xo amys

The UNESCO Real (Royal) Alcázar is the royal palace of Seville built for the Christian king Peter of Castile. It is located right in the centre of the old town, tucked between large stone walls right in front of the cathedral. The royal quarters allow you to step back into history and culture, giving you a scenic experience.

However, Since Alcázar allows a limited amount of people per day to visit the palace, make sure to book your tickets online from the official site (www.alcazarsevilla.org), to ensure entrance and to minimize your queuing. Go early to avoid the lines and spare yourself the crowds!  If you ever visit Seville, I believe the Alcázar experience is a must-see and makes the loveliest morning stroll to work up an appetite for some tapas. If you prefer something a little smaller but equally as beautiful, have a stroll around Casa De Pilatos, for some more architectural stimulation. We visited both sites on different days, both during mornings (9am) when they just open, to avoid larger crowds.

With extensive gardens and well-manicured trimmings all around the manner, peacocks roamed free and the atmosphere was very relaxing and whimsical. In true Mudejar, the rooms group around the courtyards. In the garden there was a little café and numerous little nooks to unwind, as the day got hotter. The palace was stunning, with a similar architectural style running throughout many places in Seville. The Moorish details took over the building facades and it really is a feast for the eyes. The tapestry collection is outstanding and shows the craftsmanship and detail that goes into each piece. The gardens have been used in the game of thrones and still to this day, the palace remains a royal family residence.

After a few hours spent walking around the royal grounds, we headed back into the old town for some pre-tapas, so we stopped at a cozy little bar that served lots of tuna dishes. We ate tuna belly and different types of tuna and enjoyed a full bodied rioja before doing a little more exploring and eating.