SEVILLE
Real Alcazar
The History
The Real Alcazar translates directly to Royal Palace. Originally built in the 10th century as a fortress, the Alcazar would soon undergo great changes as Seville emerged as the Andalusian capital around 1150. Many palaces were added to the grounds along with a mosque, and at the height of its development it included warehouses, markets, stables, and even a shipyard. But the Moors rule was short lived and the complex was all but razed in the Christian conquest of 1248.
The Christian era brought with it a conversion of the complex into a royal residence, of which it still functions as today. In the 1300’s King Pedro I would build the expansive Mudejar palace. In the 15th century the upper floors would be extended as royal apartments by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who would give birth to a son there. Fun fact: Marie Antoinette would also be born on the Alcazar grounds. In case you don’t remember her, she was famous for her smart ass comment about eating “cake” while her subordinates died in the streets from starvation, only to be overthrown and executed by guillotine shortly thereafter.
Construction lasted for over 500 years with the complex eventually spanning for miles in all directions from the city center. But with time, the grounds have been far reduced and many original buildings repurposed, scubas the Seville Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. Almost none of the original structures still stand but nevertheless, what remains is still absolutely worth seeing.
The deal with Tickets
General Admission - €13.50
Access to the royal apartments - an additional €5.50
Nocturnal tour - €13.00
For those of you that really want the experience and don’t shutter at a high price tag, private night tours outside of regular visiting hours start at €800.
These were by far the hardest tickets I’ve ever had to buy. Even with the many intricacies involved in purchasing the Alhambra tickets, these proved even more tedious. I tried on at least ten occurrences over a span of a couple months to purchase these tickets on the website and could not get it to work. Faced with the possibility that I might miss it altogether, I ended up paying more and purchasing them on a third party travel site. Because of this, there was not an option to buy the upgraded tickets to the Royal apartments. Those tickets include access to the second floor but can only be purchased directly on the Alcazar website.
I was holding out hope that I’d still be able to get in since it clearly states on the official website that if you arrive early enough, they have a will call for in-person purchase. I made sure to get there before opening. It was very early and very cold but I was determined. I went to the ticketing counter and they said NO, you must buy them online. I went to information, and she also said no. I showed them the website where it clearly states such, and they still said no.
Do I have a solution for this? Yes.
Tickets to the Real Alcazar will sell out and standing in line with hundreds of other people does not seem like a smart idea if you really want to see the property. I wasn’t going to risk it. So, if the site gives you problems because you’re purchasing out of country, just buy tickets from a third party site that offers a private tour. The apartments are included and you get the benefit of hearing the history without having to deal with 12 other people.
