Palacio de los Condes de Santa Ana

Palacio de los Condes de Santa Ana is a Baroque palace in the historic center of Lucena, a town in the province of Córdoba, Andalusia. It ranks among the finest examples of civil Baroque architecture in this part of Spain.

How do you get there?

The palace sits right in the middle of Lucena's old town, so walking is the easiest option - it's a short stroll from the bus station or the main square. Lucena lies in the Subbética region, roughly an hour's drive from Córdoba, which also has regular bus connections to the town. The nearest major airports are in Málaga and Seville.

Who built it, and when?

Construction was commissioned by the Mora-Saavedra family starting in the 1730s, with the work finished in the second half of the 18th century. The family is thought to have had Judeoconverso roots - descendants of converted Jews who were drawn to Lucena by the town's old reputation and a wish to settle in the land of their ancestors. Lucena's history has been closely tied to its Jewish community since medieval times, which adds an extra layer of meaning to the building.

What's worth seeing inside?

The façade draws the eye with Baroque columns and entablatures carved from veined marble brought from nearby Cabra, framing the doors and windows on both floors. Inside, the layout is built around two arcaded courtyards, and in one of them a Baroque staircase is lined with 18th-century tiles from Seville. The combination of stonework, ceramics and courtyard architecture stands out even for visitors touring several Andalusian palaces in a single day.

What does the palace house today?

In 2005 the Lucena town council purchased the building for cultural use, and restoration work began in 2008. Today the palace houses a museum and visitor centre dedicated to the town's history - an accessible introduction to Lucena's past, its people and how the town has changed over the centuries. It's a good starting point before exploring the rest of the old town.

When's the best time to visit?

The interior can be visited for most of the year, and the courtyards keep things cool during Andalusia's hot summers. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking around Lucena, though the palace itself - being an indoor site - can really be visited at any time of year.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of the palace? Yes, the building now works as a museum and visitor centre for the town, so its interior is open to visitors.

Why is it called "de los Condes de Santa Ana"? The name refers to the count's title held by the family that owned the residence - naming palaces after the noble title of their owners is common practice across Andalusia.

What's the palace's biggest highlight? The Baroque façade with its marble detailing from Cabra, along with the arcaded courtyards - especially the staircase lined with 18th-century Seville tiles.

How long does a visit take? Given the palace's compact size, a visit including the museum exhibition usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.