Alcazar Royal Palace of Seville, Spain

The Alcázar of Seville is one of the most representative monumental compounds in the city. It is the Royal Palace of Seville, a magnificent complex of patios and halls in different architectural styles, from Mudéjar to Gothic. The heart of the complex is the Palace of King Pedro I, who constructed his royal residence in 1364 at the site of a Moorish palace. Nowadays, the Alcazar is a part-time residence for the present Spanish royal family, including King Juan Carlos. Even though only a few rooms are reserved for their usage, unfortunately, when they’re in, the complex becomes closed to tourists. It was granted World Heritage Site status in 1988.

credit: John Picken