The Royal Alcazar of Seville was built in the 14th century. The site where it was built is even older, dating back to the 10th Century during the Caliphate of Cordoba. The term Alcazar comes from the Arabic al-qasr meaning "the castle" or "the palace". Initially housing a citadel, the site was expanded by various reigning dynasties across the 12th and 13th centuries until the Castilian conquest of Seville in 1248. The palace we know today began construction under King Pedro I during the 1360s. The complex is a wonderful example of the Mudejar style of architecture popular in Spain from the 13th-16th centuries. Heavily influenced by the Muslims who remained in Spain after the reconquest, Mudejar architecture is categorized by intricate geometric patterns, stylized calligraphy, the horseshoe arch, and decorative tilework. These features are often seen alongside more traditional Christian styles such as the Gothic or Romanesque, and such coexistence is a testament to the blending of different religious and cultural traditions in medieval Spain.
The Alcazar of Seville is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest royal palace in Europe. The upper floors of the palace are still used by the Spanish monarchs when they come to Seville. The palace is known for its lush gardens, designed to serve both an aesthetic function and provide fresh produce for the royal court. It also has great historical significance, as the Alcazar was where Queen Isabella agreed to provide financial backing for Christopher Columbus to embark upon his voyage to the New World in 1492. More recently, many scenes from the popular TV series Game of Thrones were filmed in the Alcazar which was used as the setting for the Kingdom of Dorne.
Get acquainted with Seville's architecture, history, and culture on this private half-day tour visiting three of its most important monuments: the Royal Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and La Giralda.
On your private tour, you will:
No visit to Seville would be complete without entering the Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and la Giralda. Our private half-day highlights tour of Seville will help you discover the city’s history from its Roman origins to the flourishing Muslim empire and eventual Christian Reconquest, right up to the bustling metropolis of the present day.
The capital of Andalusia, and 4th largest city in Spain, Seville is a truly charming city that delights visitors all year round. Once you meet with your guide, your personalized journey to Seville’s cultural epicentre will begin with a stroll through the winding streets of Casco Antiguo (historic centre) to arrive at our first stop: Seville Cathedral.
You will spend time exploring this impressive Gothic site, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Your guide will start with an in-depth look at the facade, which includes some typical features of the Gothic style of architecture including complex stonework, flying buttresses, and pointed arches. You will then proceed to the interior of the cathedral, also known as Santa Maria de la Sede, to marvel at its elaborate interior.
With your expert guide well-versed in local history, you will learn about the evolution of the building over the centuries, from its original construction as a mosque in the 12th century to its transformation into a stunning Christian Cathedral designed to serve the city’s devout Catholic population and show off Seville’s newfound affluence since it had become a major trading port in the years following the Reconquista in 1248. The Cathedral also serves as the final resting place of the legendary explorer Christopher Columbus so you can pass by his tomb and also see the wide variety of religious art and relics.
Upon exiting the Cathedral, your combined tickets will allow you to climb to the top of the bell tower, commonly known as La Giralda. Your private guide will give you some free time so you ascend the tower at your own pace and admire the stunning views of Seville from the summit. You will notice that the interior of the tower contains ramps instead of stairs, dating back to a time when people would go up on horseback.
Once you complete your descent of la Giralda, your guide will take you to the next stop: the Royal Alcazar of Seville. This beautiful palace dates back to the 14th century, and much like the Cathedral and la Giralda, the site upon which it was built is even older, dating back to the 10th Century during the Caliphate of Cordoba. You will visit the different parts of the palace and its lush gardens where you can admire the Mudejar style of architecture characterized by intricate geometric patterns, decorative tilework, and even elegant calligraphy. You may recognize some of the sites covered from the popular television show Game of Thrones as the Alcazar of Seville was used as the backdrop for the fictional city of Dorne.
Your private tour will conclude at the Alcazar, where you can continue to explore on your own or return to the city centre armed with plenty of recommendations from your guide of other things to do and see in Seville. By the end of your time with your guide, you will have a much deeper understanding of the history and culture of Seville and the importance of its most famous masterpieces.
Take a trip back in time on our 2-hour private tour of the Royal Alcázar of Seville, one of Spain’s most breathtaking palaces and a living testament to centuries of cultural fusion. With tickets included and the undivided attention of a knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, tracing its origins from a 10th-century fortress to a royal residence still in use today. The Alcázar’s rich tapestry of architectural styles, from Mudéjar to Gothic and Renaissance, reflects the unique confluence of Islamic and Christian influences that have shaped its evolution.
On this 2-hour private tour, you will:
The Royal Alcazar of Seville is the oldest royal palace in Europe and a stunning example of the incredible legacy of the Moors in Spain’s history and architecture. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it enthrals visitors from all over the world and is still used by the Spanish Royals for official visits to this day. Its picturesque backdrop has also been immortalized onscreen thanks to memorable appearances on TV shows such as Game of Thrones. Explore the Alcazar with a knowledgeable local guide on this private 2-hour tour, helping you appreciate its beauty and cultural significance.
Your tour will begin at our conveniently located meeting point in Seville’s Casco Antiguo (historic centre) where your guide will be waiting with tickets procured ahead of time to allow seamless entry into one of the city’s most important monuments. After a short stroll through the charming streets, you will arrive at the Royal Alcazar. Your guide will provide an introduction to the extraordinary palace complex, which began life as an Islamic citadel and has become a pivotal piece of the city’s history, a palimpsest of the different civilizations that have marked Seville over the past millennium.
As you step inside the Alcazar, you will discover the stunning blend of architectural styles from intricate Mudéjar designs to Gothic and Renaissance influences. As you wander through its lavish halls and enchanting courtyards, your guide will bring the history to life, sharing fascinating stories of the Christian and Islamic cultures that shaped this extraordinary palace. You will visit the Palace of Peter I, a masterpiece of 14th-century Mudéjar design born of a desire to modernize the Alcazar and solidify the king's power and influence. Your guide can delve into the life of the ruler who commissioned it while you admire the intricate tilework, carved wooden ceilings, and arabesque arches that showcase the craftsmanship of Muslim artisans working under Christian rule. As you move through the palace, your guide will reveal hidden details in the architecture and decorations, offering insight into how this blending of cultures created something truly unique and special.
While the exact route of your tour may vary, you will likely pass through the Hall of Ambassadors, the Alcázar’s grand reception room, known for its dazzling golden domed ceiling and richly adorned walls. You will discover how this space was once the heart of royal ceremonies and diplomatic meetings. Nearby, the Tapestry Room offers a glimpse into Renaissance luxury, with its stunning collection of Flemish tapestries depicting scenes from myth and history. Your guide will share some of the important historical events that took place within the Alcazar itself, including when Christopher Columbus called upon the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella to seek their backing for his voyage of discovery to the New World.
No visit to the Alcazar would be complete without a visit to the lush palace gardens, a serene oasis filled with exotic plants, fountains, and shaded walkways. As you wander through this tranquil space, your guide will point out distinctive features, from emblematic Moorish designs like geometric flowerbeds, reflecting pools, and arched walkways that create a sense of symmetry and tranquillity, to later Renaissance additions, such as fountains and classical sculptures, which bring a touch of European elegance.
Whether you’re marvelling at the elaborate architecture or soaking in the peaceful beauty of the gardens, this tour offers a deep dive into the history, art, and culture that make the Royal Alcázar of Seville one of Spain's most esteemed monuments. As your time with your guide comes to an end, you will be left with lasting memories of one of the most remarkable palaces in the world.
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, shaped by a complex patchwork of different civilizations across the centuries. Known as Hispalis in ancient times, the city is thought to have been founded almost 3000 years ago and to this day, you can still see traces of the Romans, the Moors, the Visigoths, the Christians who established themselves after the Reconquest as well as the prestige and prosperity that came to the city after the voyages of discovery to the Americas. Taking an introductory tour on a traditional horse and carriage is a great way to get a feel for the city, allowing you to uncover the most captivating corners of Seville with the help of a local expert guide.
On this 90-minute carriage tour, you will:
Whether it’s your first time in Seville or you’re rediscovering its magic, this private horse carriage tour promises an elegant and immersive experience where you can sit back, relax, and let the beauty of Seville unfold before you. Your adventure begins at our centrally located meeting point, where your guide and driver will be waiting in a beautifully restored horse-drawn carriage, a nod to Seville’s rich equestrian heritage. After getting acquainted, you set off on a journey through the charming Santa Cruz district, the city’s historic epicentre where the narrow cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and hidden plazas create a romantic atmosphere that’s quintessentially Andalusian.
As the rhythmic sound of hooves fills the air, you’ll be transported back in time to an era when carriages ruled Seville’s streets. Your experienced driver and local guide will be with you every step of the way, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the city. You’ll be sure to see Seville Cathedral—the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and an integral part of the city’s skyline. Your guide can point out the intricate details of its facade and the grandeur of La Giralda, its emblematic bell tower, blending Islamic and Renaissance influences.
Your comprehensive route will continue past the majestic Alcázar, a royal palace that has served as a residence for Spanish rulers since the Middle Ages. Its stunning architecture and lush gardens are a testament to the harmonious blend of Moorish and Christian influences that define Andalusian culture. As your carriage makes its way through the city, learn about the fascinating history of other key buildings like the Royal Tobacco Factory, the inspiration behind the world-famous opera Carmen.
You’ll also spend some time along the banks of the emblematic Guadalquivir River, where the Torre del Oro stands as a sentinel of Seville’s maritime history. This striking 13th-century military watchtower, once used to protect the city’s bustling port, gleams in the sunlight, earning its name, the "Golden Tower." You may pass by the opulent Hotel Alfonso XIII, a symbol of Seville’s transformation during the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Here you will learn how this grand event shaped the city’s modern identity, leaving behind architectural marvels and an enduring cultural legacy.
You will continue through the lovely Maria Luisa Park, a lush oasis that serves as the perfect backdrop to Plaza de España, one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks. Built for the 1929 Exposition, this architectural masterpiece features a sweeping semi-circular design, ornate bridges, and dazzling tile work that celebrates Spain’s 50 provinces.
As your carriage comes to a graceful stop, you are free to spend more time drinking in the unique atmosphere of Plaza de España, where your guide can happily provide further recommendations for dining and sightseeing nearby. You will leave with fond memories of your time together and a deeper appreciation for Seville’s intricate history, timeless charm, and cultural vibrancy.
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