Hospital de los Venerables (Hospital of the Venerable), Seville

The Hospital de los Venerables is the home of the Velazquez Center. The center is an art museum dedicated to the painter Diego Velazquez.

The building was originally used as a shelter for elderly, poor and disabled priests. Construction began in 1675 with a design by architect Juan Dominguez. It was completed in 1697 after architect Leonardo de Figueroa took over the plans.

The hospital functioned as a home for priests through the mid-19th century. At that point, it became a textile factory. However, complaints led to the hospital being reused as a residence for the priests until it was finally closed in the 1970s.

Restoration on the hospital began in 1987 and was completed in 1991. It was then that Queen Sofia dedicated the building to the works of Velazquez. It also features works by Martinez Montanes, Murillo, Valdes Leal and Roldan. Patrons will enjoy murals and sculptures throughout the building.

The Hospital de los Venerables is open daily from 10 AM through 6 PM. The cost for admission is 5.50 EUR for adults. Included in the price is an audio guide which is very clear and very informative on the art displayed. It is free for children ages 11 and under. The chapel is also very nice & the park across the street is a neat place for a picnic lunch.