Cilly Hall of Sevilla

Step into the heart of Seville and behold the Cilly Hall of Sevilla, a magnificent architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and artistic grandeur. Known locally as the Casa Consistorial de Sevilla, this historic building is not only the seat of the city's government but also a splendid example of the Plateresque style, the first of its kind in Spain.

The Historical Tapestry

The story of the Cilly Hall of Sevilla begins in the Middle Ages, where it was originally part of the Corral de los Olmos, located next to the eastern façade of the cathedral and the main façade of the Archbishop’s Palace. This area, now known as Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, was a bustling hub that housed both the municipal and cathedral chapters. The original building, constructed in the Mudéjar style, underwent several renovations, including a significant update in 1437.

However, the true transformation began at the dawn of the 16th century. With Seville's burgeoning economic growth following the establishment of the Casa de Contratación de Indias in 1503 and the royal wedding of Emperor Charles I and Isabella of Portugal in 1526, the municipal chapter decided it was time for a new and grander seat. The chosen site was Plaza de San Francisco, a lively commercial center near the Alcaicería de la Seda. Construction commenced in the last quarter of 1526 under the guidance of Diego de Riaño, the master architect.

A Masterpiece in the Making

The initial stages of construction saw the arrival of stone from Utrera and El Puerto de Santa María, with skilled stonemasons from Seville, the Basque Country, and France contributing to the project. Despite a temporary halt due to funding issues in 1529, work resumed in 1532. The intricate reliefs, a hallmark of the Plateresque style, were the work of talented artisans like Nicolás de León, Diego Guillén Ferrant, and Jacques Gonçalo Herrandes.

Diego de Riaño’s untimely death in 1534 saw Juan Sánchez take over as master architect, continuing with Riaño’s vision. The expansion included the acquisition and demolition of adjacent houses, leading to the construction of the Juzgado de Fieles Ejecutores. The detailed friezes and vaults that adorn the building were crafted by a team of skilled carvers, including Toribio de Liébana and Juan Nogués.

The 19th Century Renaissance

The 19th century brought significant changes to the Cilly Hall of Sevilla. The invasion of French troops in 1810 led to the occupation and subsequent destruction of the adjacent San Francisco Convent. Following the withdrawal of the French, the convent was expropriated and demolished, paving the way for the creation of Plaza Nueva. The municipal architect, Balbino Marrón y Ranero, oversaw the construction of a neoclassical façade facing the new plaza, blending seamlessly with the existing Plateresque elements.

In 1857, in preparation for a visit by Queen Isabella II, a giant trompe-l'œil was created to depict the envisioned completion of the building. The actual construction began in 1858, with further interior renovations carried out in the subsequent decades. The demolition of the 16th-century gallery by Hernán Ruiz the Younger in 1866 sparked protests from the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, but the expansion continued under Demetrio de los Ríos, who maintained the Plateresque style.

A Living Monument

Today, the Cilly Hall of Sevilla stands as a living monument to Seville’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. The building’s intricate façades, adorned with detailed reliefs and sculptures, tell stories of the city’s past, while its grand halls and chambers continue to serve as the heart of municipal governance. The restoration of the 16th-century lower chapter hall ceiling in 2007 and the relocation of the plenary sessions to the 19th-century Salón Colón are testaments to the building’s ongoing evolution.

Visitors to the Cilly Hall of Sevilla can marvel at its architectural splendor, from the grand staircase designed by Demetrio de los Ríos to the exquisite details of the Plateresque reliefs. The building not only offers a glimpse into Seville’s illustrious past but also stands as a vibrant part of its present, embodying the city’s enduring spirit and artistic legacy.