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The Alcázares Reales de Sevilla" meaning "Royal Alcazars of Seville is a magnificient palace in Seville. This fascinating fortress belonging to the Muslim-era dates back to the 913 AD. For many centuries it served as a hideout for the Christian and Muslim royalty.
Alcazar in Arabic means palace. Formerly a Moorish fort, it has been redone many times. Initially the Almohades built a palace on this site and named it Al-Muwarak.The new Alcazar was built for King Pedro of Castile, over the ruins of this Moorish palace. The construction began in 1364 with the help of Moorish workers thus rendering it a distinct Islamic touch. Fragments from old Moorish buildings in Valencia, Cordoba and Seville were used for the construction .The palace stands testimony to the mudejar architecture, a style which shows the influence of Islamic architecture in Spain under the Christian rule. With the passage of time many alterations to the Alcazar have been made by the successive monarchs. The gothic elements added during Charles V’s reign stands out in contrast with the predominant Islamic architecture.
The different sections of the Alcazar like the Patio de las Doncellas, Los Banos de Dona Maria de Padilla and La Casa de Contratacion have a distinct architecture and culture. The Patio de las Doncellas when translated in English means "The Courtyard of the Maidens."It gets this name due to the existing legend about the Moors demanding hundred maidens from the Christian kingdoms as an annual tribute. Though the veracity of the story cannot be confirmed it underlies the Christian maidens being subjected to sexual abuse by the Moors.
There are inscriptions on the lower level of the patio which describe Pedro I as a Sultan.This section includes vast rooms on the sides which were used as reception areas. There is a courtyard in the centre with a fountain and a rectangular pool and gardens on either side.
Charles V added the upper storey to the patio with the help of Luis de Vega who designed the structure using the architectural style of the Italian Renaissance. Los Baños de Doña María de Padilla meaning The "Baths of Lady María de Padilla" refer to the rainwater tanks constructed below the Patio del Crucero.The tanks are named after Maria de Padilla who was pursued by Pedro I. But Maria thwarted his advances by disfiguring her face with boiling oil. Thereafter she leads the life of a nun at a convent. She stands for purity in Seville culture.
La Casa de Contratación(House of Trade) situated off the Patio de la Monteria ,was constructed by the Catholic Monarchs in 1503 for the promotion and regulation of trade with the New World. It also has a chapel showcasing the Mudejar influence. On display is the Madonna of the Seafarers ,depicting the Virgin as a protector of the sea farers.
The other sections of the Alcazar include the Patio de las Muñecas , Patio de la Monteria, Puerta del Leon, Dormitorio de los Reyes Moros, Salon de Embajadores.
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