Corral del Conde, so named because it once belonged to the Count-Duke of Olivares, is a striking example of Seville’s vernacular architecture, probably the most interesting and complete of its kind, most of which have since disappeared.
It is of Muslim origin, with Mudejar-era alterations, although its present layout reflects the vernacular architecture of the 18th century. Its formal and structural features have been preserved to this day, as there have been no changes of use or major alterations to its original configuration. The deterioration caused by time, together with the poor living conditions resulting from the obsolescence of the courtyard’s original housing layout, made restoration necessary. Initially, in 1975, the project was entrusted to Aldo Rossi, G. Braghieri and A. Cantáfora, but it was never carried out. The renovation and restoration works to convert the building into apartments were eventually completed in 1982–1983, under the direction of architect José María Martínez Escribano.
Today, the courtyard is exceptionally well preserved, retaining its exterior structure and aesthetic features. The interior, however, has undergone major alterations to adapt the room dimensions, breaking up the single residential unit that once spanned the building’s wings.
