¡Hola, fellow travelers! As your Seville expert, I’m often asked, “I have my Alcázar ticket… now what?”
Prepare yourself. The Royal Alcázar of Seville is not just a palace; it’s a breathtaking, thousand-year-old labyrinth of palaces, courtyards, and gardens. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty (and, quite literally, get lost in the maze!).
To help you navigate this UNESCO World Heritage wonder, here is my expert guide to the essential sights you absolutely cannot miss.
What to See in the Alcázar of Seville: An Expert’s Guide
We will tour the complex just as you might walk it, from the grand entrance to the most exclusive, hidden gems.
1. Puerta del León (Lion’s Gate)
This is your grand entrance. Set against a bold, maroon-red wall, you’ll be greeted by a ceramic tile lion holding a cross. As you pass through this gate, you leave modern Seville and step directly into 11 centuries of Moorish and Christian history. It leads you into the Patio del León (Lion’s Courtyard), the original parade ground of the 12th-century Almohad palace.
2. Palacio Mudéjar (Palace of King Peter I)
This is the main event. This is the sight that makes the Alcázar one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Built in the 1360s by the Christian King Pedro I, it was crafted by the finest Moorish artisans from Granada. The result is the single greatest example of Mudéjar architecture on earth—a stunning fusion of Islamic calligraphy, elaborate ceilings, and Christian and Islamic artistry.
This palace-within-a-palace contains three key sights:
Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens)
This is the palace’s main public courtyard, and it will stop you in your tracks. It captivates with its long, sunken reflecting pool, manicured gardens, and stunning, multi-lobed Moorish arches. Its name comes from a dark legend that the Moors once demanded 100 maidens as an annual tribute from the Christian kingdoms.
Patio de las Muñecas (Courtyard of the Dolls)
While the Doncellas courtyard was for public ceremony, this smaller, breathtakingly intricate courtyard was the heart of the palace’s private residential life. Look very closely at the base of one of the arches—you will find four tiny, coin-sized faces (“dolls”) carved into the plaster. Legend says they were a hidden signature from the artisans, and it’s considered good luck to find them all.
Salón de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors)
This is the magnificent throne room, the climax of the Mudéjar palace. Prepare for your jaw to drop. Look up at the dazzling golden dome, a “half-orange” masterpiece representing the heavens, with its intricate geometric stars. The delicate plasterwork, tiled walls, and Moorish-style balconies wrap you in opulence. Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognize this as a key filming location in Dorne.
3. Palacio Gótico (Gothic Palace)
Built by King Alfonso X in the 13th century right after the Christian reconquest, this palace is a dramatic contrast to the delicate Mudéjar work. The rooms are grand, soaring, and distinctly European. The highlight here is the Hall of Tapestries, which is lined with enormous, magnificent tapestries depicting the 16th-century naval expedition of Charles V.
4. Casa de Contratación (House of Trade)
Once the nerve center of Spain’s New World expeditions, this historic chamber is where all voyages of exploration were planned. This is where Columbus met Queen Isabella and where Magellan planned his circumnavigation. Don’t miss the Chapel of the Admirals, which holds the famous painting, The Virgin of the Navigators—one of the first-ever depictions of the discovery of America.
5. Baños de Doña María de Padilla (Baths of Lady María de Padilla)
This is one of my favorite “secret” spots. Located beneath the Gothic Palace, these are not actually baths but a 14th-century rainwater cistern. The vast, vaulted crypt and the long, eerie reflecting pool create a sense of mystery and perfect coolness, even on the hottest Seville day. It is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
6. The Alcázar Gardens
You will spend just as much time in the gardens as you do in the palaces. Wander through a botanical wonderland of over 20,000 plants across 170+ species. This is a serene retreat from the bustling city, filled with fragrant orange trees, bubbling fountains, and strutting peacocks.
Key Highlights: Don’t miss Mercury’s Pond, the Garden of the Poets, and the Galería de Grutesco (Grotto Gallery)—a long, rustic 16th-century wall you can walk along for an elevated view of the grounds.
7. Cuarto Real Alto (The Upper Royal Apartments)
This is the ultimate “insider” experience. This is the active, working royal palace still used by the King and Queen of Spain when they visit Seville.
- How to see it: It is not included in the general ticket. You must book a separate, timed-entry ticket (often as an add-on via the official website) for a short, audio-guided tour.
- Why you should see it: These tickets sell out the fastest, but they offer a rare glimpse into the “living” part of this ancient monument, including the 19th-century royal apartments and the official audience chamber.
The Alcázar is a city within a city, a masterpiece you can’t rush. Give yourself a minimum of three hours, get lost on purpose, and soak in the 1,000 years of history around you.