Palace of the Countess of Lebrija

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The central floor mosaic, depicting the god Pan, is original Roman work salvaged from the site of Itálica.

2. 2

   The Countess of Lebrija was the first woman to be admitted to the Seville Academy of Fine Arts.

3. 3

   The palace entrance features an original 16th-century stone archway saved from a demolished palace in Marchena.

4. 4

   Many of the Roman mosaics on display were purchased by the Countess specifically to prevent them from being exported or destroyed during urban construction.

5. 5

   The library contains over 4,000 volumes, some dating back to the 16th century, alongside an extensive collection of historical manuscripts.

Overview

The Palace of the Countess of Lebrija is a 16th-century Sevillian palatial home renowned for housing one of the most important private collections of Roman mosaics in Europe. The Countess of Lebrija, Regla Manjón Mergelina, curated this archaeological collection by incorporating authentic Roman floors excavated from the ancient ruins of Itálica into the palace's architecture. The ground floor remains largely preserved as it appeared in the early 20th century, featuring a blend of Mudéjar, Renaissance, and plateresque architectural elements. Visitors pass through a central courtyard adorned with fountain features and surrounded by walls lined with marble busts, ceramics, and amphorae. The upper floor exhibits the family's personal art collection, including works by artists such as Van Dyck, Brueghel, and Sorolla. The building itself is an architectural hybrid, showcasing the transition between traditional Andalusian courtyard design and the eccentric preservationism of the early 1900s.

Insider tips

• Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to enjoy the central courtyard fountain when it is fully operational.

• Consider booking a guided tour of the private rooms on the upper floor for access to the family's personal art collection.

• Look for the inlaid tiles, which represent a mixture of regional artisanal styles from across the Iberian Peninsula.