The Palacio de Mañara, located in Seville’s old Jewish Quarter, represents a perfect example of architecture from city’s Renaissance. However, beyond its artistic value and strategic location, it attracts travellers due to its history, for one of the most illustrious Sevillians was born in this building- in this building was born one of the most illustrious Sevillians- the Venerable Servant of God Don Miguel de Mañara. After years of restoration, today it is home to the Ministry of Culture of the Junta de Andalucía.
Miguel de Mañara, a great promoter of the Holy Charity of Seville, was one of the most outstanding figures of his time and became the subject of legends passed down from generation to generation. This famous personality from the Baroque period was born into a wealthy family originally from Corsica, Italy, that was attracted to Seville due to its commercial dynamism and monopoly of communications with the New World. Miguel de Mañara was born and lived in the family’s house on Calle Levíes, which is now named after them.
Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the building, which is of the Mudejar and Renaissance style, barely preserves the original façade and central patio. After the death of Mañara, the palace passed through various hands and was even used to accommodate Marshal Soult’s troops during the Napoleonic occupation of Seville at the beginning of the 19th century.
And yet, today, the Casa Mañara remains an elegant palace thanks to the extensive rehabilitation of the San Bartolomé neighborhood at the end of the 20th century. The visits are organized next to the Altamira Palace.