Palace of the Duenas

The Palazzo de las Dueñas, located in the heart of Seville, is one of the most fascinating and historically rich historic residences in the city. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the palace takes its name from the ancient convent of Santa María de las Dueñas, which was located nearby and was demolished in 1868. Originally belonging to the Pineda family, it later passed to the Enríquez de Ribera family and finally, in 1612, became part of the heritage of the Casa d’Alba, one of the most prestigious and powerful noble families in Spain. The architecture of the Palazzo de las Dueñas is a remarkable example of Gothic-Mudejar and Renaissance style. The main entrance is characterized by a portal decorated with Mudejar motifs, a clear reference to the Islamic influence on Andalusian culture. The palace is built around a series of courtyards, each with its own identity and function. The Patio de las Palmeras, with its tall palm trees and marble fountains, is a place of peace and serenity, while the Patio de los Limones, celebrated by the poet Antonio Machado, is known for its garden of fragrant lemons. Antonio Machado, one of the greatest Spanish poets of the 20th century, was born in the Palazzo de las Dueñas in 1875. The palace was then a rented house, and the Machado family lived there for several years. Antonio Machado often recalled in his writings the childhood spent in the palace gardens, affectionately describing the courtyards and scents that characterized that period of his life. This personal connection with one of the greatest figures in Spanish literature adds an additional layer of historical and cultural significance to the palace. Inside the palace, the rooms are furnished with antique furniture, tapestries, and works of art that testify to the prestige and wealth of the Alba family. Among the most important works are paintings by renowned artists such as Jusepe de Ribera, Luca Giordano, and Annibale Carracci. The collection of Flemish tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries, including the famous “Mercury in love with Herse” woven by Willem Pannemaker in 1570, is one of the most precious treasures of the palace. The private chapel of the palace, dating back to the 15th century, is an extraordinary example of art and devotion. Decorated with typical Seville ceramic tiles, it houses an altar adorned with metallic reflections that shine in the candlelight. The palace library, with its Mudejar-style coffered ceiling, contains ancient volumes and manuscripts that offer a glimpse into the intellectual history of the family. During the 19th century, the palace underwent a significant transformation when it was converted into a popular house, hosting numerous families. This period of its history is particularly interesting because the palace became a microcosm of Sevillian life, reflecting the social and cultural diversity of the city. Only in the 20th century did it return to being an aristocratic residence, maintaining its connection with the community. One of the most significant events in the recent history of the palace was the visit of Jacqueline Kennedy in 1960. During her stay, the former First Lady of the United States painted a watercolor depicting the courtyard of the palace, a gesture that emphasizes the attraction exerted by this place on people from around the world.