2.5 - HOSPITAL DE LOS VENERABLES: A BAROQUE AND CULTURAL TREASURE

SCHEDULE
- Monday to Saturday: from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Sundays: from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

In the heart of the Santa Cruz neighborhood, a monument that blends grand Baroque architecture with a rich cultural heritage stands tall. The Hospital of the Venerable, founded in 1675 by Justino de Neve, is a testament to charity and a space that houses valuable artistic heritage. In this entry, we will explore the history, impressive architecture, and cultural role of the Hospital of the Venerable in the life of Seville.

Located in the Plaza de los Venerables, the Hospital of the Venerable stands as a landmark in the urban landscape of Seville, a silent witness to centuries of charity and culture.

Justino de Neve, a member of the Cathedral Chapter of Seville, founded this hospital with a noble purpose: to provide medical care and assistance to elderly and needy priests. It also offered refuge to those priests who wished to retire from active life. His legacy of charity and dedication lives on in the city's memory.

The building of the Hospital of the Venerable, designed by the architect Leonardo de Figueroa, is a supreme example of Sevillian Baroque architecture. The interior courtyards, decorated with Sevillian tiles, transport visitors to a world of beauty and splendor. The Church of the Venerable, with its impressive main altarpiece, is an architectural gem that evokes awe and reverence.

Within this majestic complex lies the Velázquez Center, a cultural space that pays tribute to the life and work of the renowned Sevillian Baroque painter Diego Velázquez. The museum houses an important collection of masterpieces by Velázquez and other prominent artists of the era. Visitors can immerse themselves in the richness of Baroque art and the history of Seville.

The historic building has been meticulously restored and preserved, although it no longer serves its original function as a hospital. Instead, it has been transformed into a cultural and artistic space that attracts enthusiasts of Baroque art and the history of Seville. The Church of the Venerable remains a gathering place for religious and cultural events.

The Hospital of the Venerable offers an active program of exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and educational activities related to Baroque art and culture. It is a place where art and history come to life and enrich the cultural life of Seville.

The Hospital of the Venerable in Seville is a Baroque monument that shines with splendor and culture. From its noble origin as an act of charity to its current role as a cultural space dedicated to Baroque art and the figure of Velázquez, this hospital has woven its history into the rich tapestry of the city of Seville. A visit to this historical treasure is a journey through time and a cultural experience that reveals the greatness of art and charity.