El Alcazar de Sevilla

Our guidebook introduces Seville's Alcazar with these words: If heaven really does exist, then let's hope it looks a little bit the like the inside of Seville's Alcazar. I'm inclined to agree. It is a heavenly place.

We lined up before it opened so we could get there before the heat of the day. Of course a lot of other people had the same idea, since it's a UNESCO heritage site and maybe the top place to visit in this city.

But although we were worried that it would be mob scene once we got inside, the Alcazar is so enormous that the crowds dispersed and we were able to wander around and feel its incredible beauty and tranquility.

Built primarily in the 1300s its a mix of many cultures. Parts of it are fortress-like, parts Moorish, and parts Christian kings and queens. Somehow it all hangs together to create a sense of light and peace.

Water is a big part of the Moorish structures, as you can see in these photos.

Then there's the incredibly intricate decoration to every surface through plaster, inlaid wood and tile. And the arches which are positioned so you can look through them to views beyond.

We marvelled at the detail and the fact that they allow people to walk around and touch some of the walls and tiles and sit on the benches. You can see that some of the plaster work is eroded or under repair whereas other parts are still vibrantly painted. 

And the tile work is exquisite. Some are pressed and glazed like those on the left. But the tiles on the right are individually placed to create the pattern.

Then there were the gardens. Walking though these acres of gardens with arches and palms and hedges and small buildings and pools was a heavenly experience. The gardens are in many different styles and there were lots of places to sit in the shade and watch the rest of the visitors take photos of each other.

I'll leave you with one last image of this beautiful place. If you're ever in Seville make sure to visit.