Exploring Seville: Day 2:

The Real Alcázar is spread across 100,00 sqm and 75% of the complex is made up of the Alcazar gardens, which have over 20,000 plants. So, when planning your visit it’s worth allowing yourself a full half-day to explore the Palace, gardens and upper head quarters.

The Palace was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, spanning over 1000 years of royal history. It’s on the best examples of Mudejar architecture in Seville.

Mudéjar – the application of traditional technical, ornamental and decorative elements to derive a distinctive  architectural style, with romanesque and gothic influences.

I feel in love with Mudéjar decoration – the stylised calligraphy and intricate geometric forms make a unique sight. It’s actually hard to get the beauty of this place across in photos.

The stunning gold ceiling of the Ambassador’s Hall.

The Royal Palace is still in use in Europe and the royal family lives in the quarters on the first floor of the palace. These rooms are known at the Cuarto Real Alto. To visit these royal apartments you will need an additional ticket, the rooms are open in half hour slots between 10am and 1.30pm daily, and only 30 people are allowed in one slot.

The rules are strict and you cannot bring any luggage, so there is a locker to store any personal items – worth being prepared with €1 readily available for the lockers.=

Hours:

October to March: From Monday to Sunday, 09:30 to 17:00
April to September: From Monday to Sunday, 09:30 to 19:00

Closed on the 1st and 6th of January, Good Friday and the 25th of December
Free Mondays 16:00 to 17:00 (October-March) and 18:00 to 19:00 (April-September)

The Courtyard of the Maidens – symbolising the myths and legends of the Palace.

As you walk around the gardens of the Real Alcázar you will notice its many low fountains, representing Islamic origin. They were initially built low in the ground to symbolise a spiritual purpose, range than to represent wealth.

The Jardín del Principe (the Garden of the Prince) is modelled off the “Paradise Garden”, an early representation of the Garden of Eden.

For lunch, head to Freidura Puerta de la Carne to  enjoy fried seafood on the terrace. Founded in 1929, it’s a family business that offers a pick and mix menu.

They charge by weight, so once you have picked your order they’ll wrap it up in a paper cone and you can grab a sidewalk table, where the restaurant staff from the establishment opposite will take your drinks order.

Serving seafood from  prawns to the traditional bacalao.

Hours: 1.00pm – 5.00pm and 7.00pm to 12.00pm

A trip to Seville doesn’t feel complete without a wine tasting experience. There’s a foodie shop. Mimo, in the lobby of the Hotel Alfonso XIII hosts a two-hour wine tasting session.

To our surprise, and despite there only being two of us, we were greeted by our host Juan who guided us on our own exclusive “trip” across the Spanish region. Where we tasted a selection of wines from all over Spain, and learnt along the way a wealth of knowledge around how best to experience wine and sherry during the rest of our trip.

Hotel Alfonso XIII is a lovely place to experience a taste of luxury in Seville. It’s seen as an iconic and cultural landmark after being commissioned by the King of Spain as a place to host international dignitaries during the 1929 Exhibition.