- Monday to Friday: from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Saturdays and Sundays: from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
In the heart of Seville’s historic center, in the evocative Plaza de la Santa Caridad, stands one of the city’s most moving cultural and artistic landmarks: the Hospital of the Holy Charity. Founded in 1674 by the Sevillian nobleman Miguel de Mañara, this exceptional complex represents a unique fusion of Christian charity, Baroque art, and social commitment. Today, it remains one of the most meaningful visits for travelers interested in Seville’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Miguel de Mañara, a figure surrounded by legend and historical fascination, underwent a profound spiritual transformation that led him to dedicate his life to helping the poorest and most marginalized members of Sevillian society. Driven by deep religious conviction, he founded the Hospital of the Holy Charity with the purpose of providing shelter, medical care, and dignified burial to the sick, the poor, and the abandoned. His legacy remains at the very heart of this institution.
Architecturally, the Hospital of the Holy Charity is one of the finest examples of Sevillian Baroque. Its most outstanding element is the Church of San Jorge, an authentic artistic jewel that houses an extraordinary collection of religious art. The interior combines solemnity and visual impact, guiding visitors through a powerful narrative on life, death, and compassion, themes central to the spiritual message of the institution.
The hospital complex houses the Museum of the Holy Charity, where visitors can admire an exceptional collection of Baroque religious paintings. Among the highlights are masterpieces by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Juan de Valdés Leal, and Francisco de Zurbarán, artists whose works reflect the spiritual and artistic richness of Golden Age Seville. These paintings are not only artistic treasures but also visual sermons aligned with the charitable mission of the institution.
Although it no longer functions as a hospital in the traditional sense, the charitable spirit of the institution remains alive through the Holy Charity Foundation. This organization continues Miguel de Mañara’s mission by promoting cultural, artistic, and social initiatives in Seville, including exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and charitable programs.
Carefully restored and preserved, the Hospital of the Holy Charity has become an essential cultural and tourist destination. Walking through its courtyards, halls, and chapels allows visitors to understand the historical context of 17th-century Seville while experiencing one of the city’s most emotionally powerful artistic spaces.
The Hospital of the Holy Charity of Seville stands as a moving testimony to compassion, art, and faith. Its history, extraordinary artistic heritage, and enduring commitment to charity make it one of the most meaningful cultural visits in the city. Discovering this monument is not only a journey through Baroque art but also an encounter with the human values that shaped Seville’s identity, embodied in the inspiring figure of Miguel de Mañara.
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