Arbelaitz Palace, Baroque palace in Irun, Spain.
Arbelaitz Palace is a three-story rectangular building with square towers at each end, constructed from dressed stone blocks. The main entrance features two Doric columns supporting an entablature decorated with triglyphs.
The palace was built in the 16th century by Tiburzio Spannocchi, an Italian military engineer who served Spanish kings Felipe II and Felipe III. It was part of fortified structures designed to protect this border region.
The palace displays artworks by Carracci, van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Murillo, reflecting the refined taste of its wealthy owners. These paintings show how connected the town was to European artistic circles.
The building sits near Plaza San Juan and is easy to find while exploring the old town. Visitors should note that the stonework on the facade and columns has held up remarkably well despite the age of the structure.
Stone inscriptions in the portal area record visits from European rulers including Henry III of France and Catherine de Medici. These markings show that the place also served as a diplomatic and ceremonial meeting point.
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