Let's Visit Real Alcazar Palace, Seville
- Lyn (aka Jazz)
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
If you only visit one monument in Seville, the Andalusian capital, it should be the Real Alcazar of Seville. The Royal Palace is historic, stunning, and a joy to explore. With an entrance fee of €15.50 (cheaper for students and seniors aged 65+), it is a reasonable price for the budget traveller. For an additional fee of 5.50EUR, it is possible to visit the Royal Bedroom. Built by the Moorish rulers in the 8th century and later improved by the Catholic kings and queens, it is known as one of the finest examples of Mudéjar architecture. It is part of Seville's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The word "alcazar" comes from the Arabic word for castle. It was originally a fortress. Now, visiting this grouping of buildings and gardens is a perfect way to spend a day in Seville.
Located in Plaza de Triunfo in the historic center, just across from the Seville Cathedral, the Royal Palace remains a royal residence. The Spanish royal family has apartments on the upper floor to use when they visit. Game of Thrones fans will recognize parts of the Real Alcázar and its gardens, which served as the Water Gardens of Dorne in the hugely popular show.
Table of Contents
Visiting the Real Alcazar Palace: Know Before You Go
This post is based on two different visits, several years apart. During my first visit, I was travelling with my ATB (Approved Travel Buddy). On the second visit, I was solo. The Palace is well worth multiple visits, as there is much to see. I will return to visit again when in Seville.
You will need a minimum of two hours to explore the Palace. For those who read every sign and take a lot of photos, you'll want even more time to savour the experience.
The entry line-up begins approximately one hour before your ticketed entry time. There is no shade, so be prepared with water and a large-brimmed hat. The heat of the Andalusian sun reflecting off the stone is intense. On my most recent visit, I was delighted to witness a photo session featuring a young girl in traditional flamenco attire.
A visit to the Real Alcazar is a must, but be aware that summertime temperatures in Seville are blistering. Daily temperatures above 40C are not uncommon. This is a very popular attraction that can become quite crowded during the peak tourist season. For those who visit during the high season, I recommend arriving for the earliest time slot available and bringing plenty of water.
On a personal note, I can become overwhelmed with visual detail, so returning to ornate locations is important for me to get the whole picture. I noticed more detail on my second visit and will return in the future to absorb even more.
PurchasingTickets
The Alcazar is extremely popular, and the chances of getting a last-minute ticket are slim, especially during the height of tourist season. I strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online before arriving in Seville. Having said that, I didn't book ahead. I made my way to the ticket office, tucked into the back corner of Plaza del Patio de Banderas, and was able to get a ticket for the last entry of the following day. Please note that you will need to bring your passport.
Audio Guide
During my most recent visit, an excellent audio guide was available to download onto your phone via QR code. I really enjoyed the commentary, which combined history, architecture, and stories of those who had lived within the walls. Look for the codes on the signs throughout the Palace.
Touring the Real Alcazar
Puerta de Leon (Gate of the Lion)
The main entrance to the site is through the Gate of the Lion, where a 19th-century mural of a crowned lion is visible above the gate. You'll have plenty of time to admire the Gate while waiting outside for your entry time.
Patio de Las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens)
The Courtyard of the Maidens is the main interior courtyard. It got its name from an old story where the Moors demanded an annual ransom of 100 virgins from the Christian kingdoms. The ladies of the court would gather here for relaxation and entertainment. Surrounding the courtyard are many important rooms and salons.
A long rectangular reflecting pool and sunken gardens were recently rediscovered and have been refurbished. The upper floor, with its Renaissance style and some Mudéjar elements, was added on later.
La Salon de Embajadores
The Hall of the Ambassadors, built in the 11th century, is one of the most spectacular rooms in the Seville Alcazar. King Pedro I improved it and made it his showpiece room for greeting visitors. The gilded wooden ceiling is decorated with red, gold, and green.
Los Baños de Doña María de Padilla
The baths, or rainwater tanks, are found underneath the Patio del Crucero. They are named after the mistress of King Peter I, who bathed here when she was the royal consort. Trying to get a good photo will take patience, as it is a small space filled with other people wanting their photos.
Cuarto Real Alto
Entry to the Cuarto Real Alto (royal apartments) is available with the purchase of special tickets, which allow visitors to view the furnished royal apartments located on the upper floor of the palace. On both of my visits, I was unable to find a ticket available that fit my travel schedule. If this is high on your priority list, I recommend booking online well in advance of your visit to Seville
The Gardens of Real Alcazar
The absolute highlight is the Gardens. These are extensive, and you would be wise to leave plenty of time to meander. The formal gardens feature hedges, flowering plants, and vines that tumble over walls and other architectural elements. There's also a flock of resident peacocks.
The gardens were essential for the Palace and provided royal kitchens with fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. Water features are found throughout, creating a cooling atmosphere with the soothing sounds of the water.
The gardens are arranged into semi-shaded courtyards, encouraging slow wandering. During my most recent visit, I noticed that most visitors seemed to rush through the gardens, taking in only the architectural details. Most courtyards offer places to sit, allowing the beauty, coolness, and peace to be enjoyed away from the main pathways.
Galeria de Grutesco
The gallery walk on top of the walls offers overhead views of the formal gardens, palm trees, and architectural elements.
Estanque de Mercurio
Mercury Pond is absolutely stunning, with the statue of Mercury in front of a beautiful mural wall and filled with goldfish.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the Real Alcazar in Seville is an absolute must for any itinerary due to its unparalleled beauty, rich history, and stunning architectural fusion. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases centuries of diverse influences, featuring breathtaking Mudejar architecture adorned with intricate tilework, serene courtyards with flowing fountains, and expansive gardens that invite leisurely exploration. Beyond its aesthetic grandeur, the Alcazar connects pivotal moments in Spanish history, serving as a royal residence for over a thousand years and bearing witness to the reigns of Moorish caliphs, Christian monarchs, and even acting as a filming location for popular culture.
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Ya know - I thought I recognized Dorne but couldn't place my finger on it - now I know! So glad you mentioned no shade as that Spanish sun can be sweltering in the summer months. The Lion Gate looks so cool to me - I'm not even sure why, but it looks powerful - very contradictory to the ornate insides! All of it is stunning.
Wow, just wow! I have dropped a pin and I am still in awe over your gorgeous pictures. The Real Alcazar in Seville has rightly so received the UNESCO title. The architecture alone is spectacular and then all those lush hanging gardens. It's great to know it got your time and attention twice and the experience has been enriching for you on each of your visit. I agree with you, I think with the intricate carvings and details, it's a the longer you look, the more you'll see effect.
Carolin | <a href="https://solotravelstory.com/">Solo Travel Story</a>
I'm still so sad I missed this on my trip to Seville. It was a last minute trip and there were no tickets left unfortunately. But reading this makes me want to start planning a return trip to Seville, a city I really enjoyed, and make sure I see the Alcazar. The gardens are magical, although the whole place looks truly stunning and maybe a tad overwhelming. Great tips about the long lines, even if you have tickets, and earlier would definitely be better
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗮́𝘇𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆. 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗜'𝗺 𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲'𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀, 𝗜 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗢𝗹𝗲́ ;-)
#𝗳𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 🥖🪽
What a gorgeous palace, and it's good to see such an historic place being taken care of so well. I would agree to take your time with a place like this. I think too many times travelers feel the need to rush through and take in as much as they can and then when they try to recall what they saw, they can't recall much of anything. I would certainly want to stop every so often and take in the views!