The Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace, originally a Moorish fort, which has been expanded several times so it embodies a series of palatial rooms and spaces in various styles and from various ages.
The Origin of the Alcázar can be situated into the era of Abd Al-Rahman III, the first Caliph of Andalucia, who decided to build his alcázar in 913. In the following centuries it suffered many transformation, and in the 12th century, when the Almohades turned Seville into the Capital of the new Maghreb Empire, new parts were added to the original construction.
Then in 1254, Alfonso X El Sabio, gives orders to build his palace in Gothic style and in the following century Pedro I, known as “the Cruel” or “the Just”, built his Mudéjar palace.
The Palace of Pedro I is considered to be the most complete example of this so-called Mudéjar architecture in Spain.
This Alcázar is still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence and is administered by the Patrimonio Nacional.
The visit to this enchanting monument gives you the possibility to appreciate the perfect harmony between building, nature and water. Here you can admire the Puerta del León into the Patio de la Montería; the vast galleries and halls decorated in tiles and Mudéjar ceilings which lead you to the Patio de las Doncellas, which is the main courtyard and where the Hall of the Kings, the Hall of Charles V and the Hall of the Ambassadors all open to this patio. Moreover its marvelous gardens are worth a visit: moorish touches are everywhere among these tranquil pathways. Fountains, pools, lemon and orange groves, palms and hedgerows extend in all directions; a curious blend of different gardening styles (Arab, French and Renaissance style) can be admired here and you will fell in a sort of paradise on earth.