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I love my expierence in the Alcazar during COVID-19. Uusally there are massive crowds, but i had the palace all my for myself and a few others and the reservation system (make sure you have those tickets with you and select the right disocunt, as students above 25 do not get discount and have to pay new ticket) made it all good. Nicein WINTER not sure in SUMMER (its too hot)…
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Date of experience: January 2021
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
+1
The centuries old Alcazar is a complex of palaces, fortifications, courtyards, reflection pools and an exotic labyrinth of gardens, bursting with orange trees, palms and greenery. Inside, it’s all exquisite tile work, intricate Moorish architecture and Mudhejar horseshoe arches, delicate plaster latticework and bright geometric tiled designs. Don't underestimate how long you need here and allow plenty of time – we spent at least 3 hours here. The Alcazar palaces were so much sensory overload that we took a break in the middle and took time out to explore the gardens, which was a good change the pace. There’s also a basic café and toilet block behind the Italian Grotto Gallery. For anyone with even a passing interest in Game of Thrones, you’ll recognise many areas from Game of Thrones (series 5). BUYING TICKETS: Definitely recommend buying tickets online beforehand but you don’t need to panic if you’ve left it quite late. We only bought ours the day before and there were still a lot of time slots left (this was off-season in Feb). Tickets are timed and they only let a small number through each time. We had a 9:30am slot (one of the first slots) and only had to wait about 10min. It helped to have your ticket ready (phone or paper) because otherwise if you’re holding things up, you might have to wait for the next group. There is free entry on Mondays but only from 6-7pm in summer & 4-5 in winter. You’d be hard-pressed to see much in an hour so this is really only worth considering if budget is very tight. DON'T MISS HIGHLIGHTS: * Baths of Maria de Padilla – this is eerily beautiful. You go slightly underground to these amazing baths. This is where Maria, mistress of King Pedro the Cruel would escape to for a bit of indulgent relaxation. Considering she was sleeping with someone whose nickname was ‘the Cruel’ she probably needed some calm and relaxation in her life. * the Courtyard of the Maidens is a highlight. Expect a bottleneck because everyone wants to position themselves to take photos with the stunning reflecting pool stretching out behind them. You need to allow some time here. * King Pedro I’s Palace (1360-64) – this is a bit of a rabbit warren and we had to double-back on ourselves in order to see everything. I’m pretty sure we still missed parts. Just don’t miss the 12th century Hall of the Ambassadors, a stunning room where Pedro received important guests. Foreign dignitaries must have found it hard to take their eyes off the overwhelmingly beautiful gilded domed ceiling, encrusted with gold and mirrors. Not sure how they concentrated on whatever Pedro was saying. Maybe that was his strategy? * Charles V & Isabella Wedding Rooms – beautiful, vivid tiles walls NOTES: * Check what’s open. The giant maze and Tapestries Room were not open when we were there (Feb 2020). The Tapestries Room was being restored but there was no sign so it was unclear when it would re-open. Same with the maze although I suspect it was only closed for routine maintenance. * If you are also visiting Granada’s Alhambra, try to leave a long-ish gap before you go to Seville’s Alcazar. We saw them within days of each other and stunning as they both are, we nearly overdosed on patterned tiles and reflection pools.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
6 Helpful votes
Helpful
Once with a guide who wasn't always accurate in his facts and seemed stuck on his standard spiel. So we booked and went agan on the same afternoon (a Covid bonus that won't always be available). Better when taking one's own pace and just marvelling at the building and its gardens - both delightful.…
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Date of experience: October 2020
1 Helpful vote
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+1
This was a very worthwhile trip which I highly recommend. We had to buy tickets online before hand due to COVID and the office not selling tickets. It was easy to do and should not put anyone off. It is beautifully maintained. There are guides on hand to take you round but not sure if they had any English speaking so we wandered round on our own. …
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Date of experience: October 2020
2 Helpful votes
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The nicest garden I've ever been to and I'm a natural trust member! Excellent Moroccan influenced architecture
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Date of experience: November 2019
1 Helpful vote
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