Court of Alcázar, Seville

Photograph of the lower levels of the Patio de las Doncellas, or Courtyard of the Maidens, at the Alcázar Palace in Seville. In the foreground is an arcade featuring four multifoil arches which support decoratively carved filigree stonework. A border above this features heraldic shields. On the centre right of the photograph is a larger multifoil arch supported on four pillars. In the background is a large door, partially obscured, and a window. Both the door and window are surrounded by decorative tiles with geometric designs, typical of the Mudéjar design. Construction of the Alcázar Palace began in the 10th Century and has been added to by the rulers of Spain throughout its history. The lower levels of the Courtyard was built for King Peter I (1334-69), sometimes known as Peter of Castile. Anti-chambers line the inner walls of the patio.