Palacio de San Telmo, Seville, Spain

The Palace of San Telmo is today the seat of the presidency of the Andalusian Autonomous Government. Construction of the building began in 1682 outside the walls of the city, on property belonging to the Tribunal of the Holy Office, the institution responsible for the Spanish Inquisition. It was originally constructed as the seat of the University of Navigators (Universidad de Mareantes), a school to educate orphaned children and train them as sailors.

The palace is one of the emblematic buildings of Sevillian Baroque architecture. It is built on a rectangular plan, with several interior courtyards, including a central courtyard, towers on the four corners, a chapel, and gardens. Presiding over the chapel is an early 17th-century statue of Nuestra Señora del Buen Aire.

The main façade of the palace is distinguished by the magnificent Churrigueresque entrance completed in 1754.

Atop the façade facing Calle Palos de la Frontera, across from the Hotel Alfonso XIII, are sculptures of twelve illustrious Sevillians, sculpted in 1895 by Antonio Susillo.

References:

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Palaces, manors and town halls in Spain

User Reviews

Dan Maarek (13 months ago)
Another beautiful piece of architecture in Seville. We didn't know it was possible to get in and visit it and it is a pity. Don't make the sane error than us.

Nuno Castilho (16 months ago)
Beautiful Baroque style building. Former University but now Andalusian government building.

June Aberkan (18 months ago)
Visits are free and very interesting, a lot of information given about the decorations and history. I wished they would make it easier on the website to choose the visit in English or Spanish, I missed that option completely and doubt it even exists.

Lukasz Taborski (19 months ago)
It's hard not to notice this Baroque building which is now the seat of the Andalusian government (formerly a university for navigators). Walk around it to see the statues of famous people of Sevilla. It's worth a walk around here and it's an amazing main entrance!

Irwin Mier (2 years ago)
The Baroque facade is really stunning. It’s pretty representative of the many landmarks that dot this Spanish city. It’s so ornate you can spend some time staring at the stone work. People from San Diego might appreciate this building as it may remind you of Balboa Park. The buildings there are strikingly similar to this structure.

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