The Michelin Key luxury palace hotel offers an immersive Holy Week experience with insider access to processions, expert-guided tours, a devotional photography exhibition, and authentic Sevillian traditions. March 29th to April 5th
Madrid, March 2026 — Each spring, Seville transforms into one of Europe’s most powerful cultural stages as Semana Santa (Holy Week) fills the city with centuries-old traditions, artistic heritage, and profound emotion. The scent of incense drifts through the streets, brass bands echo through historic neighborhoods, and elaborately sculpted religious floats are carried through the city by historic brotherhoods in one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural celebrations.
At CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés, a restored 18th-century Grand Luxury palace hotel, guests are invited to experience this iconic celebration in the most authentic way possible: like a Sevillian.
Located in the heart of Seville’s historic quarter on Calle Santiago, the palace occupies a privileged position along the routes of several important processions and near historic churches where some of the city’s most emblematic brotherhoods begin their journey. This unique location allows guests to witness key moments of Holy Week directly from the hotel itself.
Holy Week from the inside — with a local expert guide
One of the most memorable moments takes place on Holy Monday, when the Brotherhood of La Redención departs from the nearby Church of Santiago with its celebrated sculptural floats: Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Redención en el Beso de Judas and María Santísima del Rocío.
As the procession passes in front of the palace, guests witness one of the evening’s most moving traditions: a shower of flower petals and a live saeta — a spontaneous flamenco-style devotional song — performed from the palace’s main balcony by renowned Sevillian singer Manuel Cuevas. The moment captures the emotional intensity that defines Seville’s Holy Week.
From the hotel’s surroundings, visitors can also easily access the routes of other historic brotherhoods of Seville’s old town, featuring iconic devotional images such as Jesús del Gran Poder, Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena, María Santísima de la Amargura, María Santísima del Dulce Nombre, María Santísima de la Estrella, and Jesús en su Presentación al Pueblo from the Brotherhood of San Benito, among many others deeply rooted in the city’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
Guests can further immerse themselves in the celebration through a private guided Holy Week experience led by an expert in Sevillian brotherhood traditions. Over approximately three hours, the guide leads visitors through the city to view processions from carefully selected vantage points while explaining the meaning behind the rituals, symbolism, music, aesthetics, and devotion that make Seville’s Holy Week one of the most admired cultural traditions in the world.
“Luz de Fe”: A photographic tribute to Seville’s Holy Week
To complement the experience, CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés will host the photography exhibition “Luz de Fe” (Light of Faith) from March 16 to April 5, created by photographer Maldonati (José Angulo), the hotel’s Guest Experience Manager.
Displayed within the palace, the exhibition presents a series of powerful images capturing the most emotional moments of Seville’s Holy Week: processional sculptures, Nazareno penitents, and scenes filled with devotion and atmosphere. Maldonati will personally introduce the exhibition to hotel guests and visitors.
Among the images featured are iconic devotional figures including Jesús del Gran Poder, Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena, María Santísima de la Estrella, María Santísima de la Paz, Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Redención, and Jesús en su Presentación al Pueblo from the Brotherhood of San Benito, reflecting the artistic richness of Seville’s Holy Week. The exhibition will be officially presented on March 19 at 5:00 PM at the palace, where a Dolorosa sculpture by Malaga-based religious sculptor Alejandro López will also be unveiled and displayed during the Holy Week period. According to José Angulo, photographer and creator of the exhibition: “Seville’s Holy Week is full of unforgettable moments. Through my camera I try to capture not only the image of a procession, but the emotion felt in every street, every glance, and every moment of silence or music. ‘Luz de Fe’ is my way of sharing that experience with those who visit the palace and with everyone who feels connected to this tradition.” For Jesús Bonilla, General Manager of CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés and a Sevillian deeply connected to the city’s Holy Week traditions, the celebration represents something far deeper than a spectacle: “Seville’s Holy Week cannot simply be explained — it must be felt. Growing up in Seville means growing up surrounded by brotherhoods, music, and moments that become part of our collective memory. At CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés we want our guests to experience that emotion from within, guided by those who truly understand its history and traditions. It’s not just about watching a procession, but about understanding what it means for those of us who live it every year.”
Sevillian Gastronomy and Wellness Experiences
During Holy Week, the hotel’s restaurant Los Rincones del Marqués will offer its seasonal menu, allowing guests to enjoy traditional Sevillian cuisine in a historic setting before or after attending the processions.
The hotel’s wellness area also introduces the “Tired Feet Massage,” a 30-minute treatment (€45) designed to relieve the fatigue of long days exploring Seville’s vibrant Holy Week celebrations.
About CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés
CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés is a restored 18th-century palace hotel that blends historic grandeur with contemporary comfort. Once the residence of Admiral López-Pintado, Marquis of Torre Blanca de Aljarafe, the property is now one of Seville’s most authentic luxury hotels, holding 5-Star Grand Luxury status and a Michelin Key distinction.
The hotel features 50 rooms, exceptional service, and curated experiences designed to immerse guests in the history, culture, gastronomy, and artistic heritage of Seville.
Location: Calle Santiago, 31, 41003, Sevilla, Spain. www.palaciovillapanes.com Follow us on Instagram or email info@palaciovillapanes.com
Media Contact: For further information or high-resolution images, please contact KVD Creative Communications, 287 Park Avenue South, New York, NY. Email Kathleen Duda at kathleen@kvdcom.com or Angela Nigoghossian at an@kvdcom.com