PILATOS HOUSE
Prototype of Andalusian palace that synthesizes medieval forms including the flamboyant Gothic and the Renaissance imported from Italy.
Also known as the Palace of San Andrés, this sumptuous residence is one of Seville's architectural jewels. The construction, initiated by the Marquis of Tarifa who returned from a trip to the Holy Land (as attested by an inscription on the façade), lasted a century and was completed around 1630. This prototype of an Andalusian palace, which synthesizes medieval (including flamboyant gothic) and Renaissance forms imported from Italy, perhaps derives its name from its resemblance to Pontius Pilate's home in Jerusalem. This residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli is one of the most beautiful palaces in the city, with a main patio in Mudejar style, galleries of works of art, rooms and gardens. From the patio onwards, marble columns, azulejos, statues of Roman goddesses and busts of famous figures from the ancient world (Tiberius, Caligula, Adrian...) tip the visitor between an intact Pompeii and a Delvaux of the first hour. The princely audacity, which wanted to highlight the luxury of the most beautiful arts, continues in the gilded salon or in the small Roman museum. A staircase with green azulejos and iridescent reflections leads to the first floor, where the Medinaceli collections (including a painting by Goya) are displayed.
Tip. The second floor can only be visited via a guided tour, in Spanish and then in English, and takes just under half an hour. If you don't have much time, it's better to opt for the ground floor only (about an hour) which will be much more instructive.
cela vaut bien 10€ car cela ne fait pas musée et la visite est donc plus agréable