The Real Alcázar Palace Gardens

Map of Royal Alcázar of Seville

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¡Hola, fellow travelers! As your Seville expert, I can tell you that visiting the Royal Alcázar is like stepping into a glorious, 1,000-year-old labyrinth. It’s a living canvas of history, but to be honest, it’s also famously confusing.

To truly explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and make sure you don’t miss a single hidden courtyard, a map isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s an absolute essential.

This guide will give you the maps you need and, more importantly, a simple “can’t-miss” route to navigate the complex like a pro.

Your Most Important Tools: The Maps

Before you even step inside, I recommend “walking” the palace virtually. This will give you a huge advantage in understanding the layout.

  • The Official Map (PDF, 2.6 Mb): Download it to your phone before you go.
  • The Virtual Walk-Through: Google Arts & Culture has a stunning digital tour of the Alcázar. I recommend browsing this the night before to get familiar with the key rooms.
  • The Physical Map: Unlike some other attractions, the Royal Alcázar does not hand out physical maps to visitors upon entry.

Understanding the Layout: The Three Main Zones

The map can be overwhelming. The easiest way to think about the Alcázar is in three distinct zones.

The Main Entrance (The Lion’s Courtyard)

Queue at the Lion's Gate entrance of the Royal Alcázar of Seville

You will enter through the Puerta del León (Lion’s Gate) into the Patio del León. This is your starting point. From here, you can go left to the oldest part of the palace or straight ahead to the main area.

The Palaces (The Heart of the Alcázar)

View of the palaces and gardens inside the Royal Alcázar of Seville

This is where you’ll find the jaw-dropping architecture. This zone includes:

  • Palacio Mudéjar (Palace of King Peter): The star of the show, featuring the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) and the Salón de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors).
  • Palacio Gótico (Gothic Palace): A “newer” addition from after the Christian reconquest, featuring the Hall of Tapestries.

The Gardens (The Great Oasis)

Lush gardens of the Royal Alcázar of Seville with paths and greenery

This is the massive, sprawling green space that takes up more than half of the complex. It’s located behind the palaces. This zone includes:

  • Mercury’s Pond & The Grotto Gallery
  • The Baths of Doña María de Padilla (underground)
  • The Jardín de la Danza (Dance Garden) and Jardín de los Poetas (Garden of the Poets)

An Expert’s “Can’t-Miss” Route Through the Alcázar

Here is the most logical and magical way to see all the highlights without backtracking.

  1. Enter at the Puerta del León.
  2. Turn LEFT immediately into the Patio de la Justicia and go to the Patio del Yeso. This is the oldest, most authentic 12th-century Moorish courtyard and most people miss it!
  3. Backtrack to the Main Courtyard and walk straight into the Palacio Mudéjar. This is the main palace. Take your time. You will see:
    • Patio de las Muñecas (Courtyard of the Dolls) (look for the tiny faces on the arches!)
    • Salón de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors) (the golden throne room). This was used as Prince Doran Martell’s throne room in the Water Gardens of Dorne.
    • Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) (the main reflecting pool)
  4. From here, move into the Palacio Gótico (Gothic Palace). Don’t miss the stunning Hall of Tapestries.
  5. Look for the signs to the Baños de Doña María de Padilla. Go underground to see these magical, vaulted rainwater cisterns.
  6. Emerge into the Gardens. You will come out near Mercury’s Pond. Walk along the Grotto Gallery above the pond for the best photos.
  7. Get Lost in the Alcazar Gardens. Wander south to see the Jardín de la Danza and Jardín de los Poetas.
  8. Exit through the Patio de Banderas, which will let you out right next to the Cathedral. 

Warning: Once you exit here, you cannot re-enter.

Expert Tip: Getting to the Alcázar Entrance

A map is useless if you can’t find the door!

  • Address: Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain.
  • The Only Entrance: The only entrance is the Puerta del León (Lion’s Gate), on the Plaza del Triunfo, directly facing the Cathedral. Get Directions

My strongest advice is DO NOT DRIVE. The palace is in a pedestrian-only zone of tiny medieval streets. It’s a nightmare. The best ways to arrive are:

  • On Foot: The entire historic center is walkable, and this is the most beautiful way to arrive.
  • By Tram (Best Option): Take the T1 tram and get off at the Archivo de Indias stop. The Lion’s Gate will be right in front of you.
  • By Metro: Take Line 1 to the Puerta de Jerez stop, which is a scenic 3-minute walk away.
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