Alcazar of Sevilla

Having planned on spending the morning in the Alcazar and the afternoon in the cathedral we weren't prepared for what lay in wait for us behind those high towering walls of the Alcazar and the hours we would spend enjoying wandering in there. So much so it was the following day before we got to the cathedral.

The Alcazar is a complex of buildings from the original Arab fortress of the 12th century to extensions and patios and palaces built by successive monarchs. It is today the official residence of the Spanish royal family when in Sevilla. The Alcazar resembles the Alhambra but on a much smaller scale. It is another incredible example of the amazing Mudejar style architecture with its exquisite decoration, extravagant stucco ornamentation and ceramic tiles - amazingly the richness of the original colour still very much in evidence.


Absolutely beautiful gardens of tall palm trees, fountains, a maze and rather beautiful underground rainwater tanks known as The Baths of Lady Maria de Padilla and a high decorative colonnaded walk running the full length of the extensive grounds allowing views out across the gardens.
A tranquil and simply lovely place to linger and enjoy.



As an aside, according to Wikipedia,: Maria de Padilla was the mistress of Pedro the Cruel. Supposedly, Pedro fell for Maria and had her husband killed. Maria resisted his advances and poured boiling oil over her face to disfigure herself to stop Pedro's pursuit. She became a nun and moved to a convent afterwards. she is regarded as a symbol of purity in the culture of Sevilla.

The Baths of Maria de Padilla: