The Patio de las Doncellas, a vital core of King Don Pedro's palace within the Real Alcázar of Seville, will undergo a comprehensive technical restoration to halt the deterioration of its Mudéjar decorative elements. The project, with a total investment of 1,615,228.65 euros (VAT included), will focus on the ornamental plasterwork and marble columns that show signs of significant wear.
The intervention, governed by the strict regulations of Spanish and Andalusian Historical Heritage laws, will not involve structural modifications. Work will be carried out in situ across more than 327 m² of exterior sebka, 360 m² of interior sebka, and 380 m² of wall surfaces, in addition to 102 m² of marble columns. Preliminary studies were conducted in 2024, following an emergency intervention in 2019 that highlighted the need for action.
The restoration methodology will employ advanced techniques, including chemical and mechanical cleaning, biocidal treatments, and consolidation of the plasterwork. The polychrome layers will be fixed, and chromatic reintegration will be performed to restore the original aesthetic appearance. The white marble columns will receive cleaning, fissure sealing, and a water-repellent treatment, while hidden metal elements will also be treated to prevent corrosion.
The project requires a highly qualified team, led by a restorer experienced in historical plasterwork and marble, supported by an architect, four additional restorers, and a historian. To minimize tourist impact, the work will be divided into three phases over a maximum of 13 months, expected to take place between 2026 and 2027. Scaffolding will be covered with printed micro-perforated tarpaulins replicating the decorative motifs, and the pavement and vegetation will be protected.
Beyond the technical work, the contractor must conduct three annual public outreach activities to explain the restoration's progress to citizens. Upon completion, a comprehensive report including maps, full scans of treated surfaces, and a high-resolution photographic archive will be delivered to the Alcázar's historical records.
