Real Alcázar of Seville
Real Alcázar de Sevilla
One of the oldest royal palaces still in use in Europe, with the Mudéjar-style Palace of Pedro I and large gardens. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the filming location for Dorne in Game of Thrones.
The Real Alcázar of Seville began as a Moorish fortress in the 10th century. In 1364, King Pedro I of Castile brought craftsmen from Granada and Toledo to build the Palace of Pedro I. It combines Islamic decorative arts with Christian royal power, creating the distinctive Mudéjar style. Upstairs, the palace is still the Spanish royal family's residence in Seville. In 1987 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Cathedral and the Archivo General de Indias. Must-see highlights include the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens), with its long pool and stucco-carved arcades, the golden wooden dome of the Hall of Ambassadors, the Patio of the Dolls, the tiled hall of the Palace of Charles V, and the gardens covering several hectares, with pools, mazes, peacocks and orange trees. The water gardens of Dorne in the fifth season of Game of Thrones were filmed here. Tickets cost about 15 to 16 euros. A few free slots are available on Monday evenings, with advance booking required. In high season, book a time slot on the official website well ahead. A guided ticket is needed for the royal private apartments upstairs. Allow 2 to 3 hours. Getting there: the palace is south of the Cathedral. The entrance is at the Lion Gate (Puerta del León), and it is within walking distance of anywhere in the old town. Notes: there is airport-style security, and queues can be long. In summer the gardens are very hot at midday, so bring water and a hat.
Opening hours
April–October 9:30 AM–7:00 PM; November–March 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Nearby sights
- General Archive of the Indies
- Barrio de Santa Cruz
- Hospital de los Venerables
- Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
- Royal Tobacco Factory
- Flamenco Dance Museum
- Torre del Oro
- Church of the Divine Saviour