E_Reales_Alcázares_de_Sevilla_14
Fuente del Monte Parnasso (Parnassus Fountain)
The gardens of the Royal Palace, the Alcázar of Sevilla (or Reales Alcázares de Sevilla) form a multi-layered intricate network of both spaces and epochs developed over 1100 years, starting from early Arabic places and gardens, over what is perhaps the largest late-medieval garden in Europe (paradoxically designed as a continuation of the Moorish architecture and gardens, after the Christian reconquest of Sevilla in 1248), notable late renaissance/mannerist additions from the mid-16th century, up to modern 20th century reinterpretations of the original Moorish influences.
The continued moorish style, known as Mudejar (i.e. 'allowed to remain') is most clearly expressed in the still existing countless small and large courtyard gardens, fountains and rills of the 14th century water gardens. In 1543, Italian designer Vermondo Resta expanded and redesigned parts of the grounds in the Italian Mannerist style, most notably turning an old Muslim wall into a viewing loggia known as the Galeria de Grutesco (Grotto Gallery), as well as adding a large labyrinth and pavilions as well as more spectacular water features such as the still functional hydraulic water organ, reminiscent of Villa d’Este and other Italian renaissance gardens.
Further beyond, both English, romantic landscape garden influences and more formal reinterpretations of the original water courtyards have been added, with the early 20th century layouts Jardin Inglés, Jardín del Retiro del Marqués and the Garden of the Poets, which continue the elaborate network of rills, cascades and fountains which make the water an ever-present feature of these remarkable gardens.
E_Reales_Alcázares_de_Sevilla_14
Fuente del Monte Parnasso (Parnassus Fountain)
The gardens of the Royal Palace, the Alcázar of Sevilla (or Reales Alcázares de Sevilla) form a multi-layered intricate network of both spaces and epochs developed over 1100 years, starting from early Arabic places and gardens, over what is perhaps the largest late-medieval garden in Europe (paradoxically designed as a continuation of the Moorish architecture and gardens, after the Christian reconquest of Sevilla in 1248), notable late renaissance/mannerist additions from the mid-16th century, up to modern 20th century reinterpretations of the original Moorish influences.
The continued moorish style, known as Mudejar (i.e. 'allowed to remain') is most clearly expressed in the still existing countless small and large courtyard gardens, fountains and rills of the 14th century water gardens. In 1543, Italian designer Vermondo Resta expanded and redesigned parts of the grounds in the Italian Mannerist style, most notably turning an old Muslim wall into a viewing loggia known as the Galeria de Grutesco (Grotto Gallery), as well as adding a large labyrinth and pavilions as well as more spectacular water features such as the still functional hydraulic water organ, reminiscent of Villa d’Este and other Italian renaissance gardens.
Further beyond, both English, romantic landscape garden influences and more formal reinterpretations of the original water courtyards have been added, with the early 20th century layouts Jardin Inglés, Jardín del Retiro del Marqués and the Garden of the Poets, which continue the elaborate network of rills, cascades and fountains which make the water an ever-present feature of these remarkable gardens.