Tucked behind the Giralda, across an open Plaza you will find the high walls of the Alcazar -– the Palace that has been the home of a succession of Spanish kings and leaders since its construction shortly after the Christian conquest in the 14th century. Its design is strongly influenced by the city’s previous occupants, the Moors, with their ornate Mudejar architecture. The palace has continued to be occupied until the present day –- it is still used by the current King and Queen of Spain (which has something of an impact on opening times, as you’d imagine).
As you’d expect for a building that’s been in continual use for six or seven centuries various sections have been added over time while others have been ‘modernised’. General Franco had something of an impact during his visits…not for the better as you might imagine. The most beautiful sections are the oldest –- the Mudejar influence can be seen in doorways, columns and ornate tilework –- but you can also see state rooms preserved from much more recent periods.
The real highlight for us was the gardens. There are immaculately maintained terraces with walled courtyards and a series of tranquil ponds. Fountains provide the soundtrack (along with your fellow visitors obviously) while you explore the avenues lined with manicured hedges and borders. It is a delightful place and, in February when the crowds are quite sparse, it was quite easy to lose yourself in the scents of the fruit trees and the dazzling array of workmanship that this palace contains.
The network of courtyards . . . the crafted gardens . . . the east-meets-west opulence -– if I was in the market for a palace, this would be top of my list. Sadly, the commute to Nottingham is a bit tricky. Otherwise . . .