Palace of the Countess of Lebrija
Encyclopedia
The Lebrija Palace or el Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija can be found in one of Seville city centre’s busiest street, ‘Calle Cuna’, parallel to the famous Calle Sierpes. Dating from the 16th Century, it is considered one of the best residences in Seville
. The palace is characterised by its impressive collection of Roman mosaics, which paved almost the entire ground floor and lead the palace to be considered the ‘best paved house-palace in Europe’. There is also an great collection of well paraphets, amphoras, columns and sculptures of huge artist value.
Its walls are a palette of architectural styles with elements such as Arabic-style arches, Plateresque decoration, tiles retrieved from ruined convent, a coffered ceiling from a 16th palace and a renaissance frieze, while its façade and layout remains true to typical Andalusian style.
paving made up of multi-coloured marbles, which paves the entrance hall, and the mosaic depicting God Pan, which can be found in the palace’s central courtyard and was previously displayed in another of the Countess’ properties in Olivar de los Palacios. The mosaic’s central medallion represents God Pan, who is in love with Galatea
and serenading her on his flute, while the other medallions show the love stories of Zeus
and in the corners are representations of the fours seasons.
The ground floor also is filled with Greco-Roman busts, mythological depictions in various forms, not forgetting pieces from the Arabic era, China and Persia, found in display cabinets and on the palace’s walls. Amongst other artworks, those of particular importance include original paintings by Van Dyke
, Bruegel the elder, the Murillo school. On the upper floor there is also a magnificent library containing over 6000 books and essays.
The museum’s opening times are…
Monday-Friday: 10:30-19:30 (uninterrupted), Saturdays: 10:00-14:00 and 16;00-18:00, Sundays: 10:00-14:00 (Exception: In the months of July and August- Monday-Friday: 09:00-15:00, Saturdays: 10:00-14:00, Sundays: Closed)
Events: In addition, the palace can be hired for events, using its patios and rooms for presentations, lunches, gala dinners, conferences, concerts etc.
Seville
Seville is the artistic, historic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia and of the province of Seville. It is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir, with an average elevation of above sea level...
. The palace is characterised by its impressive collection of Roman mosaics, which paved almost the entire ground floor and lead the palace to be considered the ‘best paved house-palace in Europe’. There is also an great collection of well paraphets, amphoras, columns and sculptures of huge artist value.
Its walls are a palette of architectural styles with elements such as Arabic-style arches, Plateresque decoration, tiles retrieved from ruined convent, a coffered ceiling from a 16th palace and a renaissance frieze, while its façade and layout remains true to typical Andalusian style.
History
Construction of the palace as a noble house began in the 15th Century and its façade in the 16th Century in typical Sevillian style. The palace then went on to be remodelled and extended between the 18th and 20th Centuries. When built it belonged to the Paiba family, the palace was then owned by various noblemen and women over the years including the Count of Corbos and the Counts of Miraflores. In 1901 it was bought by Regla Manjón Mergelina (Countess of Lebrija), who restored and reconstructed the palace to house her valuable collection of antiquities. She had a passion for archaeology and decided to adorn the palace with artefacts found during her excavations, as well as those bought from other archaeologists, friends of the Countess. The palace is 2500m², over two floors – the ground floor used during the summer and the upper floor during winter.Collection
Some of the most significant pieces in the collection include the opus sectileOpus sectile
Opus sectile refers to an art technique popularized in the ancient and medieval Roman world where materials were cut and inlaid into walls and floors to make a picture or pattern. Common materials were marble, mother of pearl, and glass. The materials were cut in thin pieces, polished, then trimmed...
paving made up of multi-coloured marbles, which paves the entrance hall, and the mosaic depicting God Pan, which can be found in the palace’s central courtyard and was previously displayed in another of the Countess’ properties in Olivar de los Palacios. The mosaic’s central medallion represents God Pan, who is in love with Galatea
Galatea
Galatea is an ancient Greek name meaning "she who is milk-white".Galatea or Galathea may refer to:-In mythology:* Galatea :**Galatea, a woman who prayed for her daughter to be turned into a son, Leucippus...
and serenading her on his flute, while the other medallions show the love stories of Zeus
Zeus
In the ancient Greek religion, Zeus was the "Father of Gods and men" who ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father ruled the family. He was the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. His Roman counterpart is Jupiter and his Etruscan counterpart is Tinia.Zeus was the child of Cronus...
and in the corners are representations of the fours seasons.
The ground floor also is filled with Greco-Roman busts, mythological depictions in various forms, not forgetting pieces from the Arabic era, China and Persia, found in display cabinets and on the palace’s walls. Amongst other artworks, those of particular importance include original paintings by Van Dyke
Van Dyke
Van Dyke is a surname of Dutch or Flemish origin. It may refer to:* Sir Anthony van Dyck, , Flemish-born painter*Barry Van Dyke , American actor, son of Dick Van Dyke...
, Bruegel the elder, the Murillo school. On the upper floor there is also a magnificent library containing over 6000 books and essays.
The Palace Museum
In 1999, decedents of the Countess and current owners decided to open the house to the public as a museum, in order to allow them to appreciate the great work of the Countess of Lebrija. So, the public can visit the ground floor and view the Countess’ great archaeological collection and discover the passion of a true collector. There are also guided visits of the upper floor throughout the day, where you can view the Countess’ beautifully-decorated former residences, as the family lived in them – sitting rooms, a private chapel, dining room and library, all of which contain a multitude of ornaments and pieces of art.The museum’s opening times are…
Monday-Friday: 10:30-19:30 (uninterrupted), Saturdays: 10:00-14:00 and 16;00-18:00, Sundays: 10:00-14:00 (Exception: In the months of July and August- Monday-Friday: 09:00-15:00, Saturdays: 10:00-14:00, Sundays: Closed)
Events: In addition, the palace can be hired for events, using its patios and rooms for presentations, lunches, gala dinners, conferences, concerts etc.