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Palace · Sevilha, Andaluzia
Real Alcázar de Sevilla
A complex of walled palaces with Islamic elements, the Gothic Palace of Afonso X and the Mudéjar Palace of Pedro I, surrounded by gardens. It is still the official residence of the Spanish royal family in Seville.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Real Alcázar de Sevilla
The Real Alcázar is a complex of palaces built in various periods. Its origin is an Islamic fortress from the Early Middle Ages. After the Castilian conquest, the kings adapted and expanded the buildings, which later received Renaissance and Baroque additions.
Between 1252 and 1260, Alfonso X built the Gothic Palace on top of an Almohad structure. In the 14th century, Peter I commissioned the Palacio Mudéjar, completed in 1364, as a private residence. The doors of the Salón de Embajadores bear that date. On the friezes, in Arabic, praises to Sultan Don Pedro can be read.
The center of the Palacio Mudéjar is the Patio de las Doncellas, 21 by 15 meters, with arcaded galleries and a reflecting pool in the middle. The Salón de Embajadores has a wooden dome and walls of carved plaster and tiles. The main entrance to the complex is through the Puerta del León, which leads to the Patio de la Montería.
The Alcázar remains the official residence of the royal family when they are in Seville, making it the oldest royal palace in continuous use in Europe. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1987, together with the Cathedral and the Archivo de Indias.
The gardens occupy a large part of the grounds, with fountains, pavilions and the Mercury pond. The upper floor, the Cuarto Real Alto, has its own visit, with a separate ticket.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours for the palaces and gardens.
Best time
Right at opening, when the courtyards are quieter. From June to August, choose the morning: the gardens get very hot in the afternoon. Hours are shorter from October to March. From June to September there are often night concerts in the gardens.
How to get there
It's next to the Cathedral, on the Plaza del Triunfo. Visitors enter through the Puerta del León. From the airport, the bus to the city center drops you nearby, in the Puerta de Jerez area. From Santa Justa station it's about a 30-minute walk.
Tip
Buy your ticket in advance on the official website: entry is for a specific day and time, and in high season slots fill up. The Cuarto Real Alto requires a separate ticket. The general ticket also grants access to the Antiquarium, under the Setas de Sevilla, and to the Triana ceramics museum: keep the receipt. Bring water and a hat from June to September.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Do you need to buy Alcázar tickets in advance?
That is the safest option. Entry is for a reserved time and, in spring and autumn, time slots sell out. There is a ticket office at the Patio de Banderas, but the line can be long and a spot is not guaranteed.
What is the Cuarto Real Alto?
They are the apartments on the upper floor of the palace, associated with use by the royal family. The visit requires a separate ticket, sold along with the general admission.
How long does a visit to the Alcázar take?
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the palaces and gardens at a relaxed pace. Those who enjoy gardens may stay longer.
Does the Alcázar ticket include other sites?
Yes. General admission includes a visit to the Antiquarium, the archaeological museum beneath the Setas de Sevilla, and the Triana ceramics museum, among other municipal spaces. Confirm the conditions when purchasing.