Pilatos’ house is one of the most attractive Andalusian palaces for tourists. Its spaces, details and interesting history have made it a cultural offer difficult to ignore. If it catches your attention, read on because we will tell you all the secrets of this Historical Heritage of Spain, located in Seville, which you have to visit at least once in your life.
A very particular history and name
At the end of the 15th century, the Adelantado de Andalucía, Don Pedro Enríquez de Quiñones ordered the construction of the palace. However, after his death, it was his wife Catalina de Ribera who completed the project, and later his son Fadrique Enríquez and his grandson enlarged and decorated the place.
Pilatos’ house got its name after Fadrique Enríquez travelled to Jerusalem in 1519, and realized that between the original house of Pontius Pilatos and Golgotha there was the same distance as between the palace and the Cruz del Campo. When he returned, he baptized the place and laid out a Via Crucis with 12 stations – existing today – which were the seed of Holy Week in Seville during the 16th century.
Style and unique spaces in Pilatos’ house
This palace combines the Mudejar style with the Renaissance. Those who know it describe it as a special space with perfect light and gardens that leave everyone breathless. A reference to 16th century architecture. It also has a small chapel full of relics, stories and images, such as one found in Roman catacombs.
In addition, Pilato’s house is full of works, the product of the great fortune inherited by the grandson of Pedro Enríquez de Quiñones, who invested in sculptures. In the main courtyard is the Palas Atenea, the Diana cazadora, the bust of Marcus Aurelius; in the rooms you can find a series of paintings by Francisco de Goya and the frescoes of the apotheosis of Hercules by Francisco Pacheco.
The Pilatos’ house and the modernity
As we have already mentioned, this is one of the favorite spots for visitors to Seville, but also for filmmakers, as it has been the setting for Hollywood films such as 1492: Conquest of Paradise, El caballero Don Quijote, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Kingdom of Heaven. Do you lack reasons to visit Seville’s largest private palace? We know you don’t, so get ready for an unforgettable adventure through southern Spain.
