Key Info
Details
- Castles/Palaces, Parks and Gardens Type
- 2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend
Scorecard
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Value4.5
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Facilities4.5
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Atmosphere5.0
Read about how we rank Things to Do.
The Spanish monarchy doesn't quite boast the worldwide clout of the British monarchy, but royalty is royalty, right? Take the chance to step into sovereignty when you enter the Real Alcázar palace and gardens. The palace was built in the seventh century and it still occasionally hosts the royal family when they visit Seville. While the original structure dates back to the Middle Ages, the entire palace has been heavily influenced by different architectural and cultural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque. The intricate architectural design is known as mudéjar — a Muslim and Christian artistic fusion unique to Andalusia. Exlpore on your own or use an audio tour to guide you through the luxurious rooms of the palace like the Salón de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors) and the Patio de las Doncellas (Patio of the Maidens). But to gain access to the Cuarto Real Alto (the Upper Royal Quarters), you'll need to be on a guided tour.
Make sure to budget enough time to admire the details. One TripAdvisor reviewer suggests: "Be sure to look upwards when you walk through this grand residence of kings, because the workmanship of the carvings and painting on the ceilings is truly amazing." This UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by gardens that are also worth seeing.
You'll find the entrance to the Real Alcázar in the El Centro neighborhood near the Catedral. From October to March, the palace is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; from April to September, the grounds stay open until 7 p.m. General admission into the Real Alcázar costs €9.50 EUR (about $13 USD), but students ages 17 to 25 can enter for €2 EUR (about $3 USD) and children younger than 16 get in for free. Guided tours are available for an additional €4.50 (about $6 USD) and can be reserved by calling the Real Alcázar (+954 50 23 24) in advance of your visit. For more information, visit the Real Alcázar's website.
If you can't get enough of the royal aesthetic, visit Seville's other — albeit smaller — palace, the Casa de Pilatos in Barrio Santa Cruz. This 15th century palace of Gothic and Renaissance design offers magnificent mosaic staircases and sun-drenched gardens and patios. You can learn more about the historic site — including hours and admission fee details — on Casa de Pilatos' website.
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