Hospital de los Venerables SACERDOTES - HOSPITAL OF THE VENERABLE PRIESTS
Located in Barrio Santa Cruz, in a pretty square with orange trees, the 17th-century baroque hospital was built to care for elderly, impoverished and infirm priests (sacerdotes).
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE HOSPITAL WILL BE CLOSED TO VISITORS UNTIL 2027. THE CHAPEL WILL OPEN OCCASIONALLY FOR CONCERTS.
HISTORY
The hospital was founded by Justino de Neve, a cathedral canon who was a key figure in Golden Age art: he was Murillo's patron. It is still owned by the Archbishopric. Previously on this spot was Seville's most popular comedy theatre, Doña Elvira, whose patron was the Count of Gelves. Plays by the likes of Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina and Cervantes would have been performed here.
Inside the hospital, the cloistered patio features an unusual circular stepped sunken fountain, lined with pretty azulejos (ceramic tiles), surrounded by trees and flowers. The hospital is a peaceful haven in this area often thronged with visitors.
From 2027, the hospital will be used to display religious art works and other pieces from the Cathedral's collection. It is currently being refurbished to accommodate these works.
CHAPEL
Designed by Leonardo de Figueroa, who built many of Seville's most renowned baroque churches, the chapel features some important works by Martínez Montañés, Murillo, Valdés Leal and Roldán.
Dedicated to San Fernando, King of Castille, this ornate baroque building is decorated with extraordinary ceiling murals by Valdés Leál. Like the Hospital de la Caridad, the chapel features paintings by Murillo and Valdés Leal, and sculptures by Martiñez Montañes Pedro Roldán. The richly attired Inmaculada (painting of the Virgin Mary) which Murillo painted for this chapel now hangs in the Prado museum in Madrid. You can also visit the sacristy.
Plaza Venerables 8. Tel. 954 562 696
FOCUS-ABENGOA FOUNDATION - OPENING IN 2026 IN SALA HERMENEGILDO, PLAZA CONCORDIA
From 1991 until 2025 part of the building was the headquarters of the charitable foundation Focus-Abengoa, whose art collection includes notable works by Sevillano masters Velázquez, Murillo and Zurbarán. This collection will now be moving to the Sala Hermenegildo, in Plaza Concordia next to the main El Corte Ingles department store.
During the Golden Age period, the 17th century, Seville's spectacular art scene was a focus of attention for all of Europe. The foundation's Centro Velazquez, opened in 2007, aimed to recreate the historic and artistic world of the painter, especially his early years. The centre also displayed other works from the period, showing the the importance of the painter's legacy. Paintings by Velázquez include Santa Rufina, the Triana potter who was a Christian martyr and an Inmaculada, while works by other painters include Murillo's Santa Catalina, with her golden shawl.
Temporary art exhibitions held at the Centro Velázquez included Picasso's take on the eternally popular Golden Age theme, Mother and Child. In addition, there was a collection of contemporary art upstairs, with pieces by Carmen Laffon, Ramon Gaya and Luis Gordillo, as well as early photographs from the end of the 19th century.
PLEASE NOTE: THESE DETAILS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WHEN THE HOSPITAL REOPENS IN 2027
Opening hours
10:00-18:00 daily December to February, 10.00-20.00 March to June, 10.00-14.00 July-November. Free entrance on Sunday from 14:00-18:00. Closed on 1 January, Easter Friday and 25 December.
Admission prices
The visit includes the church and art collection.
Adults: 10 euros, over-65s and 13-18 years old: 8 euros; under 13 years: free. Includes audioguide (adult and child versions).
Tickets are sold in hourly slots of 50.
Special offer: guided tour included in the general ticket on Wednesday from 15:00-16:00.
Candlelit night concerts
Hospital de los Venerables sometimes hosts evening concerts by candlelight.