subject: The Alcazar of Seville [print this page] The Alcazar of Seville The Alcazar of Seville
The construction of the fortified palace of Alcazar was ordered by Abd Al Ramn III in the year 913, and it is one of the most important examples of Mudejar architecture in Seville.
During the reign of Pedro I in the 13th century, significant additions to the palace were made. The styles vary throughout the interior from the original Islamic, to Neoclassical.
There are several areas of special interest in the Alcazar of Seville:
The Patio de las Doncellas
The name translates to The Courtyard of the Maidens, and refers to the legend that the Moors demanded 100 maidens every year as tribute from the Christian monarchs in Iberia. The courtyard features a large, rectangular reflecting pool with sunken gardens either side and was originally decorated by the best architects from Granada.
The Salon de los Embajadores
The magnificent domed Ambassadors Room is decorated with ornate gilded cedar wood sculptures and was constructed later in 1427. It features thee symmetrical arches, Los Arcos de Herradura (Horse Shoe), which each feature three horse shoes.
Los Baos de Doa Mara de Padilla
The Baths of Lady Maria de Padilla are rainwater tanks, which are situated below the Patio del Crucero. They were named after Maria de Padilla, the mistress of Peter I (The Cruel). Legend has it that Peter fell for Maria and killed her husband; to resist the monarchs advances Maria poured boiling oil over her face to disfigure herself. She later became a nun and in Seville is regarded as a symbol of purity.
El Patio de la Montera
The Hunting Patio was the original meeting place in the palace where the court met before going hunting. The faade is a beautiful example of Mudejar design.
La Casa de Contratacin
The House of Trade was built in the 15th century by Catholic Monarchs where they could do do business, regulate trade to the New World and deal with all legal disputes. History records show that here Christopher Columbus met with Ferdinand and Isabella after his second voyage to the Americas. The chapel area houses the painting The Virgin of the Navigators, one of the first artworks to interpret the discovery of the Americas, and one of the earliest to depict Columbus.
Aside from the Alcazar itself, the palaces exquisite gardens and fountains are worth visiting alone. Embellished with fountains and pavilions, the gardens provide a wonderful retreat away from city life.
There are several zones, the Jardin Ingls (English Gardens), modeled on a typical British garden from the 18th century. The Jardin de los Poetas (The Garden of Poets), with its symbolic two ponds, which represent the Moors and the Romans.
The Jardin de la Alcubilla (Garden of the Reservoir), which has existed since the era of Charles V, and finally the Jardin de la Vega Inclan (Garden of Vega Inclan), which was inspired by the Islamic Culture and the Renaissance.
The Alcazar Palace often houses temporary exhibitions, check the official website www.patronato-alcazarsevilla.es for details of current exhibitions.
The opening times vary dependent on the season, but is generally open from 9.30am until 5pm during the winter and 7pm during the summer. There is an entrance fee, check the website for up-to-date details.
If you are going on a city break to the capital in Andalucia, please see our holiday apartments in Seville.
