Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain Oct. 13, 2024

Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain

Today we"re stepping into the heart of the historic empire of Islamic Spain. The Royal Alcázar of Seville, in the southern region of Andalusia, stands on the site of a 10th-century citadel, which was expanded over the following 200 years. When Christian forces captured the city in 1248, the Alcázar was almost totally rebuilt in the Mudejar style, which takes inspiration from the intricate patterns and decorative motifs found in Islamic architecture. Within the Alcázar, there are several courtyards lined with delicately carved columns. One of these is the Patio de las Doncellas, or Courtyard of the Maidens, pictured here today.

© Danny Lehman/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

When being in a rut is OK
Oct. 13, 2023Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Oct. 13, 2025Happy Thanksgiving!

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Nov. 16, 2023VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver
Jun. 1, 2024Pride Month
Feb. 28, 2025Bighorn sheep in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, United States
Aug. 7, 2025Monoliths of the Mingan Archipelago, Quebec
Sep. 19, 2023Splügen Pass, Switzerland
Jul. 19, 2025Jacksons Point Lighthouse on Lake Simcoe, Ontario
Nov. 1, 2024Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
May 7, 2024A duckling swimming in a water meadow, Suffolk, England
Blue hues and ceramic scenes of Porto
God’s Own Country
A glowing square of squares
Dec. 20, 2024Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Jul. 21, 2025Coral Reef Awareness Week
Feb. 1, 2025Rolands Breach, Spain
May 30, 2024Everglades National Park, Florida
Dec. 12, 2025Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Vancouver, British Columbia
Nov. 14, 2025Manatee
You otter check this out
Feb. 7, 2024St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
Season of light in the City of Light
Sep. 26, 2023Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
Apr. 15, 2025World Art Day
Oct. 22, 2024Palazzo Zuccari, Rome
Incan ingenuity
The envy of postcards and snow globes
Sep. 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Shades of Fall
Jun. 17, 2024Pollinator Week
Napping near the North Pole
May 27, 2025Mona Vale rockpool, Sydney, Australia