Pedro the Cruel built this magnificent 14th-century mudéjar palace north of the cathedral. It's the oldest royal residence in Europe still in use: On visits to Seville, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía stay here. From the Dolls' Court to the Maidens' Court through the domed Ambassadors' Room, it contains some of the finest work of Sevillian artisans. In many ways it evokes the Alhambra at Granada. Ferdinand and Isabella, who at one time lived in the Alcázar and influenced its architectural evolution, welcomed Columbus here on his return from America.

Allow at least 2 hours to go through the palace complex and visit the gardens with their fountains and pavilions. You'll enter through the Puerta del León (Lion's Door), which is flanked by two towers. Continue straight ahead into the Patio de la Montería, where the court once assembled. In the audience chamber here, you can see a replica of the Santa María and an impressive altarpiece, Virgin of the Navigators, which was painted by Alejo Fernández in 1531.

From this courtyard the facade of the Palacio Pedro confronts you. Continue inside to reach the Patio de las Doncellas (Court of the Maidens), which was decorated by the most skilled architects who worked on Granada's Alhambra. An upper story was added to this exquisite patio of Moorish arches in the 1500s.

Other landmarks in this palace include the Salón de Embajadores (Ambassadors' Hall), constructed in 1427 and dominated by an impressive cedarwood cupola that is often described as a "half orange." This hall also has a trio of symmetrically arranged and ornate arches, each with three horseshoe arches.

The Salón del Techo is notable for its coffered ceiling, and the Patio de las Muñecas (Doll's Court) is small, but splendidly and delicately ornamented; it was also designed by the Alhambra's craftsmen.

The Salones de Carlos V lie to the immediate right (facing) Pedro's palace. These rooms are decorated with beautiful 16th-century azulejos (tiles), and contain a stunning collection of 16th-century tapestries from Brussels that depict the life of the emperor and his conquest of Tunis in 1535.

Save time for the gardens, a wonderful oasis from the heat of a summer day. The Jardín Inglés, modeled on 18th-century English gardens, dates to 1909, and the Jardín de los Poetas (Poets' Garden) features two ponds evocative of those once designed by the Arabs.

Open Hours

Oct-Mar Tues-Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 9:30am-1:30pm; Apr-Sept Tues-Sat 9:30am-7pm, Sun 9:30am-5pm

Prices Admission

5€ ($5.75)

Attraction type

Architectural building; Historic site