Courtyard of the Maidens, Royal Fortresses, Seville, Spain, 2007 (photo)

The Royal Fortresses (Reales Alcazares) of Seville are a fortified palatial complex, originally a Moorish fort from the year 913. Additions were made to the fort by Muslim and Christian rulers until the 16th century. The palace is one of the best preserved examples of Mudejar architecture. The Courtyard of the Maidens (Patio de las Doncellas) was built in the 14th century. It was named after the legend that the Moors demanded an annual tribute of 100 virgins from Christian kingdoms in Iberia. In the center is a large reflecting pool with sunken gardens on either side and arcades with intricate plaster work around. In the 16th century Luis de Vega built a second floor to the courtyard in a more Italian Renaissance style. The Royal Palace of Seville was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.