Add Condesa de Lebrija Palace to your list of places to visit in Seville. This magnificent 16th-century mansion is set around an Andalusian-style courtyard, an open patio that is a fusion of Spanish and Roman styles. Tour the interior to discover beautiful mosaics, period furniture and Roman and medieval artifacts.
Condesa de Lebrija Palace takes its name from a previous owner, the Countess de Lebrija who bought it at the turn of the 20th century. Passionate about archeology she filled her home with artifacts and art from different ages.
Your exploration starts on the first floor which is almost entirely covered with Roman mosaics. Walk over to the central patio for a large mosaic in an almost flawless condition. It depicts Roman gods including Zeus and Pan. See more floor mosaics in the Room of the Columns and the Medusa Room.
While in the Patio of the Palm Trees study fragments of mosaics that hang from the walls. Many of the mosaics come from Italica, a Roman city in Seville province.
Before going up to the second floor pause at the foot of the main staircase to appreciate the mudejar coffered ceiling above you and the Andalusian tiles that line the wall.
Enter the Living Room on the second floor to look at 18th-century tableware and 17th-century paintings. On the ceiling are three wooden stars covered with earthenware. View oriental rugs, chairs and divans inside the Arab Room. In the Hall of the Canton find a collection of Cantonese porcelain and a painting of the Virgin Mary by Anthony van Dyck, a leading 17th-century baroque artist. Walk through the library which houses thousands of volumes.
Other highlights of a visit to the mansion include a baroque altarpiece with 18th-century carvings in the Oratory.
Condesa de Lebrija Palace is located in the Calle Cuna which runs parallel to Calle Sierpes, one of the main shopping streets of Seville’s historical center. The building is open daily except during July and August when it closes on Sundays. Discounts on admission tickets are available for children aged between 6 and 12.