The Alcazar, Seville's architectual masterpiece is a perfect example of Mudejar architecture. It was and still is the residence of Spanish Royalty - although in previous centuries Spanish Royalty consisted of various kings and queens of smaller kingdoms making up the Iberian Peninsular, i.e.Castile, Andaluz, Aragon and Catalan. Now, the King of Spain stays here whenever he is 'in town'.
Elaborate stucco work, magical painted ceilings, magnificient azulejos (hand painted tiles) captivate the imagination of an astute visitor. Both Moorish and Christian symbolism render the halls, courtyards, chambers and living quarters an intriguing mix of styles. One could spend days here, unravelling the many secrets of history by just concentrating on architectural details. Columbus met with Ferdinand and Isabella in this building, to petition the Royal couple for funds for his journey into the Unknown, or better the Kingdome of Khan....which of course was not what he found after his journey was finally financed.
