Alcázar (Alcázares Reales de Seville), Seville

Although our tour started out on a rainy morning, the private tour guide hired at the gate (highly recommended) was worth the money. A native of Seville, his English was accented but good. His insights and stories and general demeanor created a wonderful experience for us. Although not huge, the Alcazar is a beautiful building. Spend time noticing the intricacies of the carving - which is everywhere!! The colors, although faded by 1000 years are still there and even more noticeable when you photograph the walls and ceilings - oddly enough permitted and encouraged. We wondered why they spent so much time working on the beauty of their ceilings and, although never arrived at an answer, thoroughly enjoyed the results.