Alcazar of Seville Highlights

The Alcazar of Seville is one of Spain’s most iconic and popular tourist destinations.

Lying in the heart of Seville, this royal palace symbolizes the city’s history.

Considered one of the most impressive and well-preserved Moorish fortresses in Europe, this palace encapsulates centuries of history. 

The palaces house royal residencies, significant rooms and courtyards you must visit during your trip. 

Here are the top highlights of Seville Alcazar that you should not miss. 

Puerta del Leon (The Gate of the Lion)

Puerta del León or the Gate of the Lion, is the main entrance to the Royal Alcázar in Seville. 

The gate comes from the nineteenth-century tile work depicting a crowned lion with Gothic script and a cross in its claws.

This entrance is an iconic landmark of the Royal Alcázar, providing visitors with a beautiful and memorable view of the palace. 

This magnificent entrance represents the power, strength and beauty of the Seville Alcazar. 

Casas de la Contratacion (The Contractor’s Room)

The Casa de la Contratación or the Contractor’s Room, lies in the south wing of the Royal Alcazar of Seville. 

It is a significant part of the palace’s history as it played an integral role in managing the trade discussion between Spain and its colonies. 

Here, rulers discussed and planned voyages and drafted expansion plans. 

The Contractor Room now houses the Virgin of the Navigators painting. 

Palacio del Rey Don Pedro (The palace of King Don Pedro)

The palace of King Don Pedro is part of the monumental complex of the Real Alcázar of Seville. 

It was built in the 14th century, between 1356 and 1366, by order of King Pedro I. 

This part of the palace displays the best fusion of Moorish and Christian architecture. 

The palace is a testament to the artistic and cultural influences of the time and is a must-see for anyone visiting the Royal Alcazar of Seville.

Salon de Embahadores (The Ambassadors Room) 

The Salon de Embajadores or the Ambassadors Reception Room, was a central feature of King Peter of Castile’s stay at the Alcazar. 

Famous for its lavish decorations, the room was more ornate than any other within the palace walls. 

The room represents heaven and earth to depict the superior power held by the king. 

The Salon de Embajadores hosted state meetings and public events and was essential to the Alcazar. 

It is a significant part of the palace’s history and a reminder of the grandeur of Spain’s monarchy.

Banos Dona Maria de Padilla

The Baths of Lady María de Padilla is a unique part of the Seville Alcazar. 

These baths, named after the mistress of Peter of Castille, served as vast pools and now work as rainwater tanks. 

The bath has been a part of the city’s landscape since the 14th century to collect rainwater and supply it to its population. 

They serve a practical purpose in providing Seville with water and are a lasting testament to Lady María de Padilla and her place in Spanish history.

If you are a Game of Thrones fan, this is a must-visit spot since a few famous scenes were shot in this bath.

Alcazar Gardens

Another popular spot found in the Game of Thrones, Alcazar Gardens is the visitor’s favorite part of the palace. 

The Alcázar Gardens are an extensive and fascinating collection of gardens of various styles and origins. 

Spanning different periods from Moorish to modern, the gardens feature over 20,000 plants of 187 other species, including 

• Flowering plants and trees
• Fruit trees
• Palm trees
• Herbs
• Fragrant plants

Gardens also have Mediterranean, Oceania, African, American and Asia plants. 

Visitors can explore the six Historical Garden in the Seville Alcazar, namely

• Prince’s Garden
• Flower Garden
• Galley Garden
• Troy Garden
• Dance Garden
• Pond Garden

The garden also has a café with outdoor seating. 

With its beautiful layout and aesthetic value, it’s no wonder this inspired many artists and has been used as a location for Game of Thrones. 

The Royal Apartment

The Royal Apartments of the Royal Alcázar of Sevilla are a unique experience. 

Located on the palace’s upper floor, the apartments served as the private residence of the Spanish Royal Family from the 15th to the 19th centuries. 

The apartments depict various styles, from Baroque to Neoclassical, with beautiful furniture and decorations.

The apartments showcase the grandeur of the Spanish Royal Family and are a reminder of the city’s glorious past.

The Royal Apartment tour starts in the Sala de Los Espejos (Mirrors Room), an impressive gallery of mirrors and painted ceilings. 

You then move through the ceremonial rooms of the Cuarto Real Alto, including 

• The Salón de Embajadores (Ambassador’s Room)
• The Sala de Los Tapices (Room of the Tapestries)
• The Salon de Audiencia (Audience Chamber)

The tour’s grand finale is the Sala de las Dos Hermanas (Room of the Two Sisters), the most spectacular addition to the apartment. 

It is filled with intricate stucco work, paintings and hand-crafted furniture.

Entry to the Royal apartment is strictly monitored as it houses some of the most exquisite collections of books, paintings and wall tapestries. 

Chapel of Gothic Palace

The Gothic Palace is an impressive structure composed of the Tapestry Room, the Garden Room, the Party Room and the Chapel. 

Inside, intricately designed pillars, towers and spiral stairs decorate the palace. 

It also features Renaissance elements like tile baseboards from the 16th century, paying tribute to the former Emperors. 

Patio de Las Munecas (Dolls Courtyard)

Dolls courtyard is a private area with domestic rooms remodeled during the Catholic Monarchs’ reign. 

This patio is an excellent example of the architectural beauty created by the Spanish Monarchs. 

The design and decoration are a part of their legacy and heritage preserved to this day. 

The two upper floors, added during the nineteenth century, showcase the skill and the intricate attention paid to royal architectural projects. 

Patio de Les Doncellas (The Courtyard of the Maidens)

Located in the heart of the Royal Palace of Madrid, Patio de las Doncellas is a spectacular courtyard that serves as an entrance to the Salón de Los Embajadores. 

The Courtyard of the Maidens is one of the most popular parts of the Seville Alcazar. 

The courtyard is a great, open space surrounded by tall, intricately decorated walls and a beautiful arcaded gallery. 

As one of the main entrances to the Salón de Los Embajadores, Patio de las Doncellas is a stunning sight and a must-see for anyone visiting the palace.

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