Today, we are back with another #FavMonument: The Casa Consistorial of Seville. Best known as the City Hall of Seville, is one of the most emblematic constructions in the whole city. It has a unique style that we love, as it has been under constant renovations, going through different expansions and incorporating various architectural styles.
It is located in the historic center, right in the heart of the city. In addition, it is placed between two well-known squares in the city: the front façade faces Plaza Nueva and the rear façade faces Plaza de San Francisco. You can enjoy its façades any time of the day, since it is outdoors. In addition, the interior is available for guided tours from Monday to Thursday and Saturdays. There is more information here.
If you have ever been to Seville before, you have probably walked past it many times. But do you know its history, and have you ever wondered what is behind it?
The history of the Sevillian consistory dates back to 1526. To understand the historical context, we must remember that Seville was becoming a European capital. The city had experienced great economic growth, since anyone going to the new world, The Americas, passed through it first. For that very reason, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, chose the city for his wedding to Isabella of Portugal. It also began a program of urban reforms with the aim of transforming the image of the city to match the importance, wealth and power it was acquiring as a result of the conquest of America. Seville was the maritime and mercantile capital of Spain and the world.
The first construction was built by a late Gothic architect: Diego de Riaño. He was commissioned, among other things, to carve a stone building with façades and two floors covered with plateresque reliefs. Plateresque is a very unique artistic movement developed in Spain, between the end of the Gothic period and the beginning of the Renaissance. It consists of using abundant decoration for buildings and façades. The term comes from a comparison between the work done by goldsmiths with architects.
On the façade we can see numerous plateresque details, emblems and flourishes. Among them, we have the Sevillian emblem of NO8DO, Julius Caesar and Hercules. Do you know why these symbols are so important for Seville?
This façade is what we love the most about the building. We can spend hours analyzing it, looking for references and symbology. In addition, the façade is outdoors and allows you to enjoy it for free, at any time, without waiting in long lines and without the crowds of tourists. However, the decorations in this sector were never completed and today, we can still see the facade with stone blocks ready to be carved.
In the 19th century, the front façade was renovated (although the 16th century plateresque rear façade was maintained). The new one was built by a neoclassical architect.
That is the reason why we see such a difference between the two sides of the building: one, neoclassical, sober with plain walls; the other, Renaissance, decorated and full of symbols. Our favorite, without a doubt, is the second one. Which one is yours?
To conclude, we can say that the current building is the result of several different construction stages, which hasve conditioned its structure and explains its irregular style. All this makes this complex one of the most representative and emblematic of the city, whose history is still alive in the 21st century.
What about you, did you know its history?
Seville offers many more treasures to explore. In Sevilla4Real, you can count on our expert guides to explain you every detail about the city. Do not hesitate to contact us at booking@sevilla4real.com and we will be very happy to organize a visit for you.
Info. from Sevilla la Leyenda, Edificios de Sevilla y Leyendas de Sevilla.
Photos from Freetour Sevilla, SevillaPedia y Sevilla Renacentista.
