![\"\"](\"http:\/\/suitcasejournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/PortEsp1753.jpg\" "\\"Alcazar")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Alc\u00e1zar’s Courtyard of the Maidens (Patio de las Doncellas) is a highlight of not only Sevilla, but all of Spain.<\/em><\/p>\n The entrance of the Alc\u00e1zar looks like a medieval fortress, not that different from other old castles in Europe. \u00a0After entering the fortress walls, the first destination is the Admiral’s Room, where visitors can appreciate the space where Columbus, Magellan, and other explorers planned their journeys to the new world. \u00a0The real highlight is just beyond, at the Courtyard of the Maidens (pictured above). \u00a0The courtyard appears to be perfectly preserved, complete with a reflecting pool and ornate Mud\u00e9jar imagery adorning arches. \u00a0We took arguably our best photograph in Spain. \u00a0Unlike our daytime visit to the Alhambra in Granada, we were able to appreciate the space in nearly complete solitude.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to the spectacular courtyard, there are also several impressive adjoining rooms, including a large banquet hall with enormous tapestries. \u00a0We actually ended up spending a fair amount of time at the Alc\u00e1zar’s gardens, which are both large and spectacular. \u00a0The palm trees, flowers, and hedges are all meticulously maintained. \u00a0There are also a number of water features to appreciate. \u00a0An elevated walkway flanks one side of the garden and provides great views of the entire complex. \u00a0I would not hesitate to compare the Alc\u00e1zar’s gardens to those of the Alhambra’s Generalife.<\/p>\n The Alc\u00e1zar gardens include unique vegetation, water features, and an elevated walkway to appreciate the views from above.<\/em><\/p>\n Our visit to the Alc\u00e1zar was well worth the \u20ac8.50 emission. \u00a0We skipped the audio guide and used the self-guided tour in our Rick Steves’ Spain<\/em> guidebook, which provided just the right amount of information to digest during our visit. \u00a0If you don’t have a good guidebook, it is likely worth spending the \u20ac3.60 they charge, as the Alc\u00e1zar has some very interesting history. \u00a0<\/p>\n The unique architecture of the Alc\u00e1zar and comparatively small crowds (we went late in the afternoon) make for a very memorable Andalusian experience. \u00a0We’d certainly recommend this stop on even the shortest stopovers in Sevilla.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sevilla impressed us all around, from its cathedral to the Barrio de Santa Cruz, but perhaps most at the Alc\u00e1zar. \u00a0The Alc\u00e1zar is a palace originally built for local Muslim rulers in the 10th century, but then rebuilt by a … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n