Not far from Seville Cathedral and the Giralda lies another must-see attraction in the city. The Royal Alcázar of Seville was a popular destination long before Game of Thrones, and for good reason. The architecture of this historic royal palace is as unique as it is stunning.
The History of the Real Alcázar of Seville
The site of the Real Alcázar of Seville originally housed a palace from the time of the Abbadids. Around 1150, the Almohads began viewing Seville, rather than Córdoba, as the capital of Al-Andalus. This led to further expansion and reconstruction of the palace, which had existed since 712.
Today, however, little remains of the original Al Mubarak Palace, largely due to the reconquest of Andalusia by the Christian monarchs. Although the palace built between 1364 and 1366 reflects Mudéjar architecture, it was King Pedro I who commissioned its construction. Isabella and Ferdinand expanded the first floor, establishing the palace as the primary residence of the monarchy.
On 17 November 1729, Maria Antonia of Spain, later Queen of Sardinia-Piedmont, was born in the Real Alcázar. In 1987, the royal palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—a well-deserved recognition, as you’ll discover during your visit.
Today, the Real Alcázar of Seville is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, but it has also become a favourite of the entertainment industry. In 1962, it served as a filming location for Lawrence of Arabia. The Patio de las Doncellas appeared in the 2005 film Kingdom of Heaven, and the unique architecture of the palace was featured in Game of Thrones.
Royal Alcázar of Seville – Tickets and Directions
Tickets can be purchased on-site, but it’s strongly recommended to book them in advance. The Royal Alcázar of Seville is one of the highlights of any trip to Andalusia and is, therefore, extremely popular.
The Real Alcázar is located right next to Seville Cathedral, in the heart of the city’s old town. The entrance to the royal palace is easy to spot—it’s the brightly coloured Puerta del León (for ticket holders) or the nearby secondary entrance (for those without tickets).
Guided tours are usually available only in Spanish or English, but audio guides are offered in other languages as well. Tickets can be purchased online, and we recommend using GetYourGuide if you don’t speak Spanish. If you do, the official website of the Royal Alcazar is also a good option.
Visita Alcázar (from €14.50)
Visita Alcázar + Cuarto Real Alto (from €20)
Visitas Nocturnas Teatralizadas (from €15)
These tickets provide various options, including guided tour, skip the line, audio guides, and self-guided visits during the day or at night. You can also add the Cuarto Real Alto as an additional option for a more comprehensive experience.
Discounts are available for students, seniors over 65 from the EU, and children under 13. Residents or those born in Seville can enter for free. Additionally, you can visit the Real Alcázar for free during the last hour of opening on Mondays (entry at 16:00 or 16:30 during winter months).
Opening Hours
October to March: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
April to September: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed: January 1st, January 6th, Good Friday, and December 25th.
Key Facts for Your Visit to the Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Each year, over 2 million visitors travel to Andalusia to see the Real Alcázar of Seville and its gardens. The name comes from the Arabic word al-qaṣr, which traces its roots to the Latin castrum, meaning castle or palace.
The gardens of the Alcázar span over 70,000 m², so you should plan to spend around two hours exploring the site. Beyond the stunning greenery, once used to supply the palace residents with fresh produce, the Real Alcázar offers numerous awe-inspiring features:
Puerta del León
Patio de las Doncellas (Patio of the Maidens)
Los Baños de Doña María de Padilla
Salón de Embajadores
The royal palace boasts eight courtyards, over twenty remarkable rooms, and thirteen gardens—though the actual number may be even higher.
One section of the Alcázar is still used by the Spanish royal family. When they are not in residence, these rooms can be visited for an additional fee of approximately €5.
The Real Alcázar of Seville is a testament to its diverse history, with each era leaving a visible mark on its architecture. The Moorish influence is evident in the stunning tilework, breathtakingly ornate ceilings, and the beautifully designed gardens. These elements are not just impressive—they also preserve the cultural heritage of Andalusia.
While Mudéjar architecture dominates the complex, you’ll also find Gothic and Renaissance elements. These contrasting styles create a unique and magical harmony that reflects the rich history of the site.
Hotels Near the Real Alcazar
Your Visit to the Alcázar of Seville
You’ll need to select a time for your visit and make sure you don’t arrive too late. We recommend booking tickets for the morning, as it’s cooler and you can avoid long queues. For security reasons, personal details, including your passport number, will be required. You’ll also be subject to a security check and bag scanning before entering the Real Alcázar.
Once that’s behind you, you can fully enjoy the royal palace and its gardens. One of the many highlights is the Salón de Embajadores (Ambassadors' Hall) from the 16th century, with its beautifully Moorish-decorated ceiling.
Other notable areas include:
Patio de Banderas
Patio de las Muñecas
Galería de Grutesco
Sala de las Bóvedas
Jardín de las Damas (Ladies' Garden)
There’s so much to see in this royal palace that it’s impossible to cover everything in detail. That’s not our intention either, as we don’t want to spoil all the surprises the Real Alcázar has in store for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alcazar in Seville worth visiting?
The Alcazar in Seville is definitely worth visiting due to its stunning mix of Islamic and Christian architecture, beautiful courtyards, and lush gardens. Immerse yourself in the unique cultural integration that shaped Seville.
Is the Alcazar Seville free?
No, the entrance to the Alcazar Seville is not free. The price for entrance-only is €13.00 for individuals aged 8 and over.
Why is the Alcázar of Seville important?
The Alcázar of Seville is important because it is the oldest royal palace in Europe still in use today, dating back to the 11th century when it was built as a fortress to protect the city.
What is Mudéjar architecture?
Mudéjar architecture is a harmonious blend of Moorish and European styles, featuring stylized calligraphy, intricate geometric forms, and the use of brick and glazed tiles. It represents a unique cultural and artistic synthesis.
What scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed at the Alcazar of Seville?
The Ambassadors' Hall, Mercury's Pool, and the Baths of the Alcazar were some of the scenes from Game of Thrones that were filmed at the Alcazar of Seville. These locations provided stunning backdrops for the show's iconic moments.
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