When it comes to history, few European cities rival that of Seville.
Known for its rich and layered past dating back more than two thousand years, the Andalusian capital has seen a variety of cultures and civilizations, all of whom have added to the city’s vibrant tapestry. One such example is the Alcazar Seville, also known as the Real Alcazar Seville or the Royal Alcazar of Seville. When you visit Alcazar Seville, you enter a palace complex whose story is woven into the very fabric of the city. People sometimes refer to it as the Alcazar Palace Seville, and this spectacular monument remains a must-see for anyone exploring southern Spain.
Continue reading for everything you need to know about this iconic attraction, plus how you can see it without any crowds (a truly epic experience).
Alcazar Seville in three words: Magnificence, beauty, history.
Brief history
The name “Alcazar” comes from the Arabic word for both castle and palace, and the Royal Alcazar sits today on land that previously housed an Islamic-era fortress. Peter of Castile ordered the construction of the palace you can visit today after Christians reconquered the city in the 12th century. Over the centuries, the Alcazar has displayed many different faces. Even though you see Arabic influences in the design, layout, and decoration, very little from the original Abbadid dynasty remains.
The intricate details throughout Seville’s Alcazar make it one of the most stunning landmarks in Spain.
Visiting the Alcazar
You find the Alcazar near the Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies, and its fortified stone walls intrigue every curious traveler. While the Cathedral impresses you with its artwork and displays of art, gold, and silverwork, the Alcazar captivates with its Mudéjar architecture—a blend of Arabic, Gothic, and Romanesque features. Christians developed this style in the years after the Muslim conquest of 1492.
Fun Fact: Even though the city of Seville owns the Alcazar today, the upper residences still serve as an official residence for the Spanish Royal Family.
Seville offers a wealth of attractions and must-see sights, including the beautiful Royal Alcazar.
Highlights of the Alcazar Seville
Of all the site’s incredible features, few surpass the palace’s exquisite tile decoration. You can admire rooms adorned in majolica and arista, styles developed when Seville thrived as a major trade center. The Alcazar delights any ceramic lover. You should pay close attention to each pattern; often, you can spot how the master tilers of the day signed off on their work.
When you visit the Royal Alcazar, don’t miss these highlights:
- The stunning tilework throughout the palace
- The Patio de las Doncellas, with its decorative water feature and citrus trees
- The Ambassador’s Hall, featuring marble, painted tile, and a breathtaking ceiling
- Filming locations from Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia
- The lush gardens, home to exotic species and the rare organ fountain
The tiles inside the Alcazar are simply stunning. Photo credit: Alex Quezada
No palatial residence is complete without a grand patio, and the Patio de las Doncellas stands out. Its decorative water feature, flanked with citrus trees, captivated location scouts looking for a place to film the fictional Dornish capital of Sunspear for HBO’s Game of Thrones.
The Patio de las Doncellas at Seville’s Alcazar.
Just beyond the Patio, you will find the Ambassador’s Hall, the ancient throne room that Peter the Cruel made the centerpiece of his Royal Palace. You will marvel at the lavish marble, painted tile, and the spectacular ceiling—many visitors wish they had a better camera! These halls and rooms hosted some key moments in European history, including Christopher Columbus petitioning King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to sail to the New World. Let this breathtaking example of royal living transport you back in time.
Look up! Photo credit: Angel Luciano
You might think Game of Thrones was the only drama filmed here, but that’s not true. Adjacent to the Patio de las Doncellas, you can head upstairs to the Gothic Palace, which appeared in the 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia. Some of the highlights here include:
- Grand windows that open onto the garden
- Tilework depicting monarchs of old
- A stunning collection of tapestries showing key moments from Spain’s colonial past
However, you will discover even more…
After you finish exploring the palace’s interior, step outside and immerse yourself in Alcazar’s unmistakable garden. Monarchs have transformed and expanded the garden over the centuries, yet its intricate irrigation channels, ponds, and pools still showcase how royalty once lived.
You will find plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the exotic trees, flowers, and plants. The viewing galleries and resident peacocks add to the experience, so make sure you set aside some time for these once-private gardens, now open to all. If you time your visit right, you might hear the hourly sounds of the garden’s organ fountain, one of only four preserved hydraulic organs in the world!
The beauty inside the Royal Alcazár cannot be understated. Photo credit: Matthew Waring
Summer spectacular: Alcazar Seville’s Fun-Filled Nights
Depending on the season, you can enjoy the Alcazar beyond traditional tours. The palace hosts a variety of events, historical exhibitions, and concerts throughout the year.
A highlight, Noches en los Jardines del Real Alcázar (Nights in the Alcazar), features summer concerts with local and national talent over 75 special nights from June to September. Because summer temperatures often make afternoon sightseeing difficult, these concerts offer the perfect evening escape. You can find tickets and more information on their official website during the summer.
If you’re in Seville during the summer, check out the Noches en los Jardines del Real Alcázar. Photo credit: Marco Nürnberger
Alcazar Seville: Make the most out of your visit
As one of Seville’s most visited attractions, you should expect lines to get in if you don’t have a ticket. For this reason, always purchase your tickets in advance.
Securing a ticket is one thing, but enjoying the grounds when they aren’t completely swamped with visitors is another.
To ensure the best experience, you should:
- Purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons
- Join an exclusive early access tour of the Alcazar
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Consider a guided tour to learn more about the site’s rich history
Experiencing the Alcazar with just a handful of other VIPs and your expert guide creates pure magic.
Join us →Alone in the Alcazar: Exclusive Early Access Tour
The beauty of being alone in the Alcazar.
Where to eat near the Alcazar Seville
You will find plenty of options for breakfast or lunch near the Alcazar. Santa Cruz is centrally located; however, it can be challenging to find a truly local spot amidst the touristy places. For the best experience, sign up for one of our small-group Seville Food Tours where local experts show you the city’s best dishes and eateries.
The mollete: A classic in Seville. Photo credit: Tirithel
Breakfast in Seville
- Bar Santa Cruz “Las Columnas”: Even though you find this spot on one of Seville’s main thoroughfares by the Cathedral, Bar Santa Cruz retains its special charm. Top your toast with their pringá, a local specialty of spiced meat, or go for the classic tostada Andaluz (toast topped with oil, tomatoes, and jamón ibérico).
Lunch in Seville
- Casa Roman, Las Teresas, Casa Plácido, or Vineria San Telmo. For traditional tapas—both cold and hot—head to Roman, Teresas, or Plácido, where homemade food and a familiar feel have kept locals coming back for decades. If you want something more modern with a great selection of local wines, Vineria will not disappoint. Try Teresas’ delightful acorn-fed Iberian ham, the fried fish in Casa Roman, and the spinach and chickpeas prepared daily in Plácido. Should you end up in Vineria, their take on pluma ibérica (a cut of pork just above the shoulder) is a must!
Spinach and chickpeas (espinacas con garbanzos) is a classic tapa in Seville. Photo credit: Daniel Aguilar
Alcazar Seville: Escaping the crowds
While you can choose from a variety of tours, imagine bypassing the crowds and enjoying exclusive access to the palace before it opens to the public. You can do exactly that with our Alone in the Alcazar: Exclusive Early Access Tour.
Our knowledgeable Seville guides will lead you on a private journey through the palace’s halls and gardens, giving you an intimate experience reminiscent of the palace’s royal history.
Without crowds spoiling that perfect photo or reflective view, and with an expert English-speaking guide at your service for 90 minutes, you will experience the Alcazar in a unique and special way with Walks.
Trust us—there is no other way to truly experience this jewel of Sevillano history.
VIP early access to the Alcazar grants you extra time and space to fully immerse yourself in this remarkable historical treasure.
FAQ: Royal Alcazar of Seville
What is the difference between the Alcazar Seville, Real Alcazar Seville, and Royal Alcazar of Seville?
You refer to the same incredible site with all these names: the palace complex in Seville that has served as a royal residence for centuries. “Real Alcazar Seville” is the Spanish name, while “Royal Alcazar of Seville” and “Alcazar Seville” are the most common English versions. Some people also call it the Alcazar Palace Seville.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance to visit Alcazar Seville?
Yes, you should purchase your tickets in advance. The Alcazar Seville is one of the city’s top attractions and often sells out, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking ahead guarantees your spot and helps you avoid long lines.
What are the must-see highlights when visiting the Royal Alcazar of Seville?
You should not miss the stunning tilework, the Patio de las Doncellas, the Ambassador’s Hall, and the lush gardens. Fans of Game of Thrones will also recognize several filming locations throughout the palace. The entire Royal Alcazar of Seville is rich in history, beauty, and architectural marvels.
Can I visit Alcazar Seville without the crowds?
Yes! The best way to experience the Real Alcazar Seville without crowds is to join an exclusive early access tour, which allows you to explore the palace before it opens to the public. This provides a more intimate and magical experience.
Is the Alcazar Palace Seville still used by the Spanish Royal Family?
Yes, the upper floors of the Alcazar Palace Seville still serve as an official residence of the Spanish Royal Family when they are in Seville. The rest of the complex is open for you to explore.