What is Casa de Pilatos?
A palace mixing Mudéjar, Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles, built from the late 15th century by the Enríquez de Ribera family (later the Dukes of Medinaceli). Its main patio has marble columns, Roman sculptures and some of the finest azulejo tilework in Spain. Legend says it was modelled on Pontius Pilate's house in Jerusalem after a pilgrimage, hence the name. It's been used as a film location, including for *Lawrence of Arabia* and *Knight and Day*.
Tickets
Upper-floor tours run at fixed times with limited places, so book ahead in high season. Check the official site for current prices and any reduced-price or free periods.
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How busy is it?
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Casa de Pilatos, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Saturday, 9-10 am
Busiest time
Monday, 10 am-4 pm
Tips
- Book the upper-floor tour if you have time: it adds a lot.
- Visit early for photos of the main patio without people.
- Check summer heat: patios are shaded but it's hot at midday.
Getting there
It's a 10-15 minute walk from the cathedral, on the edge of the Santa Cruz quarter.
What to see
The Main Courtyard
Casa de Pilatos, the palace of the Dukes of Medinaceli, blends Mudéjar, Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles. Its main courtyard has a central fountain, delicate plaster arches and some of the finest azulejo tiles in Seville, with Roman statues of goddesses in the corners and busts of Roman emperors in niches.
The tiles
The palace has one of the largest collections of 16th-century Sevillian tiles in the world, covering the walls of the courtyard, halls and staircase in geometric and floral patterns.
The grand staircase
Covered in tiles, under a carved and gilded wooden dome (media naranja).
The gardens
Two gardens, with loggias, fountains, bougainvillea and orange trees, and classical statues.
The upper floor
Still partly lived in by the Medinaceli family, it's shown on short guided tours, with paintings, frescoes and period furniture.
History
The palace was begun in the late 15th century by Pedro Enríquez and his wife, and expanded by their son Fadrique, the first Marquis of Tarifa, after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1519. Legend says the house was modelled on Pontius Pilate's palace in Jerusalem, hence the name, and it marked the starting point of Seville's Way of the Cross. It's a popular film location, used in productions including Lawrence of Arabia and Knight and Day.
Casa de Pilatos vs the Alcázar
The Real Alcázar is bigger and more famous, but it's also much busier. Casa de Pilatos has similar Mudéjar tilework and courtyards, without the crowds, and works well as a second palace, or as an alternative if Alcázar tickets are sold out.
Practical info
Casa de Pilatos is at Plaza de Pilatos 1, about 10 minutes' walk from the cathedral. The ground floor is visited with an audio guide, while the upper floor is shown on short guided tours at set times. Photos are allowed on the ground floor but not upstairs. Allow about an hour, or an hour and a half with the upper floor.
Is Casa de Pilatos worth it?
Yes: it's one of Seville's most beautiful palaces and far less crowded than the Alcázar. Combine both for the best of Seville's Mudéjar architecture.
FAQs
How much is Casa de Pilatos?
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Around €12-15 for the ground floor with audio guide, more for the guided tour including the upper floor.
Can you visit the upper floor of Casa de Pilatos?
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Yes, on a guided tour at set times, with limited places.
What are the opening hours?
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Daily, roughly 9 am-6 pm, until 7 pm in summer.
How long do you need?
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1-1.5 hours.
What's the best time to visit?
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9 am or after 4 pm. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
Heading to Casa de Pilatos?
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
