Casa de María la Brava, Gothic noble residence in Plaza de los Bandos, Salamanca, Spain
Casa de María la Brava is a late Gothic noble residence on Plaza de los Bandos featuring a stone facade with a large rounded entrance arch decorated with three heraldic shields from the Enríquez, Monroy, and Maldonado families. The building has undergone several transformations over time and served different purposes, from a private home to a commercial space.
The building was constructed around 1485 on the site of an earlier house and is tied to a woman who stood against rival nobility. Its development reflects the power struggles within Salamanca during the late medieval period.
The building carries a woman's name, reflecting her prominence in local memory, and shows how family identity was expressed through architecture in Salamanca. The heraldic shields on the facade tell of connections between wealthy families that shaped the city.
The building sits on Plaza de los Bandos in central Salamanca and is easily reached on foot. Visitors can view the facade and decorated entrance from outside, providing a clear look at the late Gothic architecture.
The entrance arch displays unusual carved details, including thistles and a small naked figure carved within the decorative frame, rarely seen in medieval stonework. These elements give the entryway an intriguing character that invites closer examination.
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