Featured Snippet
The Patio de las Doncellas is the Alcázar’s most iconic courtyard, known for its exquisite Mudejar architecture and legendary history. Built in the 14th century for King Peter I, it integrates geometric stucco, intricate plasterwork, polychrome tiles, and a central reflecting pool. The current appearance reflects a major restoration in the early 2000s, when archaeologists uncovered the original sunken garden hidden beneath a later Renaissance renovation. The courtyard’s name, linked to the myth of the “100 maidens tribute,” is symbolic rather than factual, illustrating how legend continues to blend with history in the Alcázar.
Extended version
A Mudejar Masterpiece in the Heart of the Alcázar
The Patio de las Doncellas is one of the most stunning spaces in the Royal Alcázar of Seville. Built in the 14th century during the reign of King Peter I, it reflects the pure essence of Mudejar art. This unique style emerged when Muslim artisans worked for Christian kings, creating architecture that blends cultures with elegance and harmony.
A First Look That Stays With You
When you walk into the patio, the view immediately captivates you. A long reflective pool stretches through the center, framed by carved arches and a peaceful sunken garden. The walls display detailed stucco decorated with geometric patterns and Arabic inscriptions. Craftsmen from Granada, Toledo, and Seville shaped these designs, each adding their own artistic identity.
A Hidden Garden Rediscovered
For centuries, the patio looked completely different. In the 16th century, it was redesigned with marble flooring and a central fountain in Renaissance style. The original medieval garden remained buried and forgotten. In the early 2000s, archaeologists uncovered the sunken garden in perfect condition. Their work restored the patio to its original 14th-century layout. Today you see the same space that ambassadors and nobles admired more than 600 years ago.
A Legend That Adds Mystery
Its name, “Patio de las Doncellas,” comes from a medieval legend about a tribute of one hundred maidens. Although the story is not historically accurate, it became part of local folklore and adds a layer of intrigue to this already magical courtyard.
Experience the Patio With Expert Insight
The Patio de las Doncellas is one of the most photographed and admired places in the Alcázar. Its symmetry, textures, and calm atmosphere make it unforgettable.
Our guided tours reveal the stories, symbols, and discoveries hidden behind its beauty.
Book-now with 13% OFF and save 8,14€ and enjoy Seville with expert local guides.
mini FAQ
- Why is it called the Patio de las Doncellas?
The name comes from a medieval legend about a “tribute of maidens,” not from historical fact.
- When was the original garden rediscovered?
In the early 2000s, during archaeological excavations.
- Was the patio always sunken with a pool?
Yes—this is the original 14th-century design later covered by Renaissance renovations.
- Which cultures influenced its architecture?
Islamic, Christian, and Jewish artisans contributed to its Mudejar character.
- Can the patio be visited freely?
Yes, it is included in all regular visits and guided tours of the Alcázar.