Alcázar Palaces & Gardens Experience, Seville

5.0 (1 review)
Discover the 1,000-year history of Seville's Real Alcázar on a two-hour guided walk through the palace complex.

Overview

Step back in time as you wander the UNESCO-listed Real Alcázar de Sevilla (Royal Alcázar of Seville) with a professional guide. Now used by the Spanish royal family, the 10th-century former Islamic citadel features grand palaces, ornate gardens, imposing gateways, and peaceful courtyards. Follow your guide as you learn about the history of the civilizations who controlled the complex and gain a deeper understanding of the city as a whole. You'll also enjoy free time afterward to explore the grounds independently.

Highlights

  • Discover the Real Alcázar de Sevilla, the oldest European royal palace complex still in use
  • Follow your knowledgeable guide through lush gardens, opulent palace rooms, and grand courtyards
  • Hear fascinating stories covering 1,000 years of history from your expert guide

Know before you go

Duration
2 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group, 10 people or less

What you'll do

Your excursion starts when you meet your knowledgeable guide at the Inmaculado Concepción statue in Plaza del Triunfo to get an introduction to the city before entering the Alcázar, which dates back to the 10th century when it was constructed by the Umayyad Caliphate on the remains of a Roman fort. The royal family still stays here while visiting Seville, making it the oldest European royal palace in use today.

Once inside the palace complex, you'll explore the Palacio del Yeso (Palace of Plaster) and the Sala de la Justicia (Justice Room), which King Alfonso XI added in the 14th century. Admire the different architectural and design styles as your guide recalls fascinating tales from the last 1,000 years. Your next stop will be the Casa de la Contratación (House of Trade), where you'll find the Cuarto del Almirante (Admiral's Room) and uncover Seville's important role in discovering the Americas.

You'll then follow your guide to the Palacio del Rey Don Pedro, a Mudejar-style palace built by Peter I, one of many kings who extended the complex. Here, you'll see a mixture of Moorish and Christian architecture, including one of the Alcázar's most striking features, the intricate Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens), which was used as a "Game of Thrones" filming location.

Finally, you'll stroll through the Palacio Gótico (Gothic Palace), which was added to the complex in the 13th century and features elaborate tilework depicting animals and flowers. Finish your walk at the Baños Doña María de Padilla (Baths of Lady Maria of Padilla), an underground cistern where rainwater was collected and stored for drinking. After two hours, you'll say goodbye to your guide and have free time to explore the Alcázar gardens on your own.

Start times

  • Daily
    10:30 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm

What's included

  • Expert local guide
  • Alcázar entrance tickets

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Traveler reviews

Adam
Adam G.
Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2024
I'm a kimkim staff member and I was on a work trip when I experienced this activity. One of the best and most historic monuments in Seville! I learned that the royal family still stays there in the upper rooms of the palace. The guide was very knowledgable! Read more

I'm a kimkim staff member and I was on a work trip when I experienced this activity. One of the best and most historic monuments in Seville! I learned that the royal family still stays there in the upper rooms of the palace. The guide was very knowledgable!

Tips for future travelers

You will have free time at the end of the tour to stay on the grounds as long as you'd like. I recommend walking around the gardens and enjoying a snack/drink at the garden cafe.

Quality of Experience
Because it is a famous monument you can expect large crowds on the property.

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started