Royal Alcazar Seville – Guide and Tickets

Tourist Information for Visiting the Royal Alcazar Seville

The Royal Alcazar Seville is a historic palace in the city of Seville that is (even to this day) used as a royal residence for the King of Spain.

The palace is visually stunning, and it’s not just a place for history buffs or architecture enthusiasts; the unique design and beautifully maintained gardens make it one of the most visited attractions in Seville.

Royal Alcazar Seville General Information
Location	Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain. Puerta de Jerez metro station (20 mins walk)
Opening Times	Winter Season (October to March): 9:30AM – 5PM, Summer Season (April to September): 9:30 AM – 7PM Closed on Easter Friday, December 25th, January 1st and January 6th
Entry and Tickets	Royal Alcazar entry tickets start from €15.50 for adults (Book Tickets Online) Consider the Super Seville Combi Ticket if you also intend to include the cathedral

Royal Alcazar Seville Tickets and Tours

How to buy tickets to Royal Alcazar In 2024 the Royal Alcazar Seville can accommodate roughly 750 visitors at a time, and during peak seasons, the wait times can become quite extensive. There are even some instances where tickets sell out on the day. To avoid disappointment, we advise to make online reservations in advance to guarantee entry and bypass the lengthy queues. (Book Tickets Online) Consider booking the Super Seville Combi Ticket if you also intend to include the Seville Cathedral to save money! Powered by GetYourGuide

Guided Tours for Royal Alcazar Guided Royal Alcazar tours start from just €32 and include entrance to the palace (Book your guided tour here) There is the option for an audio device to rent from the ticket office in the Alcazar. However, I have found the personal guided tours below to be a lot more thorough and easier to follow.

History of the Royal Alcazar Seville

The Royal Alcazar Seville originated as an Islamic fortress in the 10th century during the Umayyad dynasty and used as a symbol of Islamic rule.

After the Christians took over the South of Spain in the 13th century, the Alcazar was transformed to a Christian palace, with additional gothic elements incorporated into its design.

Over the centuries, the palace underwent further transformations, which is where you can see the Mudejar and Renaissance influences. During Spain’s Golden Age in the 16th century, the plaace was again expanded with Baroque and Neoclassical elements added.

In 1987, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is Seville’s most popular attraction, featuring stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a unique blend of architectural styles.

A full detailed history of the Royal Alcazar can be found on the official website.

What to see in the Royal Alcazar Seville

One of the must-see areas within the Royal Alcazar is the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens). This is the most photographed part of Alacazar and chances are you’ve seen it beforehand. There is a reason for this – it’s stunning! The patio is a fine example of Moorish design with arches, detailed tile work, and a feature pool/fountain as its centerpiece.

Check out the Palacio de Don Pedro which is the best example of the crossover and combination of Moorish and Christian architecture. There is some very detailed carvings and paint work that has a fascinating history.

I also love the Casa de la Contratación (contractors room) which houses the famous The Virgin of the Navigators painting which is said to depict Christopher Columbus and links him to the Spanish empire and the church.

The Gardens of the Alcazar is my favourite area in the palace, and probably my favourite in the whole of Seville. Depending on the time of year you visit and the weather conditions the gardens are full of beautiful orange trees which make for superb photos.

On top of this the gardens are full of plants, ponds, fountains and perfectly crafted hedge mazes. The garden is immaculate and almost has a romantic feel about it.

Be sure to check out the interior of the palace, including looking at some the Royal apartments. These are as plush as you would imagine, and are actually still used today by the royal family of Spain. When the king is visiting Seville, he will stay here and the Alacazar is closed off to the public.

Royal Alcazar Seville Location and How to Get There

The Royal Alcazar is located in central Seville, in the Centro district, making it convenient to visit alongside a large number of Seville’s top attractions.

It is simple to walk to the palace from the centre, and it is easy to get to via public transport. The metro takes you just 15 minutes walk away if you get off at Archivo de Indias.

You can get to the Royal Alcazar by taking the tram. The closest tram stop is Puerta Jerez which is then a 10 minute walk to the palace.

With regards to buses, you can take any of the following TUSSAM buses (03, 28, 38A, EA, M-132), and get off at Paseo Colon, which is just a 3 minute walk to the palace.

Was Royal Alcazar Seville used in Game of Thrones?

Yes, the Royal Alcazar of Seville was used as a filming location in the popular television series Game of Thrones.

It was featured in the series as the location for the Water Gardens of Dorne, the palace of House Martell in the fictional region of Dorne with the architecture, gardens, and water features making it the perfect choice.

Scenes involving characters such as Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand were filmed within the Alcazar’s premises, and its appearance in the series has led to Game of Thrones specific tours around Seville.

FAQs

How long to Visit the Royal Alcazar Seville?

I would say on average it takes around 2 to 3 hours to explore the main areas of the palace and gardens. If you’re a bit more of a history enthusiast, you may want to allocate more time to fully appreciate the intricate details and historical significance.

During peak tourist seasons, it’s advisable to arrive early to make the most of your time.

Do I need to purchase Alcazar Seville tickets in advance?

While it’s not mandatory to purchase tickets in advance, it is highly recommended, especially during the busy tourist season.

Booking your tickets online in advance allows you to skip the often long ticket lines at the entrance and guarantees your entry, ensuring you won’t be turned away if the Alcazar reaches its capacity limit.

Can you take photos inside the Real Alcazar Seville?

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Real Alcazar; however, there are some restrictions on taking photos with the flash in certain rooms. Any no flash zones are indicated with signs.

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