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Alcazar of Seville

Last updated: 13 March, 2024

Built in the 10th century for Seville’s Moorish governor, the Alcazar was converted into a palace by Pedro I, Christian King of Castile in the 1360s, making it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe.

Pedro brought in Moorish craftsmen from Granada and Toledo to create his dream home, and today their patios, tile work, tracery and arabesques are the most delightful features, culminating in the stunning Salon de Embajadores, where Charles V was married in 1526.

Charles later added his own palace to the Alcazar, decorated with priceless Flemish tapestries. And the gardens are simply enchanting.

Logistics

Price from: £11
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Be sure to book tickets online in advance to avoid the often-long queues.

There’s an extra charge for guided tours of the Cuarto Real Alto (the rooms used by the current Spanish royal family) which includes Pedro I’s stunning bedroom; for this you’ll need a euro coin for the locker for belongings, including your phone – photos are banned.

The Alcazar is near the cathedral; some guided tours include both, by day or night.

When to do it

The Alcazar’s gardens are best in April and May. Between March and October, take the nocturnal guided tour avoid the heat. Check the website for summer concerts in the garden.

Who to go with: organised tours

18

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

  • Seville

Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

Viator

Discover the main must-see monuments in Seville, with an expert guide and avoid queues at the entrance. Visit the Royal Alcazar Palace and the Cathedral, which are both recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. The Cathedral claims to be the largest Gothic cathedral in the world – built on the old mosque – and to hide treasures like the tomb of Christopher Columbus or the largest altarpiece of all Christendom. It has the famous Patio de los Naranjos and the emblematic Giralda, with almost one hundred meters high, both declared heritage and of great importance. The Royal Alcazars of Seville forms a set of the most recognized royal palaces in the world, for their beauty, for their architectural details and for their history. At the moment it continues being residence of the Spanish Royal Family in its visits to the city of Seville. It has been the scene of renowned shootings such as the famous television series “Game of Thrones” and is one of the oldest in Europe.

Price €54

Min age 0

Rating 4.60 / 5 [2162 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Alcazar of Seville Reduced-Group tour

  • Seville

Alcazar of Seville Reduced-Group tour

Viator

Inmerse yourself in the history and the secrets enclosed inside the Alcazar of Seville, on a reduced-group lead by an Expert Local Guide certified. Discover first-hand why this amazing site is consider one of the essentials in town. A 1h30min-walking tour to delve into the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The experience begins with its mafnificient complex of palaces and rooms in different architectural styles, from Mudejar to Gothic; followed by the marvellous gardens. Actually, you’ll learn why the Royal Palace is considered a brief of Sevilla’s history. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reduced-group. We bet on responsible tourism; thus we reduce the number of adults per group to 16-18, instead of the maximum of 30 allowed by authorities.

Price €38

Min age 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [863 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Cathedral, Alcazar and Giralda Guided Tour with Priority Tickets

  • Seville

Cathedral, Alcazar and Giralda Guided Tour with Priority Tickets

Viator

This fascinating tour will give you the opprtunity to visit the most important monuments in Seville: Cathedral, Alcazar and Giralda on a 3.5 hours tour. Cathedral of Seville is the biggest gothic temple in the world. The construction of this monument was dated back to the 15th century. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Alcazar, one of the most important royal palaces still in use in Europe. This fortified palace was built during different historical times, Islamic motifs, Baroque, Renaissance, and others. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Skip the line for these 2 monuments and ensure your tickets for your visit. This tour will be leaded by local Official Guides.

Price €50

Min age 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [597 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Alcazar of Seville Early Access English Tour with Optional Cathedral & Giralda

  • Seville

Alcazar of Seville Early Access English Tour with Optional Cathedral & Giralda

Viator

Get an early access to the Alcázar of Seville on this 1.5-hour tour. Enter the monument when they open the doors and be one of the first visitors. With your local tour guide, learn all the secrets that hides this incredible monument. Enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at its eclectic architecture, including influences from the Arabic period to the Baroque period. Learn about Spain's history, culture and religion through your guide's engaging narration and enjoy this building that has been scenario of series like Game of Thrones or movies like Lawrence the Arabia. If you choose the option, you will also get the change to visit the Cathedral of Seville, which was built in Gothic style and it is the largest cathedral in the world in this style.

Price €35

Min age 0

Rating 4.36 / 5 [572 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Website >

Alcazar of Seville Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

  • Seville

Alcazar of Seville Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

Viator

Discover the Royal Alcazar of Seville, declared a World Heritage Site in 1987. You will be amazed by its magnificience and magniture. You will also recognize some spots, because of the shooting of the famous series “Game of Thrones”. The origin of the Real Alcazar of Seville dates from the time of the High Middle Ages, although some areas of Islamic art that impress with its delicacy are preserved. In any case, Mudejar art and Gothic style predominate, but Renaissance and Baroque elements were added later. Over the centuries, it has been the residence of the members of the Spanish Royal Family in Seville. Even today, it remains for the exclusive use of royalty, except for tourist visits. This complex includes many wonderful features. The quaintest is the Patio de las Doncellas, with its ponds that reflect the intricate mudéjar plasterwork for which this palace is known for. Go on this guided tour with skip-the-line access and get amazed by its beauty and complexity!

Price €35

Min age 0

Rating 4.23 / 5 [313 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

2

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Seville

  • Andalusia, Spain

View of the cathedral looking up at the end of the nave and an intricate stone tower

Destination guide

Extravagant and sensuous, Spain’s fourth city entices with brilliant monuments, gardens, tapas bars, flamenco shows and full-on nightlife.

  • Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia

Destination guide

A big dazzling region, packed with fascinating cities, beautiful landscapes and beaches, colourful fiestas and oodles of sunshine.

Round-ups

1

Round-ups that include this experience

  • Multiple countries

100 World’s greatest historic buildings

Inspiration

The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.