Casa de Pilatos

The Casa de Pilatos was built from the late fifteenth century and completed by Fadrique Enriquez de Ribera after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1519, which is where the tradition connecting it to Pilate's house comes from, though the link is decorative rather than historical. The result combines two idioms: Mudejar craftsmanship in the plasterwork, coffered ceilings and around a hundred and fifty distinct patterns of azulejo tiling, and Italian Renaissance work in the marble fountain, the classical statuary Ribera collected, and the loggias. The main patio with its Genoese fountain and Roman busts is the set piece. The upper floor, still used by the Dukes of Medinaceli, is shown on guided tours and holds paintings and family collections.

What you actually see

• The main patio - a Genoese marble fountain among Roman statuary.
• The azulejo tiling - around a hundred and fifty distinct sixteenth-century patterns.
• The Mudejar ceilings - coffered woodwork and carved plaster.
• The upper floor - the ducal apartments, shown by guided tour.

When to go

Spring and autumn; the courtyards and gardens are pleasant then, and summer heat makes the walk across the old town hard. The palace is less crowded than the Alcazar and rarely requires advance booking.

Honest expectations

The upper floor is accessible only on a timed guided tour at extra cost, and tours are limited. Parts close for family use and private events. The garden is small compared with the Alcazar's.

Nearby

Seville cathedral and the Alcazar are ten minutes west; Metropol Parasol lies north.