Alcázares Reales de Sevilla
N 37° 23.054 W 005° 59.513
30S E 235107 N 4141699
The Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace in Seville, Spain. Originally a Moorish fort, the Alcázar has been expanded several times.
Waymark Code: WM28Q3
Location: Spain
Date Posted: 09/23/2007
Views: 71
Most of the modern Alcázar was built over Moorish ruins for King Pedro of Castile (also known as Pedro the Cruel) with construction beginning in 1364. Pedro used Moorish workers to build his palace giving it a distinctly Islamic design. The palace is one of the best remaining examples of mudéjar architecture, a style under Christian rule in Spain but using Islamic architectural influence. Subsequent monarchs have added their own additions to the Alcázar. Charles V's addition of gothic elements contrasts with the dominant Islamic style.
One of the most well known rooms in the Alcazar is the Patio de las Doncellas. The English name for this section is "The Courtyard of the Maidens." The name refers to the legend that the Moors demanded 100 virgins every year as tribute from Christian kingdoms in Spain.
The lower level of the Patio was built for Pedro I and includes inscriptions describing Pedro as a "sultan." Various lavish reception rooms are located on the sides of the Patio. In the center is a large, rectangular reflecting pool with sunken gardens on either side. For many years, the courtyard was entirely paved in marble with a fountain in the center. However, historical evidence showed the gardens and the reflecting pool were the original design and this arrangement was restored.
The upper story of the Patio was an addition made by Charles V. The addition was designed by Luis de Vega in the style of the Italian Renaissance although he did include both Renaissance and mudéjar plaster work in the decorations. Construction of the addition began in 1540 and ended in 1572.
Accessibility: Partial access
Condition: Intact
Admission Charge?: yes
Website: [Web Link]
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