Learn About the History of the Alcázar
The streets of Seville in Spain are winding and undulating in a generous labyrinth of history, culture, and remnants of the past. Travelers may still feel stirrings of the relationship between Christianity and Islam as they witness the magnificent beauty of Alcázar of Seville or the Royal Alcázars of Seville. The Alcázar is an exemplar when it comes to ancient Mudéjar architecture, integrating Andalusian design with Arabic influences.
- The Real Alcázar is located at Patio de Banderas in Seville, Spain
- The term ‘Alcázar’ is an Arabic word, translated to mean ‘castle’ or ‘palace’
- Constructed under Moorish rule, the original Alcázar was built sometime during the early 900s
- Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alcázar went through modification and renovation about 500 times
- It combines various architectural forms: Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance among others
Alcázar Seville History
At the beginning of the 10th century, Abd al-Rahman III, the then Caliph of Cordoba, ordered the construction of a fortified palace that would be used as the new government headquarters. This first structure was then expanded in the following centuries; in the 11th century, King Al-Mu’tamid ordered the construction of new stables and warehouses. Under the Ummayyad dynasty, Al-Mu’tamid also oversaw the construction Al-Mubarak palace, which soon became a cultural hub in the city.
As time passed through the reigns of the Almoravids and Almohades, over twelve palaces were built and demolished. Few remains have been preserved to date. The major shift in dynamic began when the Christians took over Seville. The Alcázar was converted into a place of residence. The most prominent change was during King Pedro I’s reign, when the palace was constructed under heavy Mudéjar influence.
In the 13th Century, during the Spanish Reconquista, the Alcázar went through major architectural changes, adopting a more Gothic and Romanesque element. The 16th Century brought more Renaissance influence, resulting in what we see today: a stunning amalgamation of various cultural influences.
Today, the Real Alcázar of Seville is one of the most important – and most-visited – sites in Southern Spain. Visitors might recognize it as the backdrop for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the hit TV series, Game of Thrones, and as the location for several noteworthy films such as Kingdom of Heaven and Lawrence of Arabia. The palace remains the official residence of the Royal Family in Seville.
