The rich Gothic Palace at Royal Alcazar of Seville

The Gothic Palace at Royal Alcazar of Seville

Home to a wealth of architectural curiosities and rich archaeological mysteries, the medieval Gothic Palace at Royal Alcazar of Seville forms part of the The Real Alcázar of Seville complex. It represents the triumph of the Castilian Christians over the Islamic rulers in the 12th century. The Real Alcazar is the oldest functioning palace in Europe and is the most visited attraction in the Andalusian capital, Seville in southern Spain.

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To have the best experience, book online well in advance of your visit to ensure you are not disappointed on the day as the Alcazar operate on a maximum capacity rule.

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The Gothic Palace at Royal Alcazar of Seville | El Palacio Gótico

The Gothic Palace was built by the Castilian King Alfonso X, also known as Alfonso the Wise. Alfonso X succeeded Ferdinand III of Castile who reconquered Seville from the Islamic rulers in December 1248.

The Gothic Palace consists of two rectangular rooms sitting parallel to each other and two smaller rooms at each end.

These rooms were built in the 13th century over what was the Almohad’s palace. Alfonso X found the caliphs palace to be cramped and unsuited to his lifestyle. He preferred high, airy spaces and Gothic art. Gothic art and architecture was popular during this time as it closely related to Christianity and the Crusades. Furthermore, opting for a Gothic architecture along with the construction of the Gothic Palace over the Almohad’s palace symbolised the Christians triumph over Islam.

All four rooms were covered with vaults supported by pillars but in the 16th century, the pillars were replaced with large windows that open to the garden while the walls and floors were decorated with tiles.

The El Palacio Gótico’s four rooms are Tapestry Room, Garden Room, the Vault Room and the Chapel.

This section of the Royal Alcazar palace complex is accessed through the porticoed gallery crossing connected to the Hunting Courtyard or from the southeast side of the Maiden’s Courtyard.

Recommended read: The Real Alcázar of Seville | A Guide to the BEST 22 Unmissable Highlights in the Alcázar Complex

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The rooms in the Gothic Palace at Royal Alcazar of Seville

The entrance to the Gothic Palace was added in the 18th century, after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. The following are the highlights of the Gothic Palace.

1 | The Tapestry Room

The Tapestry Room is an impressive salon decorated with a collection of tapestries (copies of the originals) depicting the military conquest of Tunis by Charles I, made in 1730s. The work is extraordinary and details the ships, sailors, smoke from cannons and African towns.

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2 | The Vault Room also known as the Great Hall or the Party Room

The Vault Room is a typical Gothic cross-ribbed vaulted ceiling which were originally held by full height columns, but were replaced in the 16th century to allow for tile work.

The room is emblematic of traditional Sevillano albero yellow and the stunning Renaissance tiles depict allegorical figures from mythology and exotic birds. Embedded also are historical figures of Charles V and Isabella of Portugal whose wedding is believed to have taken place here.

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3 | The Chapel | Gothic Palace at Royal Alcazar of Seville

The Chapel in the Gothic Palace has its original Gothic roof, medieval rib vaults and pretty wall and floor tiles of Renaissance style that was added in the 16th century. The Chapel’s key attraction is the 18th century painting by Diego de Castillejo on the altar featuring the Virgin of Antiquity (Virgen de la Antigua). The original of the Virgin of Antiquity is at the Seville Cathedral.

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Archaeological mysteries at the Chapel in the Gothic Palace at the Real Alcazar – 2021

In early 2021, work was undertaken to restore the 16th century Renaissance tiles at the Chapel. During this restoration, a coffin with the remains of a young child was found under the floor tiles near the main altar of the Chapel in the Gothic Palace at Royal Alcazar.

It is reported that this young child was about 5 years old at the time of her death and who died during the late 13th century. The 700 year skeletal remains were found in a wooden coffin, inside a sarcophagus along with leather shoes, two mother of pearl buttons, and fabric. Archaeologists suggests that this child may have been a member of a powerful family.

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Visiting the Gothic Palace at the Royal Alcazar

There are several options to visit the Royal Alcazar but the following have been carefully picked for you:

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Last Update: August 21, 2022