Alcázar of Seville — Part 2

Alcázar Palace

Seville resides in and is the capital city of the Andalusia portion of Spain, which incorporates the entire southernmost portion of the Iberian Peninsula east of Portugal.  As such, Andalusia was the last stronghold of the Moors before they were finally displaced by the Reconquista (Reconquest) of Iberia.  Thus, Moorish influences on architecture abound throughout the area, and the Alcázar holds the distinction of being among the finest remaining examples of what is known as the Mudéjar style.

Moorish Influences

This Mudéjar style is clearly evident in nearly every detail, from the Courtyard of the Maidens to the Hall of the Ambassadors and even in the surrounding gardens.

Courtyard of the Maidens

Dome Covering the Hall of the Ambassadors

Alcázar Gardens

Alcázar Palace

There are however other architectural styles in evidence at Alcázar as well.  An example would be the statuary at the main pool in the garden (which you’ll see this coming Fun Photo Friday) and in the façades of some of the buildings encompassing the gardens  and the wall overlooking the main pool.

Near the Garden’s Main Pool

Alcázar Gardens

On Fun Photo Friday we’ll finish up our tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site before moving on next week to Lisbon and Sintra Portugal.