Cilla del Cabildo

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A 15th-century secular building constructed in the Andalusian vernacular style. The 18th-century façade features, above the main door, a tile panel with the coat-of-arms of Seville’s Cathedral chapter -the Giralda Tower flanked by vases of lilies- suggesting that the building was once owned by the church. Its Spanish name, “Casa de la Cilla”, is derived from the Latin term cella, meaning granary or loft. The grain harvested by peasants was stored here, a tenth of which, known as a ‘tithe’, was given to the church.

The grain was also privately milled here; prior payment of what is today a rent. The set of buildings, known as “Casas Palacio del Señorío”, was originally much more extensive. At that time, it consisted of a roofed entranceway large enough for horse-drawn wagons, a stable, a central courtyard, several grain barns, an olive oil mill and a house. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the town council also met here.

Interestingly, several old tunnels were found under this building, possibly used as a storage room, escape route or passageway connecting buildings.

Labels

Baroque

Mansion