The stunning Alcazar Seville – a magnificent complex of palaces and gardens with its origins in the 10th century – rules every traveller’s itinerary when they visit Seville’s historic quarter. Featured in legendary movies (think, Lawerence of Arabia) and blockbuster TV offerings (think, Game of Thrones), Alcazar Seville is the oldest palace in Europe that’s still in use. And is a prime example of Mudéjar architecture – a stunning contribution of this region – that beautifully blends Christian and Islamic styles. Given the relentless crowds and the multi-layered history of the place, guided tours offer visitors the chance to make the most of their time here.
Read more to find out the best Alcazar Seville guided tours and how they add to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Reasons to choose an Alcazar Seville guided tour
Get priority entrance
Ranking high among the millions of tourists who flock to Seville, each day, choosing a guided tour gets you past the snaking lines in record speed.
An expert will guide you
To say that Alcazar Seville is steeped in history would be an understatement! Learn everything that’s worth knowing about this magical place with a knowledgeable guide.
Access restricted areas
Since Alcazar Seville is still in use, there are many areas where entry is restricted. This won’t be a problem for those on a guided tour, making your visit even more special.
Save time
Your guide will easily navigate this enormous complex and the crowds with ease, cutting down on wasted time. This means you can soak in more of Alcazar Seville and the city itself!
Flexible timings
You can choose from several options to select a date and time that makes the most sense to you. Visit this monumental complex on your terms by fitting it neatly into your travel itinerary.
Best Alcazar Seville Tours
Guided Tours
Combo Guided Tours
Skip The Line Alcázar Seville
Alcazar Seville: Skip-the-line versus combo tours?
1Skip the line tour
One of the foremost historical sites in Spain’s Andalusia, Alcazar Seville’s every inch brims with history and legend. A guided tour is the best way to do full justice to your trip here. However, there are plenty of tours – from straightforward skip-the-lines to action-packed combo tours that take you on a whirlwind city tour. For a memorable time, pick the tour that suits your budget, the amount of time you have in Seville, or if you want the flexibility of a free cancellation.
2 Combo tour
If you are in Seville for a short time and a visit to Alcazar takes the top spot on your wish list, sign up for the skip-the-line guided tours that give you quick access to the attraction along with an experienced guide with whom you will go on the ultimate exploration of Alcazar Seville. For those of you with several days in Seville, the combo tours take you on an adventure around Alcazar Seville and the rest of the city. Have an informed guide, by your side, as you discover the beauty of the Seville Cathedral, the Giralda Bell Tower and much more.
Inside Alcazar Seville: What to expect
Patio del Leon (Lion’s Courtyard)
A burnt-brick red facade showcasing a roaring lion greets you as you enter Alcazar Seville. This is the Lion’s Gate that opens out to the Patio del León (Lion’s Courtyard). Here, as you walk past green hedges, is a derelict wall with three archways – a leftover from the 12th-century Almohad period. On either side of the courtyards, visitors can gain access to the Sala de la Justicia (Hall of Justice) and the Patio del Yeso (Plasterwork Courtyard).
Sala de la Justicia (Hall of Justice)
Built by Alfonso XI, in the 1340s, Sala de la Justicia is the oldest Mudéjar structure in the compound. The square room’s walls feature Islamic plasterwork, replete with busy floral motifs and geometric shapes that sit beside the Castile-Leon coat of arms and the Order of the Band. At the centre of the room is a small fountain, surrounded by glazed tiles, that connects to an outdoor pool. However, it is the ceiling made up of interwoven, wooden beams and geometric flourishes – an elegant example of the Artesonada style (a Mudejar creation) - that steals the show.
Patio del Yeso (Plasterwork Courtyard)
Beyond the Sala de la Justicia sits the Patio del Yeso – a compact, rectangular space that features one of the last remaining structures of the Almohad era. On one side of the pool, three archways surrounded by floral latticework and supported by columns. At the centre sits a pool and on the opposite side are three bricked-up, lobed archways.
Palacio del Ray Don Pedro (Palace of King Peter)
Looming over Patio de la Montería (the Hunting Courtyard that’s studded with many architectural highlights), Palacio del Ray Don Pedro is Mudéjar architecture at its finest. It is believed that the Christian King Pedro sourced the finest Muslim artists and craftsmen from Seville, Toledo and Granada to erect this lavish monument that pays fitting homage to Islamic and Christian traditions.
The rectangular front is the first triumph as prominent wooden eaves surround traditional muqarnas (vaulted patterns that are integral to Islamic architecture). High above the main door, across blue tiling, Allah is heralded but the facade also bears an inscription that lavishes praise on the Christian Emperor. Around the door, is detailed ‘sebka’ ornamentation – interlacing floral patterns, again, attributed to Mudéjar architecture.
Inside, the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) is a serene space that’s made up of decorated archways, motif-heavy alcoves, colourful tiling and patterned, deep-hued ceilings. While the Courtyard of the Maidens was a public space, the Patio de las Muñecas (Patio of the Dolls) was meant to be the Queen’s private courtyard and is gorgeously adorned with relentlessly detailed plasterwork. The guided tour will also lead you through several other areas like the Prince’s Suite, the Prince’s Gardens and the Peacock Arch – each of them highlighting astonishing artistry.
However, the most stunning room in the Palace is undoubtedly the Salón de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors). Its most awe-striking detail, added in 1427, is its large, glowing dome that’s covered in star-like patterns and surrounded by honeycomb vaulting. The extravagant gilding, tile and plasterwork that run across the length and breadth of the room add to its sheen.
El Palacio Gótico (The Gothic Palace)
Built in the years after Castille took over from the Almohads, the Gothic Palace represents a new age in the history of Seville. The old Almohad Palace made way for this spacious palace of four rooms and halls marked by vaulted ceilings. First erected by Alfonso X in the 13th century, the palace has seen several edits over the centuries. Today, visitors drop by to gawk at the larger-than-life tapestries in the Tapestry Room and to gaze at the vast tracts of bright yellow and blue tilework that showcase Castilian heroes, mythical creatures, cherubs, and a dizzying array of flora and fauna.
Patio del Crucero (Courtyard of the Crossing)
Close to the Gothic Palace, the Courtyard of the Crossing was once the site of a two-level patio when the Almohads were around in the 12th century. Where you walk now is where the upper level of the patio, consisting of walkways, was and passersby could look down into the lush gardens below. However, impacted by an earthquake, in the 1750s, the lower level was filled in and what remains is an open courtyard filled with square hedges and trees.
Casa de la Contratación (House of Commerce)
Another highlight of the Patio de la Montería, this stately building was established under the Crown of Seville in 1503. It was largely aimed at promoting and regulating trade with newly colonised parts of the Americas and Asia, known then as the Indies. On your visit, you can also head to the nearby Salón del Almirante (Admiral’s Hall) and the Sala de Audiencias (Chapter House) that showcase paintings, tapestries and artful hand fans.
Cuarto Real Alto (Upper Royal Quarters)
Alcazar Seville still serves as a royal dwelling and the Upper Royal Quarters are where the family stations themselves when they are in the historic city. For an extra fee, curious visitors can sign up for 30-minute guided tours that spotlight the reception hall and Pedro I’s bedroom.
Alcazar Seville Gardens
As enthralling as the monuments themselves, Alcazar Seville’s gardens are a calming oasis, best visited after you tour the compound’s historical buildings. There are now close to 200 flora species and over 20,000 plants in this well-managed green expanse and the roaming peacocks only add to the delight. There is plenty to explore here too. Make your way past the Jardín de la Danza (Garden of the Dance) to access the underground Baños de Doña María de Padilla (María de Padilla Baths) - a cool, vaulted crypt that makes for stunning viewing (and pictures). Outside, the Galeria de Grutesco (Grotto Gallery) is a transformed Almohad-era wall that is now a stony gallery featuring Renaissance-era paintings.
Rules and regulations
- Carry your ticket at all times, throughout your visit. Inability to produce your ticket can get you expelled from the premises.
- Tickets have to be presented with a passport or a local DNI ID. Entry is not granted to those without valid ID proof.
- While there is no strict dress code, it is best to dress casually and comfortably.
- Pets are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs who are allowed in only after submitting valid certifications.
- Food and drinks are not allowed inside the Alcazar complex. You can only carry a bottle of water.
- Tickets to the Upper Royal Rooms are timed and if you don’t get there on time, you’ll end up losing your chance to tour the place.
- All kinds of photography are strictly forbidden in the Upper Royal Rooms.
- Flash photography and the use of selfie sticks are not allowed in all areas of Alcazar Seville.
Ready to Explore Seville?
Check out the top things to do in Seville and plan your vacation like a pro!
