Casa de Pilatos, Seville
Written by official guides
Enter with an official guide the most spectacular Andalusian palace, where the Italian Renaissance merges with Sevillian Mudéjar. You will discover the main courtyard with its 24 busts of Roman emperors, the 2nd-century classical sculptures brought from Naples, and why this palace gave its name to the first Way of the Cross in Seville.
We will show you the Pacheco Hall with frescoes of the Apotheosis of Hercules, the Goya collection in the noble halls, the 16th-century tiles in arista and cuenca techniques that you will only see complete here, and the Gothic-Mudéjar chapel where medieval manuscripts are kept.
You will learn the story of Fadrique Enríquez de Ribera and his pilgrimage to Jerusalem, how he measured the distance between Pilate's Praetorium and Calvary, and why the Cruz del Campo is exactly that same distance away. A palace that was a setting for Lawrence of Arabia and where the Dukes of Medinaceli still live.
Itinerary of the visit
Daily departures: 10:00 · 11:30 · 13:00 · 16:00 · 17:30
First part – History and façade (15 min)
Plaza de Pilatos and marble doorway. We start in front of the Renaissance doorway of 1533 imported from Genoa. Your guide explains how Pedro Enríquez de Quiñones (Adelantado Mayor of Andalusia) bought this land from the Inquisition in 1483.
The name of the palace. We tell you the fascinating story of Fadrique de Ribera (1519): his pilgrimage to Jerusalem, how he measured the 1,321 paces between the Praetorium and Calvary, and his surprise on discovering the same distance to the Cruz del Campo.
First station of the Way of the Cross. We identify the stone crosses that marked the route of the first Sevillian Way of the Cross, which set out from here every Good Friday.
Second part – Main Courtyard (30 min)
The heart of the palace. We admire the courtyard that imitates the Patio de las Doncellas of the Alcázar but surpasses it in detail. Carrara marble columns, arches with Mudéjar and Plateresque plasterwork, two levels of galleries.
The four classical sculptures. In the corners, Pallas Athena and three 2nd-century Roman goddesses brought by Per Afán de Ribera from Naples. We show you the details that confirm their imperial authenticity.
The 24 imperial busts. We identify Trajan and Hadrian (born in Itálica, 7 km away), Marcus Aurelius, and why these specific emperors were chosen. The connection with Roman Seville that few people know.
Unique tilework. We analyse the 150 different designs by Diego and Juan Pulido (1536–1539) using cuenca and arista techniques. The coats of arms of the Enríquez and Ribera families in every corner.
Third part – Ground-floor noble halls (25 min)
Praetorium Hall. The great reception hall with a 15th-century gilded Mudéjar coffered ceiling. This is where the Way of the Cross began, with Fadrique dressed as a pilgrim.
Gothic-Mudéjar chapel. The only intact 15th-century private chapel in Seville. Tile altarpiece of the Flagellation (1540), medieval manuscripts in the cabinets, the family crypt beneath the altar.
Hall of Tiles. We contemplate the 3-metre dado with mythological scenes and the ceiling frescoes with the genealogy of the house.
Fourth part – Noble floor and collections (20 min)
Imperial staircase. We climb the 1537 staircase with its gilded dome, unique in Andalusian civil architecture. The yellow tiles preserved only here.
Pacheco Hall. The frescoes by Francisco Pacheco (Velázquez's master) with the Apotheosis of Hercules. We show you the hidden faces of the family in the mythological paintings.
Art collection. The Pietà by Sebastiano del Piombo, works by Goya (bullfighting scenes), Luca Giordano, and the cabinet with paintings by Van der Gracht.
Fifth part – Gardens (10 min)
Large Garden. The archaeological garden of Per Afán de Ribera with original Roman statues. The 16th-century marble fountain, the century-old orange trees.
Small Garden. The romantic garden of the Dukes of Montpensier (19th century). The Mudéjar pavilion, the galleries with busts.
At the end, free time for photographs in the main courtyard.
The Medinaceli family still lives in the west wing. We respect the private areas. We confirm access by WhatsApp.
DETAILS OF HOW THE GUIDED VISIT TO THE CASA DE PILATOS WORKS
We will discover the best example of 16th-century Andalusian civil architecture, where the Italian Renaissance masterfully merges with Sevillian Mudéjar and elements of late Gothic.
Length
About 1h 30min (includes courtyard, noble halls, chapel and gardens)
Includes:
Full entry to the Casa de Pilatos (ground floor and noble floor)
Official guide specialising in Sevillian palace architecture
Access to the Main Courtyard with the 2nd-century Roman sculptures
Visit to the Praetorium Hall and Pacheco Hall
Gothic-Mudéjar chapel with medieval manuscripts
Large Garden and Small Garden
Explanation of the art collection (Goya, Sebastiano del Piombo, Luca Giordano)
Availability
Daily departures at 10:00 · 11:30 · 13:00 · 16:00 · 17:30
Accessibility:
Ground floor 100% accessible
Noble floor only via the imperial staircase (no lift)
Courtyards and gardens with uneven historic floors
Let us know if you need special adaptations
Confirmation and voucher
Electronic, by email. WhatsApp 24 hours before with the exact spot and a photo of the guide.
Important
The Casa de Pilatos is the active private residence of the Ducal House of Medinaceli. We respect private areas and keep our voices down.
CANCELLATION FOR THE CASA DE PILATOS IN SEVILLE
Book with peace of mind: we understand plans can change on your visit to Seville.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start. Full refund, no questions asked.
Between 48 and 24 hours: 50% refund.
Less than 24 hours: no refund (tickets already named with the Medinaceli Foundation).
Need to change the date or time?
We rebook you at no cost up to 24 hours before, subject to availability. The Casa de Pilatos has five daily slots, which makes it easy to find an alternative.
Special situations covered:
If there are private events of the Medinaceli family (weddings, receptions), the tour adapts by visiting the available areas or is completely rescheduled.
In the event of film shoots (frequent in this palace), full refund or date change.
If you arrive up to 15 minutes late, we add you to the group in the Main Courtyard. The guide leaves instructions at the ticket office.
Private groups:
For groups of 8+ people we offer special discounts. Private visits with flexible times from €160. Perfect for schools, companies or family celebrations.
MEETING POINT FOR THE TOUR OF THE CASA DE PILATOS
Start: Plaza de Pilatos, 1 (main entrance of the palace)
End: Large Garden or exit through Plaza de Pilatos
The route begins in Plaza de Pilatos, opposite the Renaissance doorway of Genoese marble. It is a quiet square in the historic centre, just 7 minutes' walk from the Cathedral.
Your guide will be waiting with a blue umbrella next to the palace ticket office. The day before you receive a WhatsApp with an exact photo of the spot and direct contact.
The square has had its name since the 16th century, when Fadrique de Ribera established here the first station of the Sevillian Way of the Cross, which reached the Cruz del Campo.
The tour ends in the Large Garden, where you can stay until closing time (18:00 in winter, 20:00 in summer). Exit through the same Plaza de Pilatos, perfect for continuing to the Santa Cruz quarter (3 minutes).
How to get there:
From the Cathedral: 7 minutes via Águilas and Caballerizas
Metro: Puerta de Jerez (L1) – 12 minutes' walk
Bus: lines C4, 21, C1, C2 stopping at Plaza Encarnación (5 min)
Parking: Cano y Cueto (8 min) or Plaza Nueva (10 min)
REVIEWS OF THE GUIDED VISIT TO THE CASA DE PILATOS
Verified reviews from those who have already discovered this palace with our official guides. They especially highlight the main courtyard with the busts of emperors, the explanation of the origin of the name and the first Way of the Cross, and access to the noble floor with the works by Goya.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CASA DE PILATOS
Why is it called Casa de Pilatos?
In 1519, Fadrique Enríquez de Ribera made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and measured the distance between the Praetorium of Pontius Pilate and Calvary: 1,321 paces. On his return, he found that the same distance separated his palace from the Cruz del Campo and established the first Sevillian Way of the Cross from his house, hence the name Casa de Pilatos (Pilate's House).
Is it worth it if I have already seen the Alcázar?
Yes, very much so. It is a more intimate palace with unique pieces:
16th-century tiles (arista and cuenca techniques).
Authentic Roman sculptures (from Itálica).
Frescoes by Francisco Pacheco (Velázquez's master).
Works by Goya in a private collection.
It is a noble residence still lived in: you will see how the Sevillian aristocracy lived.
When is the Casa de Pilatos in Seville free?
Mondays 15:00–19:00, EU citizens only and ground floor. Bear in mind: 30–45 min queues, limited capacity and no guide. Other discounts subject to change:
Residents of Seville: -50%
Children under 6: free
EU students: €6 with a card
How long does it take to visit the Casa de Pilatos?
On your own: ground floor 30–40 min; whole palace 60–75 min.
With a guide (our tour): 90 min, divided between the courtyard and ground floor, noble halls, upper floor and gardens.
Which films have been shot here?
Setting for major productions:
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) · 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992) · Kingdom of Heaven (2005) · Knight and Day (2010).
The palace is still hired out for filming; if your visit coincides, you are notified in advance.
Who lives in the Casa de Pilatos?
The Ducal House of Medinaceli keeps a private residence in part of the palace. The Casa Ducal de Medinaceli Foundation manages public visits (some areas remain closed and silence is requested).
Is the upper floor included in the visit?
On our full tour, yes:
Pacheco Hall (mythological frescoes).
Goya collection and Italian masters.
Cabinet with Flemish paintings.
Historic library (exterior visit).
The family's private rooms are not visited. With the self-guided ticket, the upper floor may require a supplement subject to change.
What makes this palace special?
It combines Mudéjar + Renaissance + late Gothic, preserves first-rate Roman sculptures and is alive (still lived in). Its history is also linked to the first Sevillian Way of the Cross and it has been a film set. With a guide, you make the most of 100% of the historical and artistic content.
SECURE BOOKING AND IMMEDIATE CONFIRMATION
100% secure payment by card, Bizum, PayPal or Apple Pay. Instant confirmation with a QR code on your phone.
24 hours before you receive a WhatsApp with:
A photo of the meeting point in Plaza de Pilatos
The guide's name and phone number
Confirmation of access to the noble floor
Final price, no hidden fees. We are an official supplier authorised by the Casa Ducal de Medinaceli Foundation.
Groups are a maximum of 20 people to maintain quality. Weekends and public holidays sell out 48 hours in advance.
Want to see it with an official guide telling you about it in person?