One of the highlights in Seville is visiting its palaces. Not only are they the most beautiful palaces in Seville, they’re among the most beautiful palaces in all of Andalusia.
This post covers 3 palaces that have to be visited while in Seville. It also covers an additional palace where you can have a luxury stay in a palace.
1. The Real Alcazar
The #1 attraction in Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Top 3 Moorish sites in Spain, and a residence of the Spanish Royal family.
Originally built as a “palace fortress” by the first Muslim ruler of Andalusia in 712 AD, the Real Alcazar was converted into a total of 12 palaces that would be the main residences of the caliphs until the recapture of Seville by Christian forces in 1248. With incredible Islamic architecture, exquisite tilework, and lavish and extensive gardens, it is one of Spain’s “must-see” sights.
More here on the Real Alcazar
2. Palacio de las Dueñas
While the Real Alcazar is a Royal palace, Seville also has many private palaces owned by wealthy families. One of these is Palacio de las Dueñas.
It is the most romantic, “typically Spanish” palace you’ll find on this list: you’ll see Spanish paintings from the 18th and 19th century, mounted bull’s heads, and rich tapestries. Outside you’ll find a courtyard garden in traditional Moorish style with tiled paths and fountains. In the gardens are exotic plants (some originating from the Orient) as well as walls filled with Bougainvillea.
More here on Palacio de las Dueñas
3. Casa de Pilatos
I love Casa de Pilatos. The outstanding highlight here are the tiles or Azulejos. The palace has one of the largest azulejo collections in the world and has been used as a filming location for many movies.
Built in Italian Renaissance style with Mudejar (Islamic-influenced) elements, you’ll see beautiful patios and gardens, a courtyard adorned with a fountain and busts of Spanish kings and Roman emperors, and rooms filled with paintings, tapestries and azulejos. Casa de Pilatos is considered one of the finest examples of Andalusian architecture of 16th-century Seville.
More here on Casa de Pilatos
Dream of Sleeping in a Spanish palace?
Right next to Casa de Pilatos is the Palacio de Villapanés. It was built in 1728 as a residence by a famous admiral of the Spanish fleet. It was later sold to the Marquis of Villapanés. It is now a luxury hotel, one of the best in Seville. It has Mudejar architecture, a large central patio, tiles everywhere, and beautiful furnishings. High end and exquisite.
Click here to book a stay at Palacio de Villapanés
Related: 16 Parador Hotels to discover in Spain
Related: Seville (Spain). What to See – and how to do it on a budget
The Real Alcazar was lovely but we were there in early September so it was very dry in the gardens themselves. When I go there again, I’ll try earlier in the year as I assume the garden will be greener. If you are 65 or older, do take advantage of the discount. Our hotel got us advance skip-the-line tickets for €4 each. Regular price is €12.50 for adults so the savings is really a lot. We were only in Seville for 4 days so we ended up not seeing as much as we wanted. However, I loved walking around the center of the city in the evening. It was magical.
Interesting Edith. I just went to the website to check out prices and I see regular adult fare is now 11.50 Euro, Seniors 3 Euro. Website. So it seems through this pandemic they’ve actually reduced their pricing?
Thanks for the mention of the garden, I’m surprised about that. You would think they would make it a point to keep the gardens green.
Great city. Spent 2 months there back in 2016 and our time there helped convince us to live in Spain 🙂
Hi Frank.
I saw that as well, but I think that’s for the wait-in-line at the entrance, which the hotel advised against. Or, maybe they did lower the price, as you said. Either way, sometimes it does pay to be old. Haha.
I totally agree about not having to pay in line. We did it early in the morning and there weren’t many people – but even then I remember it being really hot and there was no shade. If you can get it at the hotel then great, that’s the way to go.
Wow, such a difference in pricing. I’ve got 11 years to go before I get that senior’s discount…
Lol Don’t worry. You’ll be old before you know what hit you. I remember I was so happy I had turned 55 to get the discount in the States. Now I am 70. Dang! Lucky to be alive! Lol.