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Royal Alcázar de Sevilla
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The second UNESCO World Heritage site we are visiting is Sevilla’s Real Alcázar or Royal Palace. Possibly the finest surviving example of architecture from the Moorish period, entering the Alcázar is like traveling back in time and space after rubbing a genii’s magic lamp. We’ll enter through the Puerta del León just across the plaza from the Cathedral and Giralda.
The Alcázar, a magnificent complex of patios and halls in different architectural styles from Mudéjar to Gothic, was built to control the Guadalquivir River thus giving access to the sea. At the heart of the complex is the Palace of Pedro I, who, in 1354, constructed his royal residence at the site of the earlier Moorish palace. A bit of history first…
When the Moorish dynasty of Almohades (Berber Muslims from Morocco) gained control of Sevilla in 1181 they embarked on a building frenzy constructing a number of baths, towers, a grand mosque and Al-Muwarak (The Blessed), the fortress-like palace we know today as the Alcázar. The spacious and airy arched halls, the stunning inlaid tiles throughout, the fountain filled gardens are pure Muslim in design.
When Pedro I commissioned construction of his royal palace after the Reconquista (1364), he wisely decreed the original structure be left intact and added to rather than razed. Andalusian craftsmen recreated the interior in pure Mudéjar style with focus on the open air patios. Over the ensuing years, other monarchs continued to expand the palace resulting in the melding of Moorish and Gothic architectural styles we see today.
The upper level of the palace is still used by Spain’s Royal Family as their official Sevilla residence; a fact that makes the Alcázar the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe today.
When we entered the Alcázar through the Puerta del León it was impossible to miss the heraldic lion set in the crenelated defensive wall. From the Lion’s Patio we passed through a triple arch into the courtyard of the Patio de la Montería which borders the original Palacio Pedro I.
Inside the heart of the Alcázar we enter Patio de las Doncellas, the main courtyard of the palace. Here was the center of public life during Pedro I’s reign. The name, Courtyard of the Maidens, refers to the legend that the Moors annually demanded a hundred virgins as tribute from the Christian kingdoms in Iberia. Lavish reception rooms are located on the sides of the patio; in the center is a large, rectangular reflecting pool with sunken gardens on either side. The upper level, designed by Luis de Vega in a combination of Italian Renaissance and Mudéjar styles, was commissioned by Charles V in 1540 and completed in 1572.
Let’s move into the Salón de Embajadores considered to be the most magnificent part of the complex. Used for ceremonial events, the intricately decorated archways with horseshoe arches gives access to a vast hall covered with a stunning dome adorned with gilded cedar wood sculptures. Diego Ruiz, a Sevillana artisan designed the ceiling in 1389. Directly below the dome is a frieze with portraits of Spanish kings.
Next is Patio de las Muñecas where much of the private life took place during Pedro’s reign. A relatively small hall, it is enclosed with marble columns and lobed arches and leads to what were bedrooms and additional private quarters.
Patio del Yeso, with its beautiful ornate flower garden and streams, it is very representative of the 12th century Almohade style.
Peek into the Patio de la Montera where the Court would meet before hunts. Just west of this is the Cuarto del Admirante, headquarters of the Casa de Contratación (House of Trade); it was here that navigators planned their journeys to the Americas.
The Sala de Audiencias is where Columbus met with Ferdinand and Isabella after his second voyage. Hanging here is Alejo Fernández’ painting, Virgen de los Mareantes, (Virgin of the Sailors) done during the 1530s and one of the first paintings to illustrate the discovery of the Americas.
Wander through the Hall of the Kings and the Hall of Charles V. The Salones de Carlos V is a Gothic vaulted hall decorated with tapestries and azulejos from the 16th century.
Hours and Days of Operation for the Alcázar: October 1-March 31: 7 days a week from 9:30am to 5pm (17.00); April 1st-September 30: 7 days a week from 9:30am to 7:30pm (19.30)
Admission to the Alcázar: Adults 9.50€; pensioners and students between 17-25 years: 2€; 16 and under free.
The Alcázar, a magnificent complex of patios and halls in different architectural styles from Mudéjar to Gothic, was built to control the Guadalquivir River thus giving access to the sea. At the heart of the complex is the Palace of Pedro I, who, in 1354, constructed his royal residence at the site of the earlier Moorish palace. A bit of history first…
When the Moorish dynasty of Almohades (Berber Muslims from Morocco) gained control of Sevilla in 1181 they embarked on a building frenzy constructing a number of baths, towers, a grand mosque and Al-Muwarak (The Blessed), the fortress-like palace we know today as the Alcázar. The spacious and airy arched halls, the stunning inlaid tiles throughout, the fountain filled gardens are pure Muslim in design.
When Pedro I commissioned construction of his royal palace after the Reconquista (1364), he wisely decreed the original structure be left intact and added to rather than razed. Andalusian craftsmen recreated the interior in pure Mudéjar style with focus on the open air patios. Over the ensuing years, other monarchs continued to expand the palace resulting in the melding of Moorish and Gothic architectural styles we see today.
The upper level of the palace is still used by Spain’s Royal Family as their official Sevilla residence; a fact that makes the Alcázar the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe today.
When we entered the Alcázar through the Puerta del León it was impossible to miss the heraldic lion set in the crenelated defensive wall. From the Lion’s Patio we passed through a triple arch into the courtyard of the Patio de la Montería which borders the original Palacio Pedro I.
Inside the heart of the Alcázar we enter Patio de las Doncellas, the main courtyard of the palace. Here was the center of public life during Pedro I’s reign. The name, Courtyard of the Maidens, refers to the legend that the Moors annually demanded a hundred virgins as tribute from the Christian kingdoms in Iberia. Lavish reception rooms are located on the sides of the patio; in the center is a large, rectangular reflecting pool with sunken gardens on either side. The upper level, designed by Luis de Vega in a combination of Italian Renaissance and Mudéjar styles, was commissioned by Charles V in 1540 and completed in 1572.
Let’s move into the Salón de Embajadores considered to be the most magnificent part of the complex. Used for ceremonial events, the intricately decorated archways with horseshoe arches gives access to a vast hall covered with a stunning dome adorned with gilded cedar wood sculptures. Diego Ruiz, a Sevillana artisan designed the ceiling in 1389. Directly below the dome is a frieze with portraits of Spanish kings.
Next is Patio de las Muñecas where much of the private life took place during Pedro’s reign. A relatively small hall, it is enclosed with marble columns and lobed arches and leads to what were bedrooms and additional private quarters.
Patio del Yeso, with its beautiful ornate flower garden and streams, it is very representative of the 12th century Almohade style.
Peek into the Patio de la Montera where the Court would meet before hunts. Just west of this is the Cuarto del Admirante, headquarters of the Casa de Contratación (House of Trade); it was here that navigators planned their journeys to the Americas.
The Sala de Audiencias is where Columbus met with Ferdinand and Isabella after his second voyage. Hanging here is Alejo Fernández’ painting, Virgen de los Mareantes, (Virgin of the Sailors) done during the 1530s and one of the first paintings to illustrate the discovery of the Americas.
Wander through the Hall of the Kings and the Hall of Charles V. The Salones de Carlos V is a Gothic vaulted hall decorated with tapestries and azulejos from the 16th century.
Hours and Days of Operation for the Alcázar: October 1-March 31: 7 days a week from 9:30am to 5pm (17.00); April 1st-September 30: 7 days a week from 9:30am to 7:30pm (19.30)
Admission to the Alcázar: Adults 9.50€; pensioners and students between 17-25 years: 2€; 16 and under free.
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