If you are someone who loves visiting architectural marvels around the world then the Royal Alcazar de Sevilla should be on your list. While on a trip to Seville you should definitely take out time to visit this picturesque palace. This amazing structure provides a historic feast. Here you can witness the great jewel box of patios and beautiful halls with its gardens. These are perfumed with the refreshing scent of myrtle and jasmine making it one of the glorious palaces in Europe. For all those who plan to go to Seville even for a day, they cannot miss going to this palace.
However, in order to make sure you make the most of your time while visiting the Royal Alcazar de Sevilla, following the below information will be helpful for you. All the tips that you read below will enable you to have the best time at the palace. Without further ado, let’s get started.
- Learn About the History
It is always better to know some history of the palace as it will enable a person to contextualize what he sees. This is essential, otherwise, a person would just end up photographing and admiring the beautiful rooms, patios, and gardens. Seville has been the preferred city of residence of Spanish kings for over four centuries since the reconquest that happened in the early 13th Century. The palace was built by Pedro I on the site of a former Moorish alcázar between 1350 and 1369.
- Deceptive Appearance
The Royal Alcazar de Sevilla looks Moorish, however, you shouldn’t get fooled. Even though, the palace was designed and built by Muslim workers who were from Granada, for more than 100 years it was commissioned by a Christian king after the reconquest of Spain. It is one of the perfect surviving examples of Mudéjar architecture. The fusion of European and Moorish tastes along with the techniques was developed by Moors working under Christian rule.
- Visit at the Opening Time
The Royal Alcazar de Sevilla is one of the most popular sights not only in Andalusia but also in the whole of Spain. In order to make sure you don’t bump elbows with several camera-wielding tourists, it is advisable to plan your visit during the quieter times of the day. Even though there is a limit as to how many visitors can come to visit the palace at once, mostly tour groups come between late morning and early afternoon. On average, you will see more people visiting during the weekends, during the high season, and during holidays. Therefore, it is better to visit when the doors open in the morning and preferably during the low season and on a weekday. Avoid visiting during the high season from April to May, September, and Easter week.
- Have Sufficient Time on Hand
One of the important factors you need to consider is the time that you are going to spend in the Royal Alcazar de Sevilla. As it is a historic palace, having time on your hands is helpful. However, it completely depends on the person as to how much he wants to explore. Still, it is recommended to spare at least two hours for visiting the palaces and for exploring the gardens.
- Buy Your Ticket in Advance
The best time to visit is early on a wintery weekday morning as you don’t have to go to the ticket office and can easily get away with buying a ticket. However, the situation will be completely different if you visit in May during Saturday lunchtime. Therefore, it is recommended to book the tickets in advance to avoid being stuck in a queue under the hot summer sun. It doesn’t matter what time of year you plan to visit, having your ticket ready in advance saves a lot of time.
- Come with a Guide
For a person who is visiting the Royal Alcazar de Sevilla for the first time, hiring a guide will be helpful. Also, as the information around the site is minimal, having a guide along with you becomes essential. Without a guide, you will just end up looking at the attractive buildings and architecture. This is not what any visitor would like to happen.
- Give Enough Time to the Gardens
While visiting the Royal Alcazar de Sevilla, you should try giving around half of your time to the gardens. You will find that there is a lot that you can explore. The relaxing and rambling gardens have an eclectic style. The abundance of water features showcases the traditional Moorish garden design. A few of the things like water gushes from spouts and reflective, still ponds, and fountains tinkle create meditative spaces. If you visit in early Spring, you will be able to breathe in the sweet scent of the orange trees in the garden that are in bloom.
- Enjoy Views from the Patio de Banderas While Leaving
Lastly, when you exit the palace and go into the Patio de Banderas, you should take a moment to admire the breathtaking views of Seville Cathedral and La Giralda.
In the End
All the tips that you read above will enable you to have a great trip to the Royal Alcazar de Sevilla. These tips will be quite beneficial, especially for a person who will be visiting the palace for the first time. Plan your trip to Seville and have a memorable time.