Study of the restoration and expansion works of the City Council Houses of Seville in the 19th century: Intervention in “unity of style” by Demetrio de los Ríos

Abstract

During the 19th century, the historical heritage of Spain was rediscovered, as well as that of Europe in general. This study is focused on the intervention of architect Demetrio de los Ríos with respect to the restoration and expansion works of the City Council Houses of Seville. This action is identified as a precursor of “unity of style” in times of change in architectural and archaeological intervention processes. This article highlights the intervention in the façades of the City Council Houses of Plaza de San Francisco in Seville (Spain), focusing on the central gallery, which was subjected to a process of demolition and reconstruction, as well as on the main staircase and the finishing of the body known as “arquillo” (little arch in Spanish). This building, originally built in plateresque style, was intervened in its own neoplateresque “style”.