What to see in Seville one weekend I already talked about it in the mini-guide to the city, but for those who have a little more time and don't want to leave without knowing everything about the beautiful Andalusian, here is a place not to be missed. In Barrio of Santa Cruz, in a small square hidden among the ancient streets of the city stands the beautiful House of Pilate, whose construction began in the XNUMXth century by the founders of the Casa degli Alcalá and ended thanks to the intervention of the Marquis of Tarifa of the Ribera family. This palace represents one of the most beautiful examples born from the fusion of Renaissance architectural elements and Mudejar styles.
But we, who like distant stories, ancient legends and stories shrouded in mystery and it doesn't matter if real or invented, are fascinated by the name House of Pilate which betrays a Christian origin, a reference to the New Testament and a strong religiosity. It is said in fact that the name was chosen by the Marquis who, returning from a trip to Jerusalem, was pleasantly struck by the fact that the distance between the house of Pilate and Calvary was the same that existed between his house in Seville and a church, located outside the walls, known as la Cruz Campo, la Cross of the Field. The Marquis then set up a personal Via Crucis with 14 stations along the way, and his home since then became the House of Pilate.
Wonderful are the patios and secret gardens that in spring are covered with splendid bougainvillea and orange blossoms while stupendous azulejos and Arabic architectural elements mix with classical statues, Italian-style fountains and gothic decorations. The upper floor, still home to the Medinaceli, is the triumph of XNUMXth and XNUMXth century art with frescoes, collectibles, tapestries and canvases including a Goya miniature, a painting by Ribera and Jordáns.
The Casa di Pilato is open every day from November to March from 9 to 18 h, while from April to October from 9 to 19 h. The cost of the guided tour of the entire house in Spanish and English is 8 €, while for those wishing to visit only the gardens and the ground floor the cost is 6 €.
