Palace of the Countess of Lebrija

The Palace of the Countess of Lebrija, located in the heart of Seville, is one of the most fascinating architectural gems of the city. This magnificent building, which combines elements of different architectural styles and historical periods, offers visitors a journey through the history and art of Spain. Built in the 16th century, the palace owes its name to the Countess of Lebrija, Doña Regla Manjón Mergelina, a prominent figure in Sevillian society at the beginning of the 20th century. The countess, passionate about archaeology and art, purchased the building in 1901 and transformed it into a museum residence, enriching it with an extraordinary collection of archaeological artifacts, artworks, and antiques from all over Spain. The visit to the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija begins in the charming central courtyard, a typical example of Andalusian architecture with its Roman mosaic floor and marble columns. This open space, decorated with plants and fountains, offers an atmosphere of serenity and sophistication, inviting visitors to discover the hidden treasures inside the palace. One of the most extraordinary elements of the palace is the collection of Roman mosaics, considered one of the most important in Spain. These mosaics, originally from Italica, an ancient Roman city located a few kilometers from Seville, cover much of the palace’s room floors. The mosaics, with their intricate geometric and figurative designs, are an extraordinary example of Roman artistic skill and add a touch of classical antiquity to the elegance of the palace. In addition to the mosaics, the palace houses a vast collection of ceramics, sculptures, and artworks from different eras and cultures. Among these are Phoenician and Carthaginian archaeological finds, Moorish ceramics, and Renaissance and Baroque artworks. Each room of the palace is a discovery, with artworks reflecting the richness and diversity of the Spanish cultural heritage. The noble floor of the palace, where the countess lived, is furnished with antique furniture, tapestries, and paintings that testify to the taste and sophistication of Sevillian nobility. The library, with its walls lined with ancient books and coffered ceiling, is one of the most evocative rooms of the palace, offering an insight into the intellectual and cultural life of the countess and her guests. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija is the combination of architectural styles. The building, originally in Mudejar style, has been expanded and renovated over the centuries, incorporating Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. This fusion of styles gives the palace a unique character and represents a perfect example of the richness and complexity of Sevillian architecture. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery of the Roman mosaics. During the renovation works of the palace, the countess conducted archaeological excavations in the garden and foundations of the building, uncovering numerous valuable artifacts. The countess, a passionate and knowledgeable archaeologist, personally supervised the excavations and decided to incorporate the mosaics into the palace floor, creating a living museum integrated into the residential structure.