Casa de la Rúa, Oviedo, Medieval palace in Plaza Alfonso II, Oviedo, Spain
Casa de la Rúa is a palace in the old center of Oviedo with a Gothic stone facade, irregularly spaced windows, and stone balconies that stand out on the street. The building features a grand entrance with a semi-circular arch, while its lower floor serves as an event space and the upper floors remain as a private home.
This palace was built in the late 15th century for Rodrigo de la Rúa, a royal accountant, and survived a major city fire in 1521. A tower from the 14th century was incorporated into the palace structure, indicating that important buildings already occupied this site before the palace was constructed.
The coats of arms displayed at the main entrance tell the story of two noble families and their ties to the Spanish crown. Walking past, you can see how these symbols marked the home of people with power and influence in the city.
The building is visible from the street and sits on the central plaza next to the cathedral, making it easy to find and view from outside. The lower floor sometimes hosts public events, so you may be able to see the interior if something is scheduled, but access varies depending on what is happening.
Hidden within the palace structure is a 14th-century tower that predates the palace itself and represents an earlier building phase. This layered construction shows how builders often incorporated older structures into new ones to preserve valuable existing work and save on materials.
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