I have to start this with a story from when I was a college student in Spain. I was part of the Cal State group that spent an entire academic year (most of us were juniors) in Madrid and Granada. A handful of the group were to study in Granada. One of our group trips was to the south of Spain to drop off the Granada students. On our way we stopped to see the mezquita in Córdoba and my memory told me that we stayed the night in Sevilla. I remember going to the cathedral and Plaza de España but I couldn’t figure out why we didn’t go to the alcázar. While doing the research for our trip in May 2010 I read about the alcázar and knew I had to see it. But it was buggin’ me why we didn’t go there all those years ago (it was 1980). After we returned from our trip in May 2010 I was looking at the scrapbook I put together from my year in Madrid and I came upon a receipt for the place we stayed overnight in……in Granada!! All these years I had pictured that we stayed the night in Sevilla!! No wonder we didn’t go to the alcázar, we did not have time!! I think we saw the mezquita in the morning, then Sevilla’s cathedral and Plaza de España in the afternoon and then made our way to Granada, spending the night there then went all the way back to Madrid the next day after what must have been a short trip to the Alhambra. Whew! What a weekend that was! and I barely remember it.
I absolutely loved the alcázar and was so glad we were able to see it on this trip. Without further ado, here are some of the highlights of our trip to the alcázar in Sevilla.
Entrance - Real Alcázar - Sevilla
Real Alcázar - Sevilla - Almohad wall from the 12th century
Patio de las Doncellas
Room after room of sheer beauty
Interesting window grates
Excellent tilework
Did I mention the bougainvillea?
The gardens were full of all kinds of things blooming, not the least of which was the bougainvillea. It was in full bloom everywhere we went. I created a separate post just to display some of those pics. It’s here: ah….the bougainvillea of España
The jacaranda trees were blooming, alas, it was hard to capture their beauty. This was an attempt.
Coat of arms tiles in the walkway of the gardens
A view of the alcázar from La Giralda
travels with toby 
just so beautiful!!
;)
thanks!
That tile work is exquisite!
it truly is! and there is TONS of it in the alcázar.
I have many similar photos too. Sevilla is beautiful.
yes, it’s one of my favorite cities in Spain. thanks for stopping by!
Great shots – you’re right, it’s a stunning building and such a good illustration of how well suited the architecture was to that climate :)
thanks! and now I want to go back……
I’m sure you do, with winter fast approaching … :)
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Great photos! After nearly nine years living in Seville, the Alcazar is still one of my favourite buildings. Perfect size to visit, fairytale-beautiful rooms and patios, and big, shady gardens. Did you know they have outdoor evening concerts and plays there in summer? Quite an experience, under the palms in the moonlight on a balmy night!
wow. how cool would that be to experience one of those outdoor concerts? nope, didn’t know that. how lovely!! I love the alcazar…..thanks for your comments as always :)