Description of the attraction
In the northern part of Seville, there is an old convent de Santa Paula, which is still active today. The monastery was founded back in 1475, today about 40 nuns live in its monastery.
The building of the monastery has changed throughout the history of its existence: some elements were added, some were restored in a different style. The external appearance of the building harmoniously intertwines features of several architectural styles - Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance styles.
The building has two entrances - one leads to the main premises, through which the entrance to the museum hall and the chapel of the Sacred Heart is carried out. Another entrance leads to the church and service premises. The monastery church was built between 1483 and 1489. The main retablo was made by the sculptor José Fernando de Midinilla in 1730. On the left side of it is the altar, created in 1635 by the outstanding Alonso Cano. Inside the church there are beautiful statues of John the Evangelist and John the Baptist - the works of the famous Seville sculptor Juan Martinez Montanes. Such masters as Felipe de Ribas, Gaspar de Ribas also took part in the work on the interior decoration and the altars of the church.
The museum located inside the monastery exhibits paintings by artists and cultural values related to religion and sacred art.
The doors of the monastery are open to visitors. Sweets prepared by the Hieronymite sisters are sold at the main entrance; various types of marmalade are especially popular with guests.
In 1931, the Convent de Santa Paula became the first convent in Seville to be given the status of a historical monument.
