Casa de Pilatos (Pilate's House), Seville (must see)
In October 1520, the nobleman Don Fadrique Enriques de Rivera returned from a journey to the Holy Land. Inspired by his experiences in Jerusalem, he initiated in Seville the Holy Way of the Cross. The Holy Way traced the path of Christ from Pilate's praetorian to the hill of Calvary. In this case Calvary was a pillar in a field outside the city walls.
The house of Don Fadrique was still under construction when he inaugurated the Via Crucis and it became known as "Pilate's House." People thought of the house as a copy of Pilate's house. Pontius Pilate is best known for being the official who presided over the trial of Jesus and later ordered his crucifixion. Rooms of the house have names associated with the Passion of Christ. There is "Hall of Praetorian", and "Chapel of Flagellations."
The house is decorated with rare azulejo tiles and surrounded with well maintained gardens. The front gate is of marble in the renaissance style. Beyond the front gate is a courtyard with a fountain and the busts of Spanish kings, 24 in all. There are also a number of busts of Roman emperors. Beyond the emperors and kings are more gardens.
The interiors of the house are decorated with azulejo tiles and ceilings of Mudejar honeycomb design. In a room of the left wing of the tower is a ceiling fresco painted by the Spanish painter Francisco Pacheco. The theme of the frescoe is the apotheosis of Hercules. Hercules is celebrated as the founder of Seville and Cadiz. The house is open year round.
Why You Should Visit:
To see Andalusian design, without the crowds at the Royal Alcázar. The tile work, ceilings, wood, plaster carvings, and colorful gardens are very much worthwhile.
Tip:
Don't miss the cute ceramics shop just outside the Casa; it's an especially good one with some traditional and some original items... better than the regular souvenir shop.
The house of Don Fadrique was still under construction when he inaugurated the Via Crucis and it became known as "Pilate's House." People thought of the house as a copy of Pilate's house. Pontius Pilate is best known for being the official who presided over the trial of Jesus and later ordered his crucifixion. Rooms of the house have names associated with the Passion of Christ. There is "Hall of Praetorian", and "Chapel of Flagellations."
The house is decorated with rare azulejo tiles and surrounded with well maintained gardens. The front gate is of marble in the renaissance style. Beyond the front gate is a courtyard with a fountain and the busts of Spanish kings, 24 in all. There are also a number of busts of Roman emperors. Beyond the emperors and kings are more gardens.
The interiors of the house are decorated with azulejo tiles and ceilings of Mudejar honeycomb design. In a room of the left wing of the tower is a ceiling fresco painted by the Spanish painter Francisco Pacheco. The theme of the frescoe is the apotheosis of Hercules. Hercules is celebrated as the founder of Seville and Cadiz. The house is open year round.
Why You Should Visit:
To see Andalusian design, without the crowds at the Royal Alcázar. The tile work, ceilings, wood, plaster carvings, and colorful gardens are very much worthwhile.
Tip:
Don't miss the cute ceramics shop just outside the Casa; it's an especially good one with some traditional and some original items... better than the regular souvenir shop.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seville. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Casa de Pilatos (Pilate's House) on Map
Sight Name: Casa de Pilatos (Pilate's House)
Sight Location: Seville, Spain (See walking tours in Seville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Seville, Spain (See walking tours in Seville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Seville, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Seville
Creating your own self-guided walk in Seville is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Flamenco Walking Tour
They say if it's Flamenco – it's Andalusia, and if it's Andalusia – it's all about Seville. Indeed, with its roots deeply embedded in the Andalusian culture, Seville is a prime destination for experiencing the essence of Flamenco and is largely considered to be the home of this fiery dance.
Flamenco sites are found all over the city – in bars, theaters, or specialized... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Flamenco sites are found all over the city – in bars, theaters, or specialized... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Old Seville Walking Tour
Seville's varied history has left behind a great deal of heritage, much of which is seen in the Old Town, the largest in Europe. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the former Jewish quarter of Seville, and one of the famous districts here. From 1248 to 1492, it had been inhabited by the largest Jewish community in Spain – eventually driven out, leaving this beautiful neighborhood forlorn.
Today the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Today the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Seville Introduction Walking Tour
Seville is the largest city and provincial capital of Andalusia. It is in the southwest of Spain, on the banks of the Guadalquivir. Ancient tradition holds that Seville was founded by Hercules. It was called Hisbaal by Phoenician colonizers for the god Baal. The Romans latinized the name, calling it Hispalis.
In the year 711 CE the city was brought under Muslim rule and renamed Ishbiliyah. It... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
In the year 711 CE the city was brought under Muslim rule and renamed Ishbiliyah. It... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Uniquely Spanish Things to Buy in Seville
Immortalized by Gioachino Rossini in his famous The Barber of Seville opera, the city of Seville is a major historic and cultural sight adorning the face of modern Spain. Much of the city's character is reflected in the locally-made products that can make for a great gift or trip memento...