The 10 most visited monuments in Seville

A visit to the Royal Alcazar can be divided into two distinct aspects: the palaces and the gardens. There is no one-way system and the views can be seen in any order and multiple times. However, for visitors it is quite sensible, if you prefer to visit the palace on your own, the best option is to follow the numbers on the free map offered by the site so as not to miss the spaces that are open to the public.

The highlights of a visit to the Royal Alcazar include:

The Plaster Palace

The Plaster Palace is the only surviving part from the Islamic era in the complex of the Royal Alcazar of Seville. It was built by the Almohads in the 12th century and is an exceptional example of Almohad architecture in Spain. The palace features minimalist decoration and is used for temporary exhibitions and special events.

The House of Trade

The House of Trade is one of the oldest buildings in the Royal Alcazar of Seville and was the trading house where explorers reported to the Spanish Crown about their trips to America. This building features a magnificent interior courtyard and a beautiful Renaissance staircase leading to the upper rooms.

The Palace of King Don Pedro

The Palace of King Don Pedro is the undisputed highlight of the complex of the Royal Alcazar of Seville. It was built in the 14th century by King Pedro I and is a masterpiece of Spanish Mudéjar art. The palace features an impressive decoration of tiles, intricate carvings, and beautiful arches. Visitors can explore the different rooms, including the Hall of Justice, the Hall of Audiences, and the Hall of Ambassadors.

The Upper Royal Quarters

The Upper Royal Quarters is a section of the palace that houses the optional royal apartments. This section was built in the 13th century and features simple and elegant decoration. Visitors can explore the different rooms, including the Bed Chamber and the Room of the Kings.

The Gothic Palace

The Gothic Palace is a section of the complex of the Royal Alcazar of Seville that features fine tiles and tapestries. This section was built in the 15th century and features impressive Gothic decoration. Visitors can explore the different rooms, including the Tapestries Room and the Tiles Room.

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Puerta del León entrance to the Real Alcazar

The entrance to the Real Alcázar complex is through the Puerta del León which leads to the Patio del León. Although the name dates from the Islamic period, and the fortified walls are in the Almohad Caliphate style , the tiles with the crowned lion are from the late 19th century. The columns and the wall and arches on the far side giving access to the rest of the complex are among the oldest parts of the complex.

Gothic palace in the Real Alcázar

The ocher Gothic palace is almost a century older than the Mudejar masterpiece . It was erected by Alfonso X between 1252 and 1284, but was modified over the centuries and repaired after extensive damage following the Lisbon earthquake. The gothic vaulting makes the ceilings less interesting than those of the Mudejar palace with the main attraction here being the 16th century tiled tiled walls.

The palace also has large tapestries depicting the conquest of Tunis (1535). Charles V brought the painter Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen on his campaign to paint the events in the 16th century. The tapestries for these paintings were made in Belgium at one period, but the tapestries on display are copies produced in Spain in the 1730s.

Palace of King Don Pedro in Seville

The highlight of the Real Alcázar is the Mudéjar palace of King Pedro I (Peter the cruel or the just, depending on who is telling the story). His political and personal life was complicated, including being married to three women at the same time and finally being assassinated by his half-brother.

This magnificent palace was built for Pedro I by Arab artisans from Granada. Unlike the Alhambra in Granada which was used by the Arab rulers of al-Andalus, this palace was built by Arab builders (mainly from Granada and Cordoba) for the Catholic king in the Mudejar style that combined elements of Islamic and Christian styles.

Gardens of the Real Alcázar of Seville

The sprawling gardens of the Real Alcázar of Seville are a joy to explore in all seasons. In spring and summer it is a riot of colour. Even in late winter, there is still plenty of greenery and citrus to be seen.

The design of the monument changed several times through the centuries, but it still has a variety of styles. The smaller formal gardens closest to the palaces are the most intimate and often almost courtyard-like. Further afield, the style changed more to an English landscape garden . Water features, sculptures and other decorations are scattered throughout the area to provide entertainment and different aspects. Oranges, lemon trees and palm trees abound everywhere.

Royal Alcázar of Seville schedules

The Real Alcázar opens daily at 9:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM from October to March and at 7:00 PM from April to September.

The best times to visit are during the early hours or in the afternoon: tour groups and bus parties are more common in the morning. Later in the afternoon, the palace will become progressively quieter, but don't go too late: several buildings start to close around half an hour after the last admission times mentioned above.

Tickets for the Real Alcázar

General admission to the Real Alcázar is €13.50. Students from 17 to 25 years old and over 65 years old pay €6. Admission is free for children under 13 and the last hour for every Monday.

The purchase of tickets online has a fee of € 1 more.

We have a wide variety of guided tours available for the Real Alcázar , great tours for all those who want to do this tour with a professional and official guide.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Royal Alcazar of Seville

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Royal Alcazar of Seville:

1. What are the opening hours of the Royal Alcazar?

The Royal Alcazar is open every day of the week, except for January 1st and December 25th. The opening hours vary depending on the season. For up-to-date information on the opening hours, visit the official website of the Royal Alcazar.

2. Can I buy tickets online for the Royal Alcazar?

Yes, you can buy tickets online for the Royal Alcazar through the official website. Online tickets allow you to avoid long queues at the entrance and ensure that you will have access to the complex on the day and time you desire.

3. How long does it take to visit the Royal Alcazar?

The time it takes to visit the Royal Alcazar varies depending on your interest and availability of time. Generally, it is recommended to dedicate at least two hours to thoroughly explore the complex. However, if you want to explore every detail of the palaces and gardens, you may need more time.

A visit to the Royal Alcazar can be divided into two distinct aspects: the palaces and the gardens. There is no one-way system and the views can be seen in any order and several times. However, for visitors, it is quite sensible, if you prefer to visit the palace on your own, to follow the numbers on the free map provided by the venue to not miss out on spaces that are open to the public.

 

02 Seville Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See or Seville Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Seville, Andalusia, Spain. The building was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and is situated near the Alcazar complex and the General Archive of the Indies . The main room of the church houses the main altar and the main altarpiece is the Gothic crypt. The nave is lined with carved arches and adorned with mosaics and other religious icons.

The south transept houses the Tomb of Christopher Columbus, which was originally built for the Cathedral of Havana, Cuba. After Cuba lost the Spanish-American War in 1898, the cathedral moved the tomb to Seville. Inside you will find other works by Murillo, Campana and Zurbarán. You will also find the magnificent and inspiring ceiling of the Capilla Mayor, which is the crypt of the Cathedral .

The crypt is one of the oldest buildings in the city and contains a large wooden altarpiece. Its wooden carvings measure 20m high and 23m long, making it the largest Gothic altar in the world. It took 80 years to carve the 45 panels. A large amount of gold was used to cover the High Altar , making it the largest in the world. The cathedral's ribbed vaults are an exceptional example of a melting pot of cultures.

The cathedral has 138 stained glass windows . The oldest is from the 13th century, but it does not bear the name of the great explorer. Another interesting feature is the tomb of Hernando Colón under the ground. The son of Christopher, Columbus donated his library of some 6,000 books to the church.

Next to the Cathedral, the Giralda Tower is the most important element of the Cathedral. This magnificent monument is 108 meters high and an imposing presence. It is crowned by a statue of victorious faith called the Giraldillo.

For many years, the Giralda was considered the tallest building in the city . Now La Torre Pelli - Torre Sevilla has become the tallest building in Seville and also in Andalusia. Its 178 meters have ended the dominance of the Towers of Hercules in Los Barrios in the city of Cadiz, which are 126 meters high.

The roof of the Cathedral is a huge wooden structure covered with mosaics. The spire is a great example of the history of a medieval cathedral.

The cathedral has a unique roof that offers a unique view of the city and its surroundings. From the roof of the cathedral you can see its impressive views of the city. Visitors can also take a tour of the cathedral's rooftop terrace.

The cathedral has been a Christian church for over a thousand years and, another excuse to see it in person, it is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world in terms of size.

 

03 Discover the Magnificent El Palacio de las Dueñas in Sevilla

El Palacio de las Dueñas is one of the most beautiful buildings in Sevilla. It's a stunning example of late Renaissance architecture with Moorish and Gothic influences, and it's considered one of the city's greatest architectural treasures. Originally built in the early 15th century by King Fernando II de Castilla, a visit to La Casa de las Dueñas is one of the best things to do in Sevilla if you're interested in history and architecture.

The palace, which is the current home of the Duke of Alba, is an excellent example of Andalusian architecture. It's also an excellent example of the eclectic mix of Moorish, Renaissance, and Gothic styles. The palace dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries and is located on the site of the former Santa Maria de las Dueñas monastery. The palace has been a popular destination for European royalty and other personalities since its inception.

The palace was built on the site of the medieval monastery of Santa Maria de las Dueñas, which was destroyed by the Moors in 1868. The name derives from the nuns who lived in the nearby monastery. The palace's design has influences from Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Additionally, four magnificent gardens and two courtyards have been added to the palace's beauty.

If you're interested in history and architecture, El Palacio de las Dueñas is a must-visit destination in Sevilla. The palace's rich history and beautiful architecture make it one of the most fascinating sites in the city.

The History of El Palacio de las Dueñas

The history of El Palacio de las Dueñas dates back to the 15th century when it was built by King Fernando II de Castilla. The palace was built on the site of the former Santa Maria de las Dueñas monastery, which was destroyed by the Moors in 1868.

The palace's design is an excellent example of the eclectic mix of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. It features four magnificent gardens and two courtyards, which have been added to the palace's beauty over the centuries.

Over the years, El Palacio de las Dueñas has been a popular destination for European royalty and other personalities. The palace's rich history and beautiful architecture make it one of the most fascinating sites in the city.

What to See and Do at El Palacio de las Dueñas

El Palacio de las Dueñas is a must-visit destination in Sevilla for history and architecture enthusiasts. Here are some of the palace's top attractions:

1. The Palace Courtyards: The palace features two beautiful courtyards, the Patio de la Montería and the Patio de las Doncellas. Both courtyards are stunning examples of Mudéjar architecture and are a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.
2. The Palace Gardens: El Palacio de las Dueñas features four magnificent gardens, each with its own unique character and beauty. The gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the palace's surroundings.
3. The Palace Interior: The palace's interior is a treasure trove of beautiful architecture and artwork. Visitors can explore the palace's many rooms, each one filled with stunning artwork and historic artifacts. The palace's exquisite decoration and furnishing offer visitors an insight into the lifestyle of the Spanish aristocracy.One of the most impressive features of the palace's interior is the stunning central courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by intricate stonework and ornate carvings, and visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can also explore the palace's impressive collection of artwork. The collection includes works by some of Spain's most famous artists, including Francisco de Zurbarán, Diego Velázquez, and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.
4. The Palace Gardens: The palace is also home to four magnificent gardens that are open to the public. Each garden has its own unique charm and character, and visitors can spend hours exploring the winding paths, fountains, and flower beds. The gardens are an oasis of peace and tranquility in the heart of bustling Seville.
5. Visiting the Palace: The Palacio de las Dueñas is open to visitors throughout the year, and guided tours are available in both English and Spanish. Visitors can also explore the palace on their own using an audio guide, which is available in several languages.

The Palacio de las Dueñas is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history, art, and culture of Spain. The palace's stunning architecture, impressive art collection, and beautiful gardens make it one of the most popular attractions in Seville. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history and culture of Spain by exploring the palace's many rooms and gardens.

Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to relax, the Palacio de las Dueñas has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to explore one of Seville's most beautiful and historic buildings.

04 Church of the Divine Savior

Explore the Impressive Iglesia del Divino Salvador in Sevilla

If you're planning a trip to Sevilla, a visit to the Iglesia del Divino Salvador is a must. This former mosque turned Roman Catholic church is an architectural masterpiece, featuring ornate altars and a raised nave in Baroque style. Built in the 16th century and destroyed in the 17th, the interior of the church still boasts some impressive works of art. Step inside and learn about the city's history and culture from a Christian perspective.

The Iglesia Colegial Del Divino Salvador has a beautiful Gothic exterior, and the interiors are equally stunning. There are many paintings and relics to explore inside. The building is located on the site of an ancient mosque. The caliphal mosque of Ibn Adabbas held great importance for the city, and the Christians allowed the mosque to remain until 1340. Today, it features one of the largest stained-glass windows in the world.

Situated at Plaza del Salvador No. 3 in Sevilla, the church is the city's second-largest and most beautiful. Its courtyard is filled with ancient ruins and remnants from the Visigoth and Roman periods. Whether you're a history buff or a religious scholar, the Iglesia del Divino Salvador is a sight to behold.

When you're in Sevilla, don't miss the chance to marvel at the stunning Iglesia del Divino Salvador. The church is a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture, with a rich history and cultural significance. The ornate interiors and impressive stained-glass window are just a few of the highlights you'll encounter. Whether you're looking to learn more about the city's history or simply admire the beauty of its architecture, the Iglesia del Divino Salvador is a must-visit destination.

Cathedral Tour: Discover the Beauty of Seville's Cathedral

What to see and do at the Church of the Divine Savior in Seville? Here are some options:

• Enjoy the beautiful Gothic exterior of the church.
• Explore the interiors and admire the numerous paintings and relics found inside.
• Learn more about the city's history and religious influence through the displayed artworks.
• Stroll through the courtyard and discover the remains of the Visigothic and Roman eras.
• Admire the impressive Baroque-style main altar.
• See the world's largest stained glass window located in the church.
• Explore the numerous paintings and relics inside the church.
• Learn about the history of Seville and its transformation from a mosque to a Catholic church.

Tips for Visiting the Church of the Divine Savior in Seville

To make the most of your visit to the Church of the Divine Savior in Seville, we recommend some tips:

• Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
• Visit the church early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes for walking inside the church.
• If you wish to take photographs, ask first if it is allowed and respect the church's rules.

05 Seville Bullring

The Seville bullring is one of the most important bullfighting venues in the world. The venue can hold up to 12,000 spectators and is also home to one of the most famous bullfighting festivals in the world. In fact, the Seville bullring is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Seville and in Spain. You can see the famous show at the Real Maestranza de Caballera bullring.

The bullring was designed by a French architect in the early 19th century. The architecture of the bullring was influenced by the Baroque style and was characterized by its distinctive oval shape. The architectural features of the building, built in the late Baroque style, were particularly impressive. Its elaborate architecture was a work of art in itself and has evolved over the last 200 years.

The Plaza de Toros de Sevilla houses the oldest bullfighting arena in the country. The arena was completed in 1881 and is the oldest bullring in Spain. The building is made of stone and wood. The lines are decorated with mosaics and colored murals . The lines are covered by a protective awning. The museum offers educational material to educate the general public about the history of bullfighting.

The bullring has an impressive collection of objects from the past. The museum of the bullring in Seville shows the history of bullfighting in the city and contains a cape by Picasso. The bullfighting season begins in April and continues intermittently until October. Tickets can be purchased at a box office inside the bullring. Carmen, the famous Spanish gypsy story, was murdered by Don José in the bullring.

The first bullring in Seville that was built in 1749 had a rectangular enclosure. The square enclosure had five arches. The current one, with 30 unequal sides , was completed in 1766. Interestingly, it is not a circular structure, but a polygon with thirty unequal sides. And although Seville's bullring wasn't completed in its original form until 1881, it was finished in stone.

Emblematic building of Seville, originally, the seats were made of stone . However, in 1914 they were replaced by bricks.

It is an ideal place to see a bullfight or to learn more about the culture of Seville.

06 The Royal Cavalry Maestranza of Seville

The Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla was founded in 1730 by the Brotherhood of San Hermenegildo y Caballeresca. Its main function is the training of officers for the army and the bullring of the city.

Since its formation, the Real Maestranza de Caballería has undergone numerous reforms. In the following years, the city's Royal Maestranza de Caballería grew to become one of the most respected in Spain.

In addition, it is responsible for organizing various public events in the city, such as horse shows and rodeos.

The Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, or RMCS, was formed from the remains of the Brotherhood of San Hermenegildo. The RMCS was initially formed to train nobles and officers for the army.

The history of the Sevillian nobility goes back to the conquest of the city by Fernando III of Castile. The king's knights founded a brotherhood of knights dedicated to Saint Hermenegild . The group acted under the auspices of the Catholic Church and trained young noblemen in different skills. He was also dedicated to the breeding of horses and bulls.

Over time, the military component of the knightly fraternity ceased to be relevant, and the members of the RMCS devoted themselves to other aspects of ecclesiastical life, such as the promotion of traditional bullfighting and equestrian sports.

Throughout the history of the Maestranza, several bulls have been pardoned for their merits. The first of them was Zancajoso in 1861, from the cattle ranch of Atanasio Martín.

07 House of Pilate

The Casa de Pilatos is an Andalusian palace in Seville that was the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli. It is an Italian Renaissance building with touches of Mudejar decoration and the famous tiles. The patio and gardens are a good place to relax, and the colorful tiles stand out. It is considered by many to be the prototype of the traditional Andalusian palace .

The interior features a courtyard with an Italian marble front door and colorful tiled floors. A 16th-century arcaded courtyard leads to the main courtyard of the palace, which is lined with 24 busts of emperors , including the legendary King Philip II.

The rooms are beautifully furnished and decorated and the colorful tiles are the highlight of this beautiful palace. A marble fountain dominates the courtyard. The Casa de Pilatos is a beautiful example of Mudejar architecture, and its architecture is quite impressive.

One of the most striking features of this palace is the staircase, known as the world's first staircase. It is built with marble and thousands of tiles, and connects the upper and lower floors.

The golden dome on the ceiling is reminiscent of the Hall of Ambassadors in the Reales Alcázares. The interior of the Casa de Pilatos is decorated with exquisite pieces of gold and silver . It is one of only four domes of this type in the world, and its beauty makes it even more special.

Although the Casa de Pilatos is not as impressive as the Alcázar, it is a worthy alternative to it and well worth a visit . Just keep in mind that there is no cafeteria inside, which is unusual for a Sevillian palace. The house is open from 9 in the morning until 7 in the evening. There are no public bathrooms, but there are toilets.

The name is due to a visit to Jerusalem, when Fadrique Enríquez de Ribera calculated the distance between Pontius Pilate and Golgotha, and later gave the house that name.

It is no wonder that the Casa de Pilatos has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The building is an important part of the city's history and is well worth a visit. The tiles, mosaics and interiors are stunning. And don't miss the beautiful courtyard and gardens. The house is one of the most famous places to see the Passion of Christ in Seville.

The house is one of the largest private residences in Seville and having been in the hands of several monarchs is really fascinating.

It is worth visiting if you are in Seville, its unique layout and decoration make it a must for lovers of history and art.

08 TRIANA BRIDGE

The Isabel II Bridge, also known as the Triana Bridge, is a metal arch bridge in Seville, Spain.

It connects the Triana neighborhood with the rest of the city. It crosses the Canal de Alfonso XIII, a branch of the Guadalquivir River that is one of the best-known riverbeds in the city. The bridge is one of the most iconic structures in the city, as well as a major tourist attraction.

The bridge has a unique history, as it is one of the first solid steel and iron bridges in Spain.

Designed by Gustave Steinacher and Ferdinand Bernadet , the Triana Bridge was built in 1884. It was inspired by the Pont du Carrousel in Paris.

It was closed for a time to prevent damage to the city's historic buildings. However, the new structure is still a very popular tourist spot today.

The construction of the bridge was completed in the year 1171. The bridge was originally a boat bridge, but later became an Islamic fortress dedicated to St. George.

The castle ruins were excavated from the Triana market and now house a museum dedicated to tolerance. The alley of the Inquisition is the place where prisoners were taken to be burned at the stake.

The Triana Bridge is an emblematic monument much appreciated by travelers and where you can see a lot of activity on the Guadalquivir River such as canoeing and kayaking.

09 Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville is a museum in Seville that mainly collects Spanish visual arts from medieval times to the beginning of the 20th century.

The collection ranges from ancient pottery and glass to modern painting. Their collections are unique and span many different time periods, so there is something for everyone.

If you are planning a trip to Seville and you love pictorial art, visiting the Seville Arts Museum is a good decision. It will inspire you to expand your knowledge of art and learn about the history of the city's culture.

The oldest pieces date back to the 15th century and are grouped by genre. This museum also has an extensive collection of religious-themed works , which were looted from the monasteries by the Spanish government in the 1830s. The Murillo Collection contains a selection of large canvases by the Sevillian artist of the 17th century.

The main façade comes from the original convent, and the ceiling is decorated with images of the Virgen de la Merced, San Pedro Nolasco and King Jaime I of Aragón.

The main structure of the museum is divided into three courtyards connected by a wide staircase. Several original convents are represented in the building, such as that of San Pablo de Aragón and that of the Order of Merced Calzada de la Asunción.

10 Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art

The Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo de Sevilla is a unique museum located in a converted historic monastery.

This museum displays the latest in contemporary art and offers a wide range of exhibitions, workshops and concerts.

The Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo is housed in a former ceramics factory, and this unique museum location allows you to enjoy a beautiful afternoon without missing out on the city's most popular attractions.

The museum's interest in contemporary Andalusian creativity is reflected in the permanent collection , which includes works by established artists. In addition, the center frequently organizes thematic exhibitions based on its own collection.

The collections are continually growing, and you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the country's most innovative artists .

The Center's permanent collection dates back to 1997, when it acquired the funds from the Cartuja Monastery.

Among them are works by Lucio Fontana, Candida Hofer, Rebecca Horn and Louise Bourgeois. The permanent collection is diverse and focuses on contemporary Andalusian creativity.

The historic site of the Monasterio de la Cartuja is worth a visit. The historic buildings of the old monastery, as well as the church and sacristy, serve as a backdrop to a different kind of day dedicated to walking and relaxation.