Visit the Alcázar of Seville: tickets, rates, opening hours

Are you keen to experience a culture-filled Spanish getaway under the Andalusian sun? Discover Seville, an intimate yet dazzling city. Here is everything you need to know to visit the Alcázar of Seville!

Seville is one of those cities that slowly seduces you. From the arresting beauty of its historical monuments and the intensity of flamenco music, Seville is the fascinating heir to a prestigious past. This contrasted city, sitting at the crossroads of Eastern and Western culture, offers a pleasant climate all year round, though temperatures are blazing hot in summer. The cradle of a rich and diverse historical heritage, Seville is a modern city, offering a wide array of cultural attractions. The Alcázar of Seville – referred to by locals as Real Alcázar – is one of the city’s architectural gems, an absolute must-see during your stay in the Andalusian capital.

In this article, we’ve compiled all the essential information you need to know to visit the Alcázar of Seville!

Also read : The 11 best things to do in Seville

Visit of the Alcazar of Seville: a little history

Initially built in the 10th century by the Moorish rulers that ruled Southern Spain until the siege of Granada, and subsequently revamped many times during its eleven centuries of existence, the Seville Alcázar, or Real Alcázar, is a majestic royal palace, a breathtaking example of Mudéjar architecture. Today, the palace still occasionally hosts the royal family during their visits to Seville. The Alcázar represents, in many ways, a faithful illustration of the history of Seville, marked by the diversity of cultures and the city’s mixed heritage. While its original structure dates back to the Middle Ages, the entire palace has been strongly influenced by different architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque.

The palace consists of endless rooms finely decorated with plaster, earthenware, and coffered ceilings. The Alcázar’s magnificent surrounding gardens contribute to creating a captivating ensemble. Like the Cathedral of Seville and the Archivo de Indias, the Alcázar of Seville was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.

You can’t stay in the Andalusian capital without visiting the Seville Alcázar! Here’s all the practical information you need to know before you visit Real Alcázar.

What to see in the Alcázar of Seville?

Visit the Alcázar of Seville and take the time to explore its countless history-filled rooms, the interior patio, and the carefully manicured gardens. Immerse yourself in the history of Seville as you make your way between the age-old walls of the palace. The Real Alcázar de Sevilla is located just opposite the famous cathedral of Seville. Visitors access the complex through the famous Puerta del León (“Lion Gate”) on Plaza del Triunfo. The main entrance to the Alcázar takes its name from the 19th-century tile-work inlaid above it, a crowned lion holding a cross in its claws and bearing a Gothic script.

As you pass through Puerta del León, you will walk through a series of gardens and courtyards, probably one of the most arresting features in this palace. Contemplate the palace’s rare beauty, and let yourself be rocked by the sound of the fountains and artificial lakes.

Here are the Alcázar’s definite must-sees:

• The Jardín de la Danza (Garden of the Dance)
• The Jardín del Retiro (Garden of the Marquis de la Vega Inclán)
• The Baños de María Padilla, an underground room with Gothic vaults
• The Estanque of Mercurio (the Mercury Fountain)
• The Palacio Mudéjar (also known as Palacio de Pedro I)
• The Patio de las Doncellas (Patio of the Maidens)
• The Patio de las Muñecas (Patio of the Dolls)
• The Cuarto del Príncipe (Prince’s Suite)
• The Alcoba real (Royal Quarters)
• The Palacio gótico (Gothic Palace)
• The Salón de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors) and its magnificent vault from 1427
• The Salón de Tapices, famous for its collection of tapestries
• The Pabellón de Carlos V (Charles V Pavilion)
• The Cuarto Real Alto (Upper Royal Quarters)

To experience a more interesting and informed visit, visitors can opt for audio guides. There are also night visits: a chance to attend one of the nighttime theatrical performances that tell all the palace’s secrets. And if you are in Seville on a Monday, you can visit many monuments and palaces for free, including the Alcázar. In any case, make sure you book your visit in advance and don’t miss out on the nearly adjacent Plaza de Espana and its park if you need a break.

How to get to the Alcázar in Seville

Real Alcázar de Sevilla is located in the center of the city, just next to the cathedral. Here are the different ways to get to the Alcázar:

• By bus: from Plaza de Armas, take line C4, towards “Puerta de Jerez.” The entrance of the Alcázar will be less than 300 meters away.
• By train: the Alcázar de Sevilla is only two kilometers away from Santa Justa station.
• By metro: from the station, take line 1 towards Ciudad Expo and get off at the “Puerta de Jerez” station.

In additionn depending on where you are staying in Seville, you can also simply walk to the Alcazar, although be aware that in the Sevillian heat, even a short walk can become quite a hassle.

The Alcazar of Seville: rates and opening hours

You can visit the Alcázar almost every day, but the timetables vary according to the time of year.

OPENING DAYS AND HOURS
Opening hours from October to March: Monday to Sunday, from 09:30 to 17:00.
Opening hours from April to September: Monday to Sunday, from 09:30 to 19:00.
Closed on January 1st and 6th, Good Friday, and December 25th.

PRICES

• General entrance rate: €11.50
• Reduced price (pensioners, and students between 17 and 25 years old): €3
• Audioguide: €5
• Special entrance to the Royal Hall: this entrance is limited to the organized visit of the Royal Hall located in the upper part of King Don Pedro’s palace. €4.50
• Night visit: €14
• Guided tour: €28.50