Seville is a city sizzling with cathedrals, towers and tapas bars, drawing millions of tourists each year. But if you’re looking to escape the big-city buzz, this tour of Seville’s grand houses and palaces invites you on a quiet journey into their art and history, far from the crowds. Local guide, Antonio, says, “The Spanish nobility lived a lavish lifestyle reflected in the incredible decor and style of their houses. Luckily for us, many are still standing – and in great condition, too.” You’ll wander the cobbled streets and plazas of Seville’s Golden Aged aristocracy and take a closer look at their palatial homes with a guided tour of either Palacio de Duenas or Casa Pilatos.
Palacio de Duenas was built in the 15th century and became a hang-out of European royalty, and later, sensations like Jacquie Kennedy and Grace Kelly. It’s easy to see why they wanted to visit. The Palace has a mix of Gothic-Mudejar and Renaissance architecture. We’re talking rooms with ornate wooden ceilings, marble everywhere and horseshoe-shaped arches surrounding the courtyard. The sprawling gardens and collection of over 1,400 pieces of art are on show, too.
Ten minutes away at Casa Pilatos, you’ll find a similar style of architecture, including intricately patterned blue-and-white tiles flooding the pretty courtyard and a wall lined with 24 busts of Roman and Spanish emperors. The mansion’s ornate opulence has even attracted Hollywood, with scenes from the films Lawrence of Arabia and Knight and Day being filmed here. You’ll also see the gardens which take you on a game of hide-and-seek, with courtyards appearing from behind perfectly trimmed topiary.
