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Reviews of the prestigious hotels of Huelva. Huelva is a port city which holds an important place in the history of Andalucia, as the area from where Columbus sailed to American in 1492. In the 19th and early 20th century, it was an important mining centre, and some colonial buildings and quays from that era remain, including the Muelle de Riotinto.
In Andalucia many monuments are important historical, architectural and cultural landmarks. Here is our list of Andalucia top 40 attractions, how many have you visited?
Probably the most famous and recognisable patio of the Alhambra complex, the Courtyard of the Lions consists of a forest of elegant columns surrounding a fountain, and a small pavilion at each end (east/west), with a circular fountain.
Situated at the heart of the Comares Palace, this rectangular patio features a pool and hedges of evergreen myrtle on its two long sides, with a porticoed gallery at either end. The still water in the pool, which reflects the tiled porticos at each end, almost reaches the columns so it seems to be floating,
The grounds of the Alcázar are extensive and fascinating, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to wander around the whole palace and gardens - two to three hours minimum. These were the orchards of the palace in Moorish times, providing food for the royal court, as well as aesthetic value.
This part of the Alcazar is the most famous, and is often shown in photos of the palace due to its astonishing visual impact, especially the Ambassador’s Hall with its mirrored gold domed ceiling, and the Patio of the Maidens with its beautiful stucco arches and sunken gardens.
Originally the Nasrid Palace of Los Infantes, this was converted into the Franciscan convent of San Francisco under Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand soon after their reconquest of Granada. Now a hotel, part of the state-owned Parador chain.
This section of the palace complex is reached through the Crossing Courtyard (see Moorish Alcazar), which is connected to the Patio de la Monteria (Hunting Courtyard) by a porticoed gallery, or from the Patio de las Doncellas.
In the 10th century, the seat of power in Andalucia for the ruling Ummayad caliphate was Cordoba. From the 11th century the region devolved into taifa states, of which Seville was one, ruled at first by Abderraman III. In 1147 the Almohad dynasty arrived, aiming to return the region to stricter adherence to Islam, and declared Seville as its capital.
The Alcázar of Seville was used as a location for the hugely successful HBO TV series, Game of Thrones. The palace stood in for the Water Gardens of Dorne in various scenes in four episodes of Season Five and one of Season Six. The private estate is owned by Prince Dorian Martell, the wheelchair-bound head of House Martell and ruler of Dorne.
The Alcázar Réal (Royal Palace) of Seville is one of the city’s most enchanting, and most popular, historic monuments. Along with the Cathedral and Archive of the Indies, it is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. The word alcázar actually means fortified palace, and this one is hidden behind castle walls on Plaza del Triunfo opposite the Cathedral.
Reviews of the prestigious Parador hotels of Andalucia. As well as being located in historic buildings such as castles, palaces and convents, other, modern buildings are designed to open up fascinating – but less well-known – areas to tourism.
You enter the Alcázar though the red Puerta del Leon (Lion’s Gate) situated at the corner of Calle Miguel de Mañara and Calle Santo Tomas. The exit is on Patio de Banderas, which leads back onto Plaza del Triunfo, and also into Barrio Santa Cruz via Calle Juderia.
Day visits
October to March: 9.30am - 6pm
April to September: 9.30am - 8pm
Night visits (see below)
March and October: every half hour from 7.30pm to 9pm
April to September: every half hour from 9pm to 10.30pm
This was the main central courtyard of the Renaissance-era Alcazar, where Spanish nobles met to go hunting with the king. This was built over the residence of Moorish rulers. Ahead is Peter’s Palace, and to the right is the Renaissance period part of the Alcazar, altered from the original Gothic.
The Parador of Granada enjoys one of the most unforgettable locations in Spain: inside the celebrated Alhambra complex of Christian and Moorish palaces, set high on a hilltop above Granada.
Many of Andalucia´s famous paradors are located on the coast, providing direct access to the beach and Mediterranean sea. Many of the rooms at these hotels have private balconies or terraces from where you can sit and enjoy the coastal breeze whilst soaking up the hot Spanish sun.
The Parador de Nerja is a family beach hotel. This is a modern establishment with 98 comfortable rooms, most of whose ample balconies look out to sea, lovely lawns along the clifftop, and an outdoor swimming pool for the summer visitors who come to enjoy the eastern Costa del Sol.
