La Salina Palace, Renaissance palace in central Salamanca, Spain
La Salina Palace is a Renaissance palace in the old city of Salamanca, Spain, with a Plateresque sandstone facade covered in stone carvings and arched details. Inside, an open courtyard runs around a central space framed by columns and arcades on multiple levels.
The palace was built in 1538 to a design by Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón, one of the leading architects of Renaissance Spain. It originally housed the offices managing the royal salt monopoly, and that administrative role gave it the name it still carries today.
The Fonseca family coat of arms is carved into the stone facade and easy to spot from the street. The family held considerable power in Salamanca during the 1500s, and their mark on this building is one of the most visible signs of that influence today.
The building on Calle San Pablo now serves as the seat of the Provincial Council, so entry to the courtyard depends on when the administrative offices are open. It is a good idea to check before visiting, as access is not always available.
The stone corbels in the courtyard show human figures carved in twisted positions, which was an unusual decorative choice for the period. They sit high on the walls and are easy to miss, but they are worth looking for when you are inside.
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