The Royal Alcazar of Seville is a structure of complex palaces created by numerous monarchs and was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987. The Royal Alcazar is Europe’s oldest palace in use and the structure itself originates back to the 11th century due to Muslim authorities deciding to build a fortress to guarantee security for Seville. Specifically, it was designed to protect the plaza on the banks of the Guadalquivir river and accommodate the Muslim king’s residence while acting as the office for the state administration.

Despite being a one thousand year old architecture of Seville, the structure was kept well preserved due to each of the monarchs who ruled the palace upholding great admiration for it and contributing to the design. The Royal Alcazar encompasses vestiges from all ages from the Caliphate of Cordova to the modern day. 

With the Royal Alcazar being made up of diverse palaces and gardens that were designed during different historical periods, the structure offers a wide range of styles and combinations of different elements of Muslim, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic art.

When Ferdinand III, King of Castile, conquered Seville in 1248 he had only 4 years to admire the structure before dying within its walls. His successor, Alfonso X, also shared admiration for the Muslim architecture and decided to build his own palace inside the Alcazar of Seville using the Gothic art style.

During the second half of the 14th century, Peter I, King of Castile, had a cultural and religious tolerance towards the Muslim and Jewish religion and heavily admired the Islamic culture. Because of this tolerance, he utilized Arab artisans to build a new palace between 1364 and 1366 which is now known as the Palace of King Peter I. This palace was converted into the regular residence of the Kings of Castile and was later occupied by the Kings of Spain.

Another room of importance inside the Alcazar of Seville was the House of Trade which was a room that became the meeting point for the nobility that participated in hunts organized by the Spanish Kings. In the year 1504, it served a purpose to control trade with the Americas and became the center of the first global empire in the history of mankind. It controlled and monopolized American goods coming into the Sevillian port and was the place of creating laws that regulated trade.

The gardens of the Royal Alcazar were created during Muslim rule and every detail was taken into account to stimulate the senses with a variety of herbs and flowers as well as trees ordered in geometric patterns. The Muslim constructed the garden similar to an oasis tied with the ideals of the Koran that had views on a garden paradise. However, after the Christian Conquest for the reign of Emperor Charles V, the ancient Muslim gardens changed from their original layout to adapt to the changing tastes of the royal court over the large period of time the palace was occupied. 

Whether you’re a student or professor, taking a tour of the Royal Alcazar is an excellent way to gain an understanding of the beautiful structures created by a vast majority of people with different backgrounds and art styles. Also, with it being a world heritage site, it’s a must thing to do if you ever find yourself in Seville. For more information, please check out the Further Information page.