Hidden Gem of Seville: Palacio de las Dueñas

Hidden Gem of Seville: Palacio de las Dueñas

Las Dueñas in Seville is one of the finest examples of Andalusian architecture, combining Moorish, Rennaisance, and Gothic influences. It was built in the 16th century and it is considered to be of great architectural and historic heritage.

The name comes from the monastery Santa María de las Dueñas, which was located on the adjoining plot but demolished in 1868.

The palace served as a residence for Sevillian nobles, and throughout its existence, it has changed owners numerous times. Currently, it belongs to the House of Alba, one of the most influential aristocratic families in Spain.

In the 20th century, Las Dueñas became a meeting point for European royalty but also influential people from around the world (Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly to name a few).

Palacio de las Dueñas is a short walk away from Casa de Pilatos, so you can easily visit these two in one day.

So, is it worth visiting and what can you see?

In short – YES. The architecture itself is worth the trip, along with the lush gardens and an impressive collection of artifacts.

Shall we take a little tour?

Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
The neighborhood where the palace stands is full of beautiful old buildings.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
No one does coloured houses as well as Andalusia!

The Entrance

After paying for your ticket in a small booth by the entrance, you will walk into a large courtyard dominated by bougainvillea-covered walls and a small central garden with Jacaranda trees.

It’s probably one of the most photographed spots in the palace, together with the main courtyard.

From there, you’re directed by the signs to continue exploring on your right.

You will pass through the old horse stables and enter the main garden.

Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
The facade of the palace is covered by blooming bougainvillea.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
The entrance to the stables is just around this corner.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
A new Juliet balcony right here?

Jardin de los Limoneros

It wouldn’t be an Andalusian garden if it didn’t have orange trees – but this one has lemon trees instead.

Jardin de los Limoneros is designed around a small central fountain with wide pathways leading around the edges and across the whole garden.

The walls are covered by lush vegetation and all you hear is the tricking water and birds singing.

There’s plenty to admire too – lots of plants and blooming flowers to inspect. The palace actually has a pretty cool Interatcive map where you can click and see the individual flowers in each garden.

Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Blooming hydrangea.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Always looking for the shady spot to escape the heat =)
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
The size of this Montsera!
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
One of the few life-size sculptures in the garden.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
A small fountain in the middle of the garden.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
The lemon tree garden then gradually continues and connects to the smaller gardens behind it.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
A cozy spot to enjoy the views.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Beautiful blooms from the garden.

Main Courtyard

The main courtyard feels a bit like a botanical garden, shaded by tall trees and lots of plants and blooming flowers.

You can sit on one of the benches in the gallery and just watch the birds having a bath in the central fountain.

Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville

Inside the Palace

The interior of the palace consists of long passageways and rooms, filled with artifacts, antique furniture, and an impressive collection of paintings.

The collection includes Italian and Spanish paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries and over 1000 artifacts protected by Andalusian law due to their historic and artistic importance.

It feels much more like a home, compared to Casa de Pilatos, which mainly consisted of empty rooms.

There was a small chapel, library, and endless array of decorative objects and photographs – much more exciting to explore than empty rooms.

While we could roam free on the lower floors, the upper floors of the palace were not accessible at the time of my visit.

Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Bright daylight illuminating some of the prized possessions in Palacio de las Dueñas.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
One of the salons inside the Palace.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Collection of photographs on display in the palace.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Some of the rooms were more accessible than others. In some, you can walk around the whole room and check the details, while others will let you admire the inside from the doorway.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Toreador costume on display.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
A library filled with the smell of old books, and some comfy-looking cushions.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Seating area in the library.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
All roads lead to …. not Rome, the main courtyard.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Exiting the ground floor will lead you to the last garden.

Jardin de Santa Justa

On your way out of the Palace, you will walk through the last smaller garden called Jardin de Santa Justa.

It is dominated by giant palm trees creating a dramatic shadow display on the floor and framing the white bench underneath beautifully.

The garden also has old cactus plants towering over you as you make your way out of the garden.

On exit, you will enter the courtyard with the main entrance, and a small gift shop on your right side.

Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Looking for trouble.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
What a spot!
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Game of shadows.
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville

I hope you enjoyed the tour!

Below is some practical information to plan your visit along with more tips on what to see in Seville!

Palacio de las Dueñas – Visitor Information

Entrance fees: 10 euro for adults, kids between 6 -12 years old 8 euro, and under 6 years free. You can buy tickets online or at the small booth by the entrance.

Opening times: Monday – Thursday from 10.00 am to 3 pm, Friday – Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (same on holidays). On windy days (50km/hr) the palace remains closed for visitors’ safety (they only announce that on the door).

Map layout of the Palace: available on their website

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Hi, I'm Lucia

At Viva La Vita, I will help you to discover Southern Spain like a local!

I've been living on Costa del Sol since 2020, and fill these pages with first-hand insights, personal experience and practical tips that will help you plan a wonderful trip to Spain.

Make yourself at home and find the best places to explore in Andalusia and beyond.

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