One of my favorite parts of long-term travel is discovering those tiny details that you might have missed the first time around. And one of the best places in Spain to look for such details is the Alcázar of Sevilla, the oldest royal palace in Europe that’s still used.
It’s no wonder the Alcázar ranks among my absolute favorite sights in Spain – the whole place glitters with golden surfaces, and each room is more intricately decorated than the last. Just about every inch is covered with an elegant detail, quite literally. When I studied abroad in Sevilla, I often had my lunch in the gardens because entry was free for students at the time (it’s a couple of euros now). I don’t have too many fond memories of my time in Sevilla, but that’s definitely one of them.
The city’s most famous sight may be the cathedral and its Giralda tower, but if you’re short on time I’d suggest skipping the inside of the cathedral and instead enjoy the much more extensive and unusual Alcázar. There are lots of cathedrals in Europe, but there are very few buildings like the Alcázar.
Besos!
-Jess
That place is crazy. We actually took a tour of it with my folks when they came to visit us in Sevilla. The guide made it even better with a great sense of humor and a lot of historical knowledge.
It’s definitely a must-see there.
We wrote a little story on it about a year ago if you want to check it out here: http://jetsliketaxis.com/2013/03/11/a-palace-in-stages-the-real-alcazar-in-seville-spain/
Love your site…thanks for posting about this and bringing back some very fond memories!
Ryan from Jets Like Taxis recently posted…Day Trip: A Visit to Valladolid, Mexico
Thanks Ryan! I agree, there’s so much to see in the Alcázar. Maybe I got the boring guide!
By the way, I shared your great post on the Alcázar on G+ this morning. 🙂 Cheers for a great read!
Nice!
Gracias! 🙂
I love this palace, it so charming. Mudejar style is one of my favourites. I like how fit the islam style in the christian architecture.
Miguel Ángel Otero Soliño recently posted…Basílica de San Miniato al Monte en Florencia
Same, it’s such a fascinating style.
I visited the Alcazar almost 7 years ago and it’s one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen. Like you, I was struck by the intricate details covering every surface. I’d love to go back and take a closer look.
Heather recently posted…The Royal Palace of Gödöllő, Hungary
Me too! I think I could go every day and still see a new detail.
I have many pleasant memories from my time in Seville last summer including the Alcazar. It is such a blur now as I saw the Alhambra and the Mezquita the two previous days. I too loved the detail though, taking hundreds of photos of the Alcazar and every place I visited in Spain.
Ardis recently posted…The Denial of A.D.D.
Oh that would definitely mix you up, all three share some similar features. I have so many pictures of all of them too!
I only visited the Alcazar once while I was living in Sevilla (it was when my dad came to visit), but almost ten years later I can still remember how absolutely incredible it was. I didn’t really care for Granada when I visited but often tell people if they’re short on time and are already committed to Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona to not be crazy and add Granada in as a side trip. Yes, the Alhambra is magical but I think the Alcazar is a worthy substitute but also in a much better city 🙂
Julie recently posted…Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Oakland, a photo essay
Haha it’s true that there’s more to do in Sevilla, although I am rather partial to Granada myself. You can’t miss the Alcazar though, it’s such a special building.
Hello Jess and sorry for my English because I am from Sevilla y olé!
Thank you very much for your article. I found it very funny, especially when you said talked about that one of the best places in Spain to look for such details is the Alcázar of Sevilla, the oldest royal palace in Europe that’s still used.
The city’s most famous sight may be the cathedral and its Giralda tower, but if you’re short on time I’d suggest skipping the inside of the cathedral and instead enjoy the much more extensive and unusual Alcázar.
There are lots of cathedrals in Europe, but there are very few buildings like the Alcázar.
Thank you very much again for this funny moment and best regards!
Eduardo recently posted…Artes marciales Sevilla: Top 3 sitios para aprender correctamente