We didn’t really know what an Alcazar was when we approached it in Seville. We nearly didn’t go in and then we thought, why not? Who knows when we will be back in Seville? We were so glad we did, it was one of the highlights of our Spain trip. We would actually like to move in.
It is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. It was originally a 10th century palace, rebuilt in the 14th century for the christian King Pedro I. It was built for a christian king in the Moorish style by Moorish builders.
The Alcazar is entered through the Patio of the Lions.
entering the Alcazar
very impressive
We did a bit of aimless wandering, constantly delighted by what we saw. I really want one of these gorgeous floor fountains.
I want one
If only I could find room for this pool.
I want one of these too
We wandered through this arch.
come through the arch
And we saw this.
Pedro's palace
Before we went into the palace we took a right and entered the Admiral’s apartments. Queen Isabel created this area to administer Spain’s New World activities in 1503 after the success of Columbus’ voyages. It was here that Amerigo Vespucci carried out his duties as Chief Navigator, here where Magellan and Elcano planned their first trip around the world and where Juan de la Cosa drew the world’s first atlas. I was most impressed to be standing in this room. It is dominated by a huge painting of the Virgin of the Navigators.
Virgin de los Mareantes - Virgin of Navigators
This enormous painting was painted by Alejo Fernandes in 1535. King Ferdinand is on the left in a gold cape. Columbus is the fair haired man on the right. Beside the painting is a model of Columbus’ ship Santa Maria.
Santa Maria
From here we headed to the King’s palace. He was known as Pedro the Cruel. Among other things he abandoned his wife and moved into the Alcazar with his mistress. It was designed to look like the Alhambra and contains many of the same features, beautiful pools, intricately decorated walls and ceilings and thick walls, designed to help make the building remain cool in Spain’s hot summers.
in the palace
detail over the door
looking up
isn't this exquisite?
a ceiling
another one
more exquisite walls
I want this at home
beautiful design
I love the tiles
From here we walked up the stairs to the Gothic wing. The enormous rooms have huge tapesties and beautiful tiles.
one of the huge tapestries
beautiful tiles
The palace has delightful gardens which could keep you busy for hours.
lots of work for someone
what a pity it won't fit in my courtyard
a simple but effective fountain
I love it!
a bronze Mercury in the pool
I love wisteria
I love these tiles
a quiet corner
The Alcazar ducks have carefully trained visitors to feed them.
clever ducks
wouldn't you love to sit here?
or sit on this?
and look at this?
The King and Queen of Spain stay at the Alcazar when they are in Seville. Who could blame them? I would never want to leave.