🏛️ At The Sun Places, luxury is also found in the most surprising history and architecture. That's why we invite you to discover the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon, an eclectic gem in the Barrio Alto of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
This 19th-century summer residence, built by the Dukes of Montpensier, is one of Spain's most unique buildings, with a blend of Neo-Mudéjar, Classical and Orientalist styles that make it a one-of-a-kind monument.
With The Sun Places, we want this experience to be part of your luxury stay, offering you private tours and a unique perspective of this palace that today serves as the city's Town Hall.
The Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon, also known as the Orleans-Bourbon Palace or Municipal Palace, is one of the most emblematic buildings in the Barrio Alto of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Built between 1852 and 1876 as a summer residence by Antonio de Orleans and María Luisa Fernanda de Bourbon, Dukes of Montpensier, this palace is a testament to the architectural eclecticism of the 19th century and the taste for the exotic that characterised the European nobility of the time.
Today, after being acquired by the Town Hall in 1980, it is the seat of the Sanlúcar City Council and a monument that forms part of the city's Historic-Artistic Ensemble.
History of the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon
The history of the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon is linked to one of the most influential families of 19th-century Europe. Antonio de Orleans, son of the last king of France, and María Luisa Fernanda de Bourbon, sister of Queen Isabella II of Spain, established their summer residence in Sanlúcar.
The first time the dukes visited Sanlúcar was in November 1848, and from then on they spent their summers in the town, staying in different properties until their definitive palace was built.
For its construction, the Infante-Duke took advantage of the structure of several pre-existing buildings, such as the old Casa de los Páez de la Cadena, the Conciliar Seminary, part of the Convent of La Merced and other stately homes.
The palace was inhabited by the Orleans-Bourbon family until 1955, and was sold in 1971, when it was on the verge of being demolished.
However, the Sanlúcar Town Hall initiated the procedures for its acquisition in 1979, and on 30 November 1980 it became the seat of the city's Council Chambers, after a restoration process that, although incomplete, allowed this emblematic building to be saved.
Where is the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon located?
The Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon is located on Cuesta de Belén and Calle Caballeros, right in the heart of the Barrio Alto of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Its location is privileged: Cuesta de Belén separates the palace grounds from the gardens of the Ducal Palace of Medina Sidonia, creating a monumental complex of great historical and landscape value.
The palace is just a few minutes from Plaza del Cabildo and very close to Bajo Guía, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the city.
Architecture of the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon
The Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon is an exceptional example of 19th-century eclectic architecture.
Its style is a fascinating blend of influences that reflect the Duke of Montpensier's taste for the exotic and oriental, acquired during his travels through the Mediterranean, Egypt, Turkey and Granada. The main architectural elements of the palace are:
- Neo-Mudéjar style: The palace's facades are built in Neo-Mudéjar style, making it one of the first examples of this architectural movement in Spain.
- Italian Classicism: The palace's interior loggia shows a clear influence of Italian classicism, a style that contrasts with the exterior Neo-Mudéjar.
- Historicist decoration: The interior rooms are decorated in historicist styles including English, Rococo, Egyptian and Chinese models, creating an atmosphere of fantasy and exoticism that reflects the duke's obsession with the exotic.
- Romantic gardens: The palace is integrated into a large park with a romantic atmosphere and landscape character, with terraces, gazebos, statues, small ponds and a great variety of tree species from Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and North America.
The gardens of the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon
The gardens of the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon are one of the most fascinating spaces of the complex. The Duke of Montpensier recreated in them the botanical geography of the ancient Spanish Empire, including species from the territories traversed by the Magellan-Elcano Expedition, as well as from the entire domains of the Hispanic Monarchy.
The gardens extend around the palace and over the cliff, with several areas perfectly integrated with each other. They house terraces, gazebos, statues, small ponds and a wide variety of exotic tree species.
Currently, the gardens are in excellent condition and are open to the public free of charge in the morning from Monday to Friday.
It is an ideal place to stroll and enjoy the tranquillity in the heart of Sanlúcar's historic centre.
Visits and opening hours of the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon
The Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon is, above all, the seat of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Town Hall.
The exterior of the palace and its gardens are accessible to the public, and the interior can be visited on the guided tours organised around Sanlúcar's Historic Centre.
For The Sun Places guests, we can arrange private tours with specialised guides who will show you the most emblematic corners of the palace and explain its fascinating history.
Curiosities of the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon
The Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon is full of stories and curiosities that make it even more fascinating. One of the most notable is that the palace was included in the list of the 12 most significant examples of threatened architecture on the continent by the association Europa Nostra.
Its state of conservation is uneven: while the gardens are in excellent condition, there is a wing of the building that has been abandoned since the 1950s, with periodic collapses and collapsed ceilings.
However, the Sanlúcar Town Hall is working on its recovery. Another curiosity is that the palace has an Egyptian library, a bamboo room and a Chinese room, and its bathrooms are full of Japanese influences, reflecting the Duke of Montpensier's taste for the exotic.
Gastronomy near the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon
After visiting the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon, there's nothing better than enjoying the gastronomy of Sanlúcar. Just a few minutes away, in the Barrio Alto and Bajo Guía, you'll find some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.
In Bajo Guía, Casa Bigotes is the temple of the king prawn, while Casa Balbino is famous for its shrimp fritters.
In the Barrio Alto, and opposite the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon, you'll find one of our favourites, Restaurante Espejo, which offers a perfect pairing of manzanilla and haute cuisine tapas. If you're looking for a more exclusive experience in the centre, Restaurante Lucero in Plaza del Cabildo offers creative cuisine with manzanilla pairings from Bodegas Hidalgo.
What the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon represents for Sanlúcar and The Sun Places
The Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon is a symbol of the history and identity of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
It represents the city's splendour in the 19th century, its connection with European royalty and its ability to preserve and enhance its heritage.
For The Sun Places, the palace is a natural extension of our philosophy of offering authentic luxury experiences.
That is why our Luxury Apartments in Sanlúcar de Barrameda are the ideal starting point to explore this monument and the city's entire cultural richness.
CEO's word: At The Sun Places we have had the privilege of discovering the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon on our routes through the Barrio Alto of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and it fascinates us more each time. The combination of history, architecture and the connection with the essence of the city, together with the odd wedding, make it a unique experience. I encourage you to discover it.
The perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon
Friday: Arrival and first contact
- Afternoon: Stroll through the Barrio Alto and visit to the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon
- Dinner: Pairing at Taberna Guerrita, with manzanilla and king prawns
Saturday: Immersion in culture and gastronomy
- Lunch: Tapas tour in Bajo Guía, starting at Casa Bigotes and continuing at Casa Balbino
- Evening: Gala dinner at Restaurante Lucero
Sunday: Farewell with river views
- Lunch: Farewell at a beach bar on Las Piletas beach, with seafood rice and manzanilla from Bodegas Delgado Zuleta
- Afternoon: Stroll along the causeway, Sanlúcar de Barrameda Beach, Bajo Guía and return home
Ready to discover the Palace of the Infantes of Orleans and Bourbon with The Sun Places?
📞 Contact us and let us organise your luxury experience: private tours, exclusive pairings and a concierge service at your disposal.
If you want to continue discovering Spain with The Sun Places, don't miss our Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, and of course, our Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
© 2026 The Sun Places. All rights reserved.