The Real Alcazar is a fortified Moorish palace located in Seville and built on the order of the first Caliph of Andalucia in 913. The construction of the current building began in the 14th century and is the best example of the Mudejar architectural style on the Iberian Peninsula. Nevertheless, the fusion of Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements can be seen in the palace's numerous rooms, patios and halls today.
Many monarchs have later chosen the beautiful fort as their residence and even today the King of Spain stays here when visiting Seville. The Real Alcazar is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Among the must-sees of the Real Alcazar Palace are first the Puerta del León which is the main entrance to the palace with a crowned lion proudly rising above it. One of the most renowned patios in the palace is the Patio de la Montera, the Hunting Patio. The beautifully decorated Ambassadors Room, famous for the carved arches and tile designs, is worth seeing as well.
The next place not to miss is the House of Trade, erected by the Catholic Monarchs in 1503 to regulate trade with the colonies in the recently discovered Americas. It was the House of Trade's chapel where Columbus met with Ferdinand and Isabella after his second voyage, and today there hangs the famous painting "The Virgin of the Navigators", depicting the discovery of the New World and one of the earliest paintings portraying Columbus.
Apart from the breathtaking rooms and patios, the Real Alcazar is also famous for its outstanding gardens. The gardens vary in style and design and were founded in different periods of time. Yet the orchards with fruit trees, a wide variety of fragrant flowers all in the peaceful setting of ponds, fountains and pools make them a magical place to take a stroll.