Casa de Pilatos Visitor Guide 2026

Self-Guided Route

What to See and in What Order

The palace is laid out logically. Follow this sequence and you won't miss anything important. The full route takes about 2–2.5 hours; ground floor only is 60–90 minutes.

Apeadero (Carriage Hall) You enter through the Apeadero, the grand carriage hall. Look up at the wooden ceiling — it's the original 16th-century structure and one of the most intact in Seville. The scale of the space gives you your first hint of the family's wealth.
Patio Principal (Main Courtyard) The centrepiece of the palace. Three storeys of arched gallery surround a central fountain. The marble columns are from the 16th century; the azulejo tiles in the lower band are among the finest surviving Sevillian examples. The 24 Roman marble busts lining the arcade were brought from Italy by the first Marquis around 1520. Spend time here — it's the best room in the palace.
Ground-Floor State Rooms Six interconnected rooms off the main courtyard. The Hall of Flags, Praetor's Hall, and Bedroom of Don Fadrique each have full-height azulejo tile panels and original 16th-century ceilings. The Medinaceli family's taste ran to the Flemish — look for the Dutch tapestries in the Praetor's Hall.
Jardín Grande & Jardín Chico (Gardens) The large garden (Jardín Grande) is where Game of Thrones filmed the Water Gardens of Dorne. The central fountain was the scene of Oberyn Martell's entrance in Season 5. Sit here for 10 minutes if the weather is good — it's one of the quietest places in central Seville. The smaller Jardín Chico is also worth a loop.
Upper Floor: Staircase & Artesonado Ceiling (Full palace ticket required.) The Renaissance staircase has a lacquered coffered ceiling — an artesonado — that is one of the finest in Andalusia. The stairs lead to the private residential apartments used by the Medinaceli family until the 20th century.
Upper Floor Rooms & Private Chapel The upper floor has six main rooms. The private chapel retains its original 16th-century Flemish altarpiece — it's still in the exact position where it was installed. The portrait gallery has paintings of every Duke and Duchess of Medinaceli from the 16th century to the 20th. The open terraces have the best views over the palace rooflines.

When to Visit

Opening Hours & Best Time to Go

Day	Hours
Monday	13:00 – 19:00 (free for EU)
Tuesday – Friday	09:00 – 19:00
Saturday – Sunday	09:00 – 19:00
24 & 31 December	09:00 – 15:00
25 Dec, 1 Jan	Closed

Last entry is one hour before closing. The gardens close 15 minutes before the palace.

Best time to arrive

Weekday mornings (9:00–11:00) are the quietest. You'll often have the main courtyard entirely to yourself for 10–20 minutes, which is extraordinary for a Seville attraction.

Avoid midday in summer (June–August). The palace has no air conditioning and the courtyards can be very warm between 12:00 and 16:00. If visiting in summer, go at 9:00 or after 17:00.

Monday afternoons are popular for the EU free-entry window. Arrive by 13:10 to beat the queue.

Before You Go

Practical Tips

Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the palace, including the upper floor. No tripods. The main courtyard is best photographed in the morning when the light falls on the west arcade. The gardens are best in late afternoon.

Accessibility

The ground floor is largely wheelchair accessible. The upper floor is not — it requires the original 16th-century staircase with no lift alternative. The gardens are accessible but have some uneven cobbled sections.

What to Wear

No dress code. Comfortable shoes are recommended — the floors are marble and stone throughout. In summer, a small water bottle is helpful as there are no cafés inside the palace.

Audio Guides

An audio guide is available at the ticket desk for a small extra charge (around €3). Most visitors who have read about the palace in advance find it unnecessary — but it's worth hiring if you haven't done any preparation.

Luggage & Bags

Large bags and backpacks must be left in the free cloakroom near the entrance. The cloakroom is unstaffed — use the lockers provided. This is for the protection of the azulejo tiles in the narrow corridors.

Getting There

Casa de Pilatos is at Plaza de Pilatos, 1, about 250 metres from the Cathedral. The nearest Metro station is Puerta Jerez (10-min walk). See the full getting there guide →

Common Questions

Visitor Guide FAQ

How long should I allow for a visit to Casa de Pilatos?

Ground floor only: 60–90 minutes if you move at a moderate pace, up to 2 hours if you read everything and sit in the garden. Full palace with upper floor: 2–3 hours. Guided tours are 90 minutes and cover the most important rooms.

Is there a café or restaurant inside Casa de Pilatos?

No. There is no café inside the palace. The nearest options are on Calle Águilas and in the Barrio Santa Cruz. Bring a water bottle in summer.

Can children visit Casa de Pilatos?

Yes. Children under 5 enter free. The ground floor is pushchair accessible. The main courtyard and gardens work well for children. The upper floor is narrow and stair-heavy — a consideration for very young children.

Is the palace air-conditioned?

No. Casa de Pilatos has no air conditioning. The thick walls and shaded courtyards keep it cool in spring and autumn, but it can be warm in summer. If visiting in July or August, go early morning (9:00–11:00) or late afternoon (17:00–19:00).

Is Casa de Pilatos worth visiting if you've already been to the Alcázar?

Yes. Casa de Pilatos offers a completely different experience — it's quieter, less formal, and lets you see the kind of private aristocratic interior that the Alcázar, as a royal palace, never had. The Roman sculpture collection alone is worth the entry price.