stunning dome in the Ambassador's Hall made of carved and gilded wood.
I love the fine iron work on this picture window and the intricate mosaic pattern.
The peaceful gardens of the Alcázar with mazes, ponds and fountains.
At the end of our visit, we saw this bride and groom leaving the palace after a photo session. Outside there was another wedding couple waiting to have their pictures taken.
Comments (7)
Your photos are phenomenal! It's New Year's Eve here - happy New year!
Posted by Leslie | December 30, 2008 3:02 PM
Posted on December 30, 2008 15:02
Hey Maria - 3pm on New Year's Eve here, I'm about to take mom to the airport, then just take it very easy for a few days.
The dragon light, is at the back of San Marco, the opposite end to the cathedral.
Posted by Leslie | December 30, 2008 9:03 PM
Posted on December 30, 2008 21:03
Huge palace!! How long did you spend touring it? I really enjoyed seeing all of your photos!! Does anyone live in it now?
Posted by girasoli | December 31, 2008 12:31 AM
Posted on December 31, 2008 00:31
Your photos are stunning! How cool that they just discovered those sunken gardens. I love that photo with the reflections in the pool.
Happy New Year to you!
Posted by Annie | December 31, 2008 7:32 AM
Posted on December 31, 2008 07:32
Leslie, thanks for the information on your gorgeous photo. I had no idea it was in San Marco.
Girasoli, we were there 2-3 hours and saw a very small area of the huge palace. We didn't have time to see the second floor which houses the royal chambers. The Spanish monarch and his family use the second floor as their residence when they visit Seville. Most recently, a royal wedding reception was held in the Alcázar.
Annie, the photo you mention is one of my favorite ones, too. I just wish the water was not green because the patio was gorgeous.
Happy and prosperous New Year!
Posted by María I. | December 31, 2008 10:19 AM
Posted on December 31, 2008 10:19
What a stunning palace. And your photos are fantastic, Maria.
The mosaics and intricate carvings, with the Moorish influence, are remarkable.
Ferdinand and Isabella are fascinating figures -- fascinating and chilling in their rather fanatical drive to expel Jews and Muslims from Spain.
This palace must have been a wonder to see!
Posted by sandrac | December 31, 2008 1:42 PM
Posted on December 31, 2008 13:42
I really enjoyed touring through your eyes!
Posted by Amy | January 2, 2009 12:12 PM
Posted on January 2, 2009 12:12