The Pinelo Palace in Seville: the restoration works by Rafael Manzano between 1969 and 1981

Abstract

The Pinelo House-Palace, a singular Renaissance building in Seville, was transformed to be a guest house known as Pensión Don Marcos between 1885 and 1964. Between 1969 and 1981, it was restored by the architect Rafael Manzano Martos to host the new headquarters of the Reales Academias Sevillanas de Buenas Letras y de Bellas Artes. In order to analyze the restoration process, the architect’s private archive and other related sources have been investigated. The material available has been compared with modern photographs and plans to evaluate the extent and criteria of the restoration accomplished in coffered ceilings, plaster works and other elements of new construction. In 2010 Rafael Manzano was awarded with the Driehaus Prize by the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture to honor his contributions in the advocacy of architectural heritage and traditions, introducing a new award with his name in Spain and Portugal.