Palacio de los Marqueses de Peñaflor (Écija)

The Palacio de los Marqueses de Peñaflor, also known as the Palace of the Long Balconies, stands as a magnificent testament to the grandeur of 18th-century Baroque architecture in the heart of Écija, a picturesque town in the province of Seville, Andalusia. This palatial residence, with its rich history and exquisite design, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Spanish nobility.

The Origins and Historical Evolution

The origins of the Palacio de los Marqueses de Peñaflor can be traced back to 1499, when Pedro de Aguilar constructed the initial buildings that would later form the foundation of this grand palace. These early structures were part of the mayorazgo of Gallape. Over the centuries, the palace underwent several expansions and restorations, particularly in 1584 when Luis de Aguilar Ponce de León acquired adjoining houses, leading to significant renovations between 1587 and 1594.

The most significant transformation of the palace, however, occurred in the early 18th century under the direction of the fourth Marquess of Peñaflor, Antonio Fernández de Henestrosa. The construction, which spanned until 1775, involved the expertise of numerous skilled professionals, including architects Diego Antonio Díaz and José Páez de Carmona, masons José Pérez Bueno and Bartolomé Bautista de Morales, and carpenters José de Herrera, Luis Castellanos, and Bartolomé González Cañero, among others.

The Architectural Splendor

The Palacio de los Marqueses de Peñaflor is renowned for its striking Baroque architecture, characterized by its curved forms and the depth created by its façade. The horizontal expanse of the palace is dramatically interrupted by the verticality of the monumental entrance, which features columns resting on a base and supporting a mixtilinear pediment that houses the coat of arms of the founding family.

The second level of the façade is adorned with a balcony flanked by Solomonic columns resting on lion heads, enhancing the Baroque aesthetic. The square tower-mirador further breaks the horizontal lines of the building, adding to its architectural complexity.

Inside, the palace is organized around a central courtyard dating back to the mid-18th century. This courtyard is surrounded by rooms distributed over two floors and features twenty white marble columns with ornate capitals. At its center stands an elegant marble fountain with twelve spouts, complemented by other fountains scattered throughout the residence. The lower gallery is adorned with a unique frieze made from black marble from Córdoba, pink marble from Cabra, and agate from Lanjarón.

The Decorative Masterpieces

One of the most artistically significant elements of the palace is the decoration of the staircase leading to the upper floor. This staircase is preceded by three semicircular arches supported by double columns on pedestals, culminating in a half-orange dome adorned with elaborate plasterwork. The dome is divided by eight ribs converging at a central rosette and is decorated with cherubs, shells, acanthus leaves, and two stipites flanking the altarpiece of Our Lady of the Rosary. This decorative program was crafted by Cristóbal Portillo in the late 18th century.

The interior of the palace boasts spacious salons, some of which feature delicate rosettes and intricate marquetry on their domes. The stables are also noteworthy, with a beautiful Doric-style entrance and three vaulted naves supported by sturdy columns.

The Long Balcony and Frescoes

The palace's long balcony, which follows the curve of the street, is famous for its polychrome frescoes depicting landscapes with architectural profiles and trompe l'oeil effects. These frescoes were created by the Madrid artist Antonio Fernández and add a vibrant touch to the palace's exterior. The balcony also features exquisite plasterwork and retains much of its original furniture.

The Modern Era and Restoration

The Palacio de los Marqueses de Peñaflor remained the residence of the Peñaflor family until 1958, when the widowed Marquise Isabel Angulo y Rodríguez de Toro passed away without heirs. In her will, she stipulated that her assets be managed by the Foundation of the Most Excellent Lords Marquises of Peñaflor and Cortes de Graena and that the palace be converted into a free professional and religious school for boys. However, the building was declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1962 and is currently a Site of Cultural Interest.

In 1992, the building was acquired by the Municipality of Écija, but it fell into disrepair and was listed as an endangered heritage site. In 2004, a public competition was held to convert the palace into a hotel, but the project was abandoned due to legal issues. The fate of the palace began to change in July 2015 when a grant of one million euros was approved for its restoration. The first phase of restoration, completed in 2017, included the entrance courtyard, the tower, the main entrance, and the dome of the main staircase. The second phase, focusing on the central courtyard, galleries, and ornamental fountain, was completed in October 2019, and the palace was opened to the public in December of that year.

Today, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Peñaflor stands as a beautifully restored architectural gem, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the grandeur and history of Écija's noble past. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a curious traveler, this palace is a must-visit destination that promises to enchant and inspire.