Header

Monday, January 20, 2020

Moorish Majesty: Unveiling the Royal Alcázar of Seville

Royal Alcázar's entrance boasts a view of lush gardens

Steeped in history, the Alcázar (or Reales Alcázares de Sevilla ⭐⭐in Spanish) is a royal palace dating back to Moorish rule in the 8th century. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, it's considered one of the most stunning examples of mudéjar art – a unique blend of Islamic and Christian styles. Even today, the Alcázar remains the oldest royal palace still in use, welcoming dignitaries and heads of state.

The Alcázar's story begins in 712, with the Moorish conquest of Seville. Over time, a simple structure grew into a grand palace. However, by the 13th century, the Christian Reconquista reclaimed the area for Spain. The Catholic Monarchs then incorporated Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque elements into the existing Islamic architecture, creating the stunning Mudéjar style we see today.

Photo Gallery


During my 3-day trip to Seville on the December 27th of 2019, I visited the Royal Alcázar of Seville.  An initial long queue daunted me, so I opted for a local guided tour. This turned out to be a great decision! The tour group bypassed the long line, and while it was still crowded inside the palace, it was a much smoother experience.


A mesmerizing reflection captures the beauty of the Royal Bathroom at the Seville Alcázar




Most mosques feature a dome, called qubba in Arabic. The dome is a symbolic representation of the vault of heaven. The interior decoration of a dome often emphasizes this symbolism using patterns to awe and inspire.[5]




Royal Alcázar’s ceiling patterns showcase Mudéjar art’s artistic and mathematical brilliance

Islamic art highlights geometry, employing ratios and tessellations—fitting shapes together without gaps or overlaps—to create a harmonious and perfect aesthetic





Leonor de Guzmán, reputedly the most beautiful woman in Spain








Exit with the Bell Tower (La Giraldaof Cathedral in the background

References

No comments:

Post a Comment