I've been slightly MIA and apologize cause I loves you. You is smart, you is kind, you is important. Just blame it on midterms, exhaustion, and upset tummy. Nevertheless, let's talk about something more cool. It took me only half the semester to go see one of Sevilla's little gems or diamonds in the rough. When I say little that is definitely a misnomer because from the outside looking in I had no grasp of how immense this freakin palace was. Ok, I know it's a palace but give me a break.
HISTORY TIME!
The Reales Alcázares de Sevilla or Royal Alcazars of Seville was originally a Moorish fort that dates all the way back to the 14th Century after the Reconquista. Anyway, it is one of the most visited places in the world and definitely worth taking a walk through all the amazing patios and gardens and halls. The lines do get very long but luckily for us they move relatively fast. Another great thing for all the students or people between the ages of 16 and 25 (I think it's 16) get a discounted fare for only 2 Euro which helped me have a little cheap exploring day.
The gate leads to the Lion's Patio. Ahead, passing through a triple arch, is another courtyard, the Patio de la Montería. It is named after the hunters (monteros) who met here with the King before they went out hunting.
Lion's Patio
I played Alice in Wonderland!
Patio de Las Doncellas
Once inside you arrive onto the Patio de las Doncellas, the main courtyard of the palace. This was the center of public life in the palace of Pedro I. From the patio, which is named after the ladies (doncellas) who spent much of their time here
I have a thing for beautiful ceilings I must admit. Locally known as the Salón de Embajadores, it is the most magnificent part of the palatial complex. Intricately decorated archways with horseshoe arches give access to the hall which is covered with a stunning dome, Dome of the Ambassadors Hall created in 1389 in a Moorish style by Diego Ruiz, a Sevillian craftsman. [thanks to aviewoncities.com]
Dome of the Ambassadors