Art and culture

Palace of the Duques de Alba

The walls of the palace of the Duques de Alba, in the town of Abadía in Cáceres province, was visited by numerous 16th-century monarchs and poets who enjoyed the beauty of its important Renaissance gardens.

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Palace of the Duques de Alba

A kingly residence

Location and Contact:

Palacio Sotofermoso s/n

10748 Abadía , Cáceres (Extremadura)

Contact person: Centro Cultural de Abadía
Tel.:+34 927 48 92 99
Tel.:+34 927 48 42 52
Fax: +34 927 48 43 91
Website address: www.abadia.es

Opening times

Monday (except public holidays): 10.15 am to 11.15 am.

Description

The walls of the palace of the Duques de Alba, in the town of Abadía in Cáceres province, was visited by numerous 16th-century monarchs and poets who enjoyed the beauty of its important Renaissance gardens.

Known as the Palace of Soto Fermoso, this mansion belonged to the ducal house of Alba from the mid-15th to the early 20th century. As you will be able to see during your visit, it is located in an extremely beautiful setting, as it was one of the most important places in Spain in the 16th century, and was built on top of a 13th-century monastery.

The delicacy of its Mudéjar-style courtyard is outstanding, with two storeys and horseshoe arches, as is that of the Renaissance gardens, where you will find the lovely statue of Andromeda, and who knows, maybe inspiration too. In its day it was sought out by poets like Garcilaso de la Vega or Lope de Vega, and was visited by several kings, such as Alfonso VIII of Castile, Alfonso IX of León, the Catholic Monarchs, their daughter Juana the Mad or Philip II. All of these characteristics led to its declaration as a historical and artistic monument.
Features

Origin:

13th century

Construction:

Palace

Art period:

Mudejar

Period in history:

13th century

16th century

Official name :

Historic-artistic site