What is the Palacio de las Dueñas / Casa de Alba?

Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it stands on the grounds of the old Monastery of Santa María de las Dueñas, now long gone but remembered in the palace’s name. Over its history, it passed from one noble family to another: first the Pinedas, who were forced to sell the home to pay a ransom after a family tragedy, and later, in 1612, to the powerful House of Alba. Since then, it has remained in their hands.

One of its most famous residents was the Duchess Cayetana de Alba, one of Spain’s most colorful figures. The palace follows the same style as many grand homes in Seville, inspired by the Real Alcázar. Its design mixes Renaissance architecture with Moorish and Gothic styles. In the 1800s, it was briefly turned into a guesthouse, and then the 20th century, it became a place where royals, writers, and artists often gathered.

Visiting the Palacio de las Dueñas and What to See

•    The Entrance
•    Jardin de los Limoneros
•    Main Courtyard
•    Inside the Palace
•    Jardin de Santa Justa

The visit starts at the entrance of the palace, where you can see a beautiful tile above the arch. It shows the coat of arms of the House of Alba and dates back to the 17th century. Once on the other side of the gates, visitors step into a first large courtyard where a fortress of bougainvillea climbs up the main house, and jacaranda trees bloom in the middle. Just to the right are the old stables, which are among the oldest in Seville. They were once Arab baths, which is why they sit 2 meters below ground level.

Can it really be Seville without its orange trees? Well, maybe. The Jardín de los Limoneros makes a little exception. Instead of the usual bitter oranges, this peaceful garden is filled with lemon trees. In the center, there’s a small fountain made of colorful tiles that always reminds me a bit of Morocco. Quiet stone paths lead you through the garden, surrounded by soft greenery and the fresh scent of lemons. Long ago, this was the part of the palace garden that was open to the people renting the apartments.

For many visitors, this author included, the main courtyard is the most beautiful part of the Palacio de las Dueñas. It feels almost like a small (but luxurious) botanical garden. The courtyard is surrounded by elegant arches with Arab-style details that remind me a little of the Alhambra, though this palace in Seville is more colorful. And the colors! They’re what make this place feel so special. You can sit on one of the benches and stay a little longer, just enjoying the view. The middle of the courtyard isn’t open to visitors, but you can still take it all in from the sides. And don’t forget to look up: The wooden ceilings are beautiful. They just don’t make them like that anymore.

Inside the palace, the visit continues through rooms that honestly feel more like a real family home than a museum. Long hallways lead to warm, cozy spaces filled with old furniture, art, and little treasures collected over many years. The walls show paintings by Italian and Spanish artists, mostly from the 1500s and 1600s. You’ll also spot colorful Flemish tapestries and more than a thousand historic objects, all protected by Andalusian law. Unlike Casa de Pilatos, which can sometimes feel a bit empty, Dueñas feels a little messy, but certainly lived-in.

Before you leave, you’ll walk through one last garden: the Jardín de Santa Justa. The space feels more closed-in, with tall palm trees rising above and casting wide shadows on the ground. Honestly, it’s the perfect spot to linger for a moment before stepping back into the heat of Seville.

Hotels close to the Palacio de las Dueñas

Since it’s located in the Santa Catalina neighborhood, other great areas to stay nearby are in the Barrio Santa Cruz and Alfalfa neighborhood.

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Luxury	CoolRooms Palacio Villapanés	From € 207 / night
Mid-range	Vincci Selección Unuk	From € 180 / night
Mid-range	Hotel Posada del Lucero	From € 130 / night
Budget	Hotel Amadeus Sevilla	From € 124 / night

Tips for visiting the Palacio de las Dueñas

• The Palacio de las Dueñas is just a short walk from the Casa de Pilatos, which makes it easy to visit both one after the other if you’re exploring this part of Seville.
• If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to go is early on a weekday, right when it opens. Afternoons and weekends can get quite busy.
• If you have a special interest in flowers and gardens, there’s an interactive map that shows you all the plants around the palace.
• The audio guide isn’t my favorite : it lists too many names and random facts, and only a few things were actually interesting. Don’t feel bad for not using it at all!
• If you only have one day in Seville, Las Dueñas isn’t a must. Focus on the bigger sights first. But if you’re staying longer, it’s one of the most beautiful house and garden visits in the city. For something a little different, look into the night tours of the palace.
• Bizet’s Carmen is one of the most famous operas in the world and its story is set right here in Seville. If you’re visiting in summer, there are 75-minute performances of the opera that takes place in the gardens of Las Dueñas. (As of 2025)

Read more

Andalusia Travel Guide · 10-Day Southern Spain Itinerary
Seville Travel Guide · Where to Stay in Seville · Best Hotels in Seville
Seville Attractions · Real Alcázar · La Giralda · Las Setas · Plaza de España · Seville Cathedral · Plaza de Toros · Palacio · Casa de Pilatos