In the heart of Seville lies the spectacular Real Alcázar, a UNESCO-listed palace famed for its unusual blend of Moorish and renaissance Christian design. Not only a prime example of Mudéjar architecture, it’s also one of the world’s oldest castles still in use, frequented by members of the Spanish Royal Family and visiting heads of state. It’s more recent claim to fame is for appearing in Game of Thrones.

The palace represents the evolution of the city itself, with a hybrid style that reflects its many masters. It began life as a fort in 913, was revamped into a residential fortress for the Abbadids and then further expanded under the Almohads. Finally, after the conquest of Seville by Fernando III in 1248 it attained its final incarnation as a royal palace (a status which it continues to maintain). It continued to undergo further extensions and changes to fit the needs of the monarchs. During the five hundred years of construction, various architectural styles succeeded one another. For this reason, the site is a striking combination of Islamic, Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance influences.

The complex is extensive so pace yourself and plan well. Highlights include the Palacio de Don Pedro, which is arguably the most famous and architecturally impressive, and the sumptuous Salón de Embajadores, which was originally Pedro I’s throne room. The sprawling gardens, complete with a hedge maze, are also well worth a wander. Among exotic plants, orange trees, palm trees, fountains and pavilions, you will find corners full of fascination, such as the Mercury pond, the Grotesque Gallery or the Garden of Dance.

The Real Alcázar of Seville opens at 9:30am from Monday to Sunday. From September 15 to March 31, it closes at 5:00pm and from April 1 to September 12, it closes at 7:00pm.