Global Treasures: Real Alcazar

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1015

UPC: 879061006142

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The royal palace of Real Alcazar is located in Seville, the capital of the autonomous Spanish province of Andalusia.

Dating back to the 8th century and formerly the oldest citadel built by the Moors, the palace was built on the ruins of a Roman fortress when the Almohaden transformed it into a palace. Following the conquest of the city, the Christian kings, most notably Don Pedro, employed the best Moorish builders and artists, the Mudejaren.

In the Hall of the Envoys, the wall tiles contain many Moorish designs, and it was here that the country's rulers received envoys from abroad. The furnishings and household goods of the royal private rooms were collected from around most of the known world.

The Gala Dining Room is particularly outstanding. It contains precious wall carpets and crystal chandeliers from Moreno, and a huge table dominates almost the entire length of the room.

Moorish arcades lead to the Andalusian Gardens that were planted in place of the original kitchen gardens, and many of the courtyards feature a small water fountain that adds to the calm atmosphere.

Real Alcazar is the most beautiful example of Mudejaren design, a fairytale from the "One Thousand And One Nights!"