Originally a Moorish fort, the Alcázar is one of the finest remaining examples of predominantly Mudéjar architecture in the country. This exquisitely designed palace, still an officially designated as royal residence; has in fact been added to continuously over the centuries.
It was at the beginning of the 10th Century that the original building was started, but during the following century the ruling Almohades began to fully develop their royal fortress (on the western side of the current site). Following the reconquest, successive kings augmented the buildings but the predominant figure in this part of the Alcázar’s history was the controversial Pedro I. Who added, amongst other things, the mighty Palacio de Don Pedro. However, the fascinating thing is that, with this profusion of Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles; the Alcázar has such a wonderful feeling of unity and harmony about it.
No reference to the Alcázar would be complete, though, without reference to the delightful gardens.
