Tower house of Calderón de la Barca family, Fortified tower and historic family residence in Santillana del Mar and Viveda, Spain
The tower house of the Calderón de la Barca family is a fortified stone structure featuring defensive battlements and a heavy hipped roof. The building displays thick masonry walls with limited window openings, typical of medieval defensive residences for noble families.
The structure was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and underwent significant architectural modifications during the 16th century. These changes reflect how the building adapted to meet the evolving needs and preferences of its residents over time.
The tower house belonged to the Calderón de la Barca family, prominent residents who shaped the community's social life during their period here. The building stands as a symbol of family heritage and local aristocratic traditions in this medieval village.
The tower house can be viewed from the outside within Santillana del Mar village, where the stonework and defensive features are clearly visible. Walking through the medieval streets of the village provides the best way to see this building in relation to other historic structures nearby.
Local tradition holds that Saint Francis of Assisi spent one night within this tower during his pilgrimage across northern Spain. This ancient account remains part of the village's storytelling tradition and connects the place to broader spiritual history.
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