The old palace of Alcázar of Seville, a Moorish treasure in present day architecture June 11, 2009
Posted by janey in : southern europe , trackbackWhen you rent an apartments in Seville you will quickly see that the Moors had a huge weight on the architectural design in Andalucia. One of the greatest maintained buildings in this design is the Alcázar of Seville.
The Alcázar is most likely the oldest palace that still serves to house the royal family. The name comes from the Arabic word of palace and it is constructed on the place where used to be a Moorish fort. Mudéjar is the name of the building technique that is influenced by Moorish style.
From the original version of the palace it has developed to the way it is at this point, with 8 separate parts, due to new residents adding parts. All these parts carry their own particular stories. The Patio de las Doncellas, that is named after the fact that the Moors demanded 100 virgins from the Christians each year during their time, has been remodeled 3 times during a very short period. One time to bring the patio back in its initial state, next it was returned to the state it had prior to this for a filmshot solely to return to its initial state for a second time after the film was completed. The second story of this patio was only added in 1540 and combines the Italian renessaince and Moorish style.
In the period of Columbus the Alcázar as well played a very essential role. Royal couple Ferdinand II and Isabella I added the ´Casa de Contratación´ to the palace. They used this room for exchange with the new world and it housed a shippingschool. The chapel in the room was used to receive Columbus after he returned from his second travel.
If you are planning to rent an appartement sevilla then take at least half a day to view this beautiful old palace comfortably. Next to the different patios there are a number of amazing gardens where you can take a nice walk so there is enough to do!
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