Seville's royal palace, the Alcázar, is a showpiece of intricate stucco, cloistered patios and beautiful gardens. Over the centuries, Spain's monarchs have each influenced the palace's design. Mudéjar, Gothic, Plateresque and Baroque styles all characterise the grand residence today.
The original palace was built by the Abbadid rulers in the early 10th century. Hundreds of years later, when southern Spain was ruled by Muslims, it was converted into a Moorish citadel by the Almohad civilisation.
Of the Alcázar's four different rooms, all of which are named according to their original use, the Hall of Ambassadors bears decoration closest to that of Granada's Alhambra. Needless to say, the room contains the most marvellous of interiors with elaborate arcades and a lavish multicoloured dome.
At the epicentre of the Palace is the Patio de las Doncellas, which served as the private quarters of the rulers and features elaborate stucco work. The Patio de las Muñecas is thought to be the site of the harem and where King Pedro allegedly murdered an interesting mix of guests and family.