Did you know that the Andalusian Parliament is a former hospital?
Located in the vibrant heart of Seville, the Andalusian Parliament is much more than the epicentre of politics in the region. This imposing building, which today houses the most important decisions for Andalusia, is actually an ancient witness to the city’s history. Built in the former Hospital de las Cinco Llagas, one of the most important hospitals of its time, the Parliament is a living example of how Seville has been able to adapt its rich historical heritage to modernity. Walking through its corridors, we not only feel the echo of current debates, but we can also be transported back to a time when this building was a symbol of care and devotion.
A hospital to save lives and souls
The Andalusian Parliament is built on the foundations of the Hospital de las Cinco Llagas, an institution founded in 1500 by Catalina de Ribera, with the intention of caring for the most needy. This hospital, whose original mission was to care for the sick poor, grew into a hospital of great importance. Imagine the huge wards where patients, often exhausted by what we now consider minor illnesses, were treated in conditions that would now seem unthinkable. Today, those same walls, which once housed the sick, bear witness to the political life of Andalusia, maintaining a fascinating connection with the city’s past.
A building that has survived the ups and downs of history
The most curious thing about this building is that it has survived multiple transformations throughout its more than five centuries of existence. After its function as a hospital, the building went through several stages of abandonment and deterioration, until in 1986 it was decided to adapt it to become the seat of the Parliament of Andalusia. The restoration work respected the Renaissance essence of the building, ensuring that the original architectural details coexisted with the new work spaces. Even today, as you walk through its spacious courtyards and light-filled corridors, it is easy to imagine times gone by and enjoy the infinite history that seems to echo in every corner.
A legacy that lives on
Today, the Andalusian Parliament is not only a place for politics; it is a space where history is breathed in every corner. Each visit allows us to enjoy not only the majesty of the building, but also the millenary Seville that reinvents itself without losing its essence. This building is a perfect example of how the city is still alive through its historical legacy, being at the same time modern and eternal. Strolling through the Parliament is a unique experience that reminds us that, in Seville, past and present intertwine in an unparalleled harmony, making us part of its infinite vibrant history.
