A Visit to El Alcázar

Alcázar is an arabic word meaning “fortified palace.” The Alcázar of Sevilla, built for King Pedro I during the fourteenth century, is an impressive set of two palaces surrounded by expansive gardens.

Our tour began with the announcement of a photo scavenger hunt. The challenge was to find a castle and a lion, a star, a rabbit, the name “Pedro,” an orange tree, and a figure of Mercury. These symbols are all hidden within the intricate decoration of the palace. By the end of the tour, the group was able to produce every photo on the list (and many, many more).

We walked through the palace, learning about the history behind each room and trying to imagine what life might have been like for the people who lived there. Then we wandered through the gardens and the students tried their luck navigating the labyrinth.

Before we knew it, our visit to the palace was over and it was time for la clase de Español!