The House of Pilate / Casa de Pilatos

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Casa de Pilatos
(a photo by Wild Guru Larry)

Casa de Pilatos, Seville is another amazing example of the Mudejar architecture in the Andalusian city. The monument is located north-east of the Alcazar and the Cathedral. It was commissioned by the marquis of Tarifa and built in 15-16th centuries. By mistake the building was considered a copy of the Pontius Pilate's villa and that is the reason it was called the House of Pilate.

The central patio of the house is an unusual harmonious combination of stucco decoration, ceramic plates, graceful Mudejar ceilings, marble and tiled floors. With the same high architectural skills were created the empty rooms you will pass through to reach the luxuriant garden. Left of the garden you will see a strange Italian loggia and a palace wing where the family of dukes Medinaceli have been living since 18th century. The palace halls and rooms feature exquisite Roman busts and statues, most of them brought from Rome itself. The peaceful and well kept garden to the right of the patio is an ideal place to relax at the fountain during the hot summer days. You should see the gilt Mudejar ceiling in the neighbor cabinet and the wonderful dome above the central staircase.

On the second floor, which is sometimes closed for private use, wait for a guide who will take you through a quite different world - the world of the Spanish Renaissance. The gorgeous frescoes by Francisco Pacheco, luxury Spanish furnishings, Flemish tapestries and paintings create a unique ambience. You will be surprised by the way of living of the Spanish nobility.